Corkestra

This major project from Amsterdam is further testament to the Festival’s commitment to showcasing the rich and adventurous European jazz and improvised music scene, particularly that from Holland. Dutch music chronicler Kevin Whitehead: “Corkestra’s sound is vintage Cor Fuhler: tuneful, lively, colorful, humorous and a little bit off-centre…distinctive as a fingerprint. Still, in some ways, Corkestra’s singular music does recall the medium-size bands composer Sun Ra led over the years.” Pianist/composer Cor Fuhler is involved in numerous projects, none more exciting than his nonet called Corkestra. Here he’s assembled a richly textured ensemble of open-eared musicians from across a variety of genres to perform intricate improvised music that also swings hard and isn’t afraid to show its affection for Monk, Ellington, and Stravinsky, as filtered through Misha Mengelberg. In a review of the band’s self-titled album on Data Records, Michael Rosenstein notes, “With dizzying variety, spectacular group interplay, and writing that astounds from start to finish, this one is a winner and has rocketed to the top of my recommended list.” Corkestra members include American-born flutist Anne La Berge, a leading interpreter of contemporary chamber music and a pioneer explorer of extended flute techniques and interactive computer systems. Bassist Wilbert de Joode is one of the most active players on the Dutch improvised music scene. The work of clarinetist Xavier Charles ranges from noise to electro-acoustic via sound poetry. He has collaborated with John Butcher, the Ex, and Martin Tetrault. (Charles will work in a quartet collaboration with La Berge, Fuhler, and Torsten Müller at the Roundhouse.) Guitarist Andy Moor began playing with Dog Faced Hermans, a post-punk band. Recent projects include a trio with John Butcher and Thomas Lehn. Nora Mulder has played cimbalom (a Hungarian stringed instrument akin to a dulcimer) for years with the orchestra of Liege and the rapper MC Wisecrack, among others. Tobias Delius is a saxophonist known for his broad and expressive playing. Drummers Michael Vatcher and Tony Buck round out the band. (They also will be part of a quartet collaboration with Moor and Ron Samworth at the Roundhouse.) Since arriving in Holland in ’81, Vatcher has worked with Martin Altena, John Zorn, the Ex, Roof, and Van Dyke Parks. Aussie-born Tony Buck is best known for his work with the Necks and as leader of the hardcore/improv band PERIL. He’s worked with Phil Minton, Han Bennink, Clifford Jordan, and Wayne Horvitz.