by Mike Telin
Since playing their first show on December 17, 1985, at the Cambridge (MA) Public Library, the acclaimed Either/Orchestra has been thrilling audiences around the globe with their unique combination of jazz, improvisation, and global musical influences.
This week, as part of the No Exit Presents series, Either/Orchestra will perform two different programs that feature Ethiopian music and Ethio-jazz.
On Friday, April 10 at 7:00 pm at Trinity Cathedral E/O will feature Ethiopian vocalist Bruck Tesfaye performing Mahmoud Ahmed and Nerses Nalbandian-associated songs.
And on Saturday, April 11 at 7:00 pm at The Bop Stop, the ensemble will be joined by vocalist Munit Mesfin. The program features Nerses Nalbandian songs, as well as songs by Teshome Mitiku, Bezunesh Bekele, and Mahmoud Ahmed. Both performances are free.
No Exit’s Laura King caught up with Either/Orchestra founder Russ Gershon and asked him about the ensemble’s long association with Ethiopian music, and what they have in store for audiences at this week’s concerts.
This week, No Exit presents pianist Jenny Lin featured in METROPOLIS Reimagined at Heights Arts at 7:00 pm on Friday, February 13. The concert is free.
“I’ve been compelled by mid-century American modern music for some time,” pianist Geoffrey Burleson said during a Zoom conversation. “I’ve recorded all of Roy Harris’ piano music and Vincent Persichetti’s twelve piano sonatas. I recently played some of Irving Fine’s music at Mills College under the auspices of Other Minds. I’m always saddened when people dismiss the mid-century neoclassic style. I just love it, and I’m doing all that I can to revive it.”