EC-CHAP Jazz Series: Kevin Harris Project
Tickets $15.00 in Advance (ONLINE) / $20.00 at the Door / Special Student Price $10.00 at the Door (WITH VALID I.D.)
The nature of the Kevin Harris Project is a highly interactive compilation of repertoire that seeks to interpret a message of strength and curiosity through mostly original compositions and occasional American standards. Harris believes the intersection of classically influenced music, American traditional jazz, and Afro-Latin rhythms is the perfect spring board for exciting conversations with the members of his group.
When the unmistakable musical influences of Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker intersect with J.S. Bach, Scott Joplin, and the folkloric rhythms of Cuba, could one possibly conceptualize the celebration that occurs at that intersection? New York-based jazz pianist Kevin Harris plays a distinctive combination of traditional and contemporary music that seeks to explore such a crossroad.
Fred Hersch talks of Harris as one who “plays and writes with flair and real soul" and Downbeat Magazine writes that “Harris' compositions deal with themes of strength, love, courage, and self awareness. It's a heavy task he's set up for himself, and he meets the challenge gracefully.”
One of the captivating elements of the Kevin Harris Project is the level of comfort and understanding they have with one another as they dive into soulfully expressive conversations and playful exchanges of ideas. Both live and recorded performances reflect Harris’s determination to capture his audience through explorative interactions that Terri Lyne Carrington describes as "an exciting commitment to quality".
Among his most notable collaborations are Greg Osby, Jeremy Pelt, Francisco Mela, Avishai Cohen, Eddie Gomez, Duane Eubanks, Richie Barshay, Ben Street, Ralph Peterson, Steve Langone, Jason Palmer, Jerry Bergonzi, George Garzone, Tommy Campbell, Bill Pierce, Yoron Israel, Dezron Douglas, Donny McCaslin, Terri Lyne Carrington.
Harris performs at renowned national and international venues --Blue Note (NYC, Boston, and Milan), Smalls Jazz Club, Mezzrow Jazz Club, JazzHus Montmartre, Wally's Jazz Cafe, to name a few--. His ensemble has also participated at Jazz Festivals in Cuba, Panama, Italy, Denmark, Peru, Israel, and the USA.
Kevin will be joined by drummer Richie Barshay and special guest, actress/poet/dancer, Tracy Einstein.
Join us for an evening of outstanding jazz n our intimate historic setting. This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 7:00pm / Show 7:30pm. Soft drinks and snacks available. We are pleased to offer our exclusive "BYOB&F" model - Bring Your Own Beverage & Food (Wine & Beer Only - I.D. Required). You can also bring your paid ticket to Willington Pizza House (or WP Too) for eat-in or take-out the night of the show and receive 15% off your meal purchase. Ask for "The Packing House" pizza - you won't go wrong! Click here for secret recipe.
For information and table reservations, please call 518-791-9474.