Improvisational music series “Improdimensija” returns with impressive performers Culture

September 4 the trio of saxophonist Stephen Gauci, a prominent figure in the New York improvisation scene, will appear in Lithuania for the first time, supported by the no less intriguing phenomenon of the Vilnius scene, the “Flute 3” collective; September 11 an uncompromising free jazz performance will be demonstrated by the trio of Liud Mockūnas, Tom Blancarte and Christian Windfeld and Girilal Baars, Isabelė Rößler and Kazimieros Jušinskas. Well, the first autumn month will be crowned on September 25. an unprecedented typhoon of drums and percussion that will take place in the evening, which will be caused by the trio of Arkady Gotesman, Christian Lillinger and Kresten Osgood.

“After taking a little breather after the summer vacation, we are back for another double. In September, we will invite you to three concerts, where undoubted masters of their craft will perform. We are very happy that “Improdimensija” has become a name that means quality, so we can present to the Lithuanian audience musicians of such a caliber as percussionist Christian Lillinger, double bassist Tomas Blancarte, saxophonist Stephen Gauci, etc.

In addition, we continue the tradition – during each concert, not only guests from abroad, but also our local musicians will appear on stage, – says the head of “Improdimensijas” L. Mockūnas and adds, – the September program is just an introduction. We have planned several great concerts for the autumn/winter season. Stay tuned.”

New York improv fiesta and flute trio

September 4 Stephen Gauci, one of the most prominent saxophonists of the New York improv scene, is coming to “Improdimensija”. Listening to this musician, it’s even hard to believe that his hearing is significantly impaired due to a childhood illness.

A wide palette of tones, incredible timbres – this is the business card of S. Gauci, who plays the tenor saxophone. It is precisely because of the imperfection of hearing that this saxophonist, relying on his inner intuition, is able to extract truly unconventional harmonies, for which he is especially appreciated by music lovers all over the world.

S. Gauci has played with the brightest stars during his career. His partners include musicians such as Kris Davis, Tyshawn Sorey, Nate’a Wooley, William Parker, William Hoocker, Joe Morris, Ingebrigt Haker Flaten and others.

The saxophonist coming to Lithuania for the first time will not perform alone, but with his own trio. Together with S.Gauci, cult figures of American jazz and improvisational music will take the stage – double bass player Adam Lane and drummer Kevin Shea.

This trio will showcase the beauty and power of New York free jazz! S.Gauci’s trio concert is the joint result of the efforts of “Improdimensija” and the Latvian experimental music festival “Skaņu mežs”.

September 4 in the evening, the audience will also hear the collective “Fleitų 3” on stage. Flutes and also in trio format – enough exoticism. This is precisely the kind of exoticism that will be presented by the collective of Mēta Gabrielė Pelegrimaitė, Salomeja Kalvelytė and Kristupas Gikos, which maneuvers between contemporary academic and improvisational music, and is full of excellent instrument handling techniques and innovative ideas.

Elements of free jazz

September 11 “Improdimensija” will be haunted by the element of free jazz. Lithuanian great L. Mockūnas will dive into improvisation with two equally colorful, uncompromising personalities – one of the most unique double bass voices in the world, American Tom Blancarte and Danish percussionist Christian Windfeld. Both of Liuda’s partners are well known to the Lithuanian audience and recommended as those who constantly push improvisational art to new extremes.

One could talk about these musicians for a very long time, it would take a lot of endurance, because what these three people have in themselves would be enough for a much bigger company. Thousands of records, thousands of concerts, countless awards lists, etc. This is only a small part of what these improvisers are hiding.

Anyone who has heard these musicians at least once knows very well – a fierce, uncompromising evening awaits, where saxophone, double bass and percussion will sweep away everything in their path! Only one unknown remains – will the delicate percussion genius C.Windfeld be able to control the frenzy of Ludos and Tom for at least a few minutes, giving the audience a chance to breathe?

Alongside this typhoon of free jazz on 9/11. another musical element will come – in 2021. the duo “Double Up” of vocalist Girilal Baars and double bassist Isabelė Rößler and the tandem of saxophonist Kazimierz Jušinskas were born. It will be a bit calmer, but no less abstract, a performance exploring vocal recesses and imbued with deep saxophone and double bass dialogue.

An avalanche of drums and percussion

Fans of drums and percussion should immediately highlight September 25th in their calendars. On that day, the capital city will experience a solid earthquake on the Richter scale, caused by the forces of three unique drummers/percussionists – Arkady Gotesman, Christian Lillinger and Kresten Osgood. These forces arrive at the joint invitation of “Improdimensija” and “Utena Region Percussion and Jazz Festival”.

The drummers representing Lithuania, Germany and Denmark are no longer bound by any geographical boundaries. Their fame has transcended the borders of their homelands. These are well-known musicians not only in Europe, but also in the world, each of whom has a unique musical aesthetic, sound and technique. It is almost impossible to confuse Arkadius, Christiana or Krestena with someone else. These are too peculiar developers.

The music lovers of our country had the chance to see the members of this trio playing in Lithuania with various bands. But as a trio, Arkady, Christian and Kresten will appear for the first time! The trio will present a special program “Percussion Story”, which will combine both spontaneous improvisation and well-thought-out compositional passages. It will be a complete breath of fresh air in the world of drum and percussion music. Don’t miss the chance to witness what will be recorded in the annals of Lithuanian music history!