Music magic created by famous alchemists: “Vilnius Mama Jazz” presents the program | Culture

“We can confidently call the legend of the Lithuanian jazz scene, drummer Vladimir Tarasova, a loyal friend of Vilnius Mama Jazz. Since the start of the festival, he has contributed a lot to the history of this event – with advice, dissemination, acquaintances and, of course, more than one spectacular concert. We are happy to invite him to the stage once more this year – and this time with another title, of which this musician has many. Vladimir Tarasov has been announced as the first ambassador of “Vilnius Mama Jazz” – and it is an honor, first of all, for us”, says festival organizer Judita Bartoševičienė.

A volcano of improvised music

Lithuanian jazz listeners of V. Tarasova should probably not be introduced. He is a member of the legendary National Culture and Art Award-winning trio (in which he played with Vyacheslav Ganelin and Vladimir Chekasin), author and performer of musical theater performances, painter and book author, whose playing was described by the US publication “Wall Street Journal” as: “A drummer of rare delicacy , who touches the instruments with sensual pleasure”.

Photo by Dainius Labutis/Vladimir Tarasovas

An important part of Vladimir Tarasov’s work is music for movies, performances and orchestras. For many years, the drummer collaborated with the Lithuanian Symphony Orchestra, as well as with symphony, chamber and jazz orchestras in Lithuania, Europe and the USA.

From Vilnius to New Orleans, V. Tarasov’s drums sounded everywhere, where there are ears longing for jazz experiments. Organized joint projects with such famous musicians and artists as Andrew Cyrille, The Rova Saxophone Quartet, Anthony Braxton who visited the Vilnius Mama Jazz festival in 2022, Lauren Newton, Didier Petit and others.

Having recorded more than a hundred albums, V. Tarasov was one of the first in Europe to start playing solo percussion programs and is considered one of those who significantly contributed to the development of experimental and avant-garde jazz.

One of the most prominent Lithuanian jazz personalities returns to the festival this time with his friends. There are no frontmen in this trio, just spontaneous, elemental, moving, meditative explorations of three musical hearts.

Photo by Dmitry Matveyev/Mark Dresser

Double bassist Markas Dresser is a composer, pedagogue, participant in interdisciplinary art projects, who has been playing music professionally since 1972. His performance technique is described in books, and his playing can be heard on more than a hundred albums, over thirty of which he recorded as the leader of various ensembles.

One of the important stages of M. Dresser’s career is related to the famous American jazz and avant-garde instrumentalist and composer Anthony Braxton – as a member of his bands, Mark has recorded several albums. The double bassist has also played with John Zorn, Ray Anderson, Tim Berne and other heavyweights of jazz and improvisational music, is one of the founders of the famous string trio Arcado, was nominated for a Grammy Award, composed music for the silent film masterpieces “Dog of Andalusia” and ” The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari”, wrote many special works.

Larry Ochs is one of the founders of the Rova Saxophone Quartet, which debuted four decades ago. Inspired by creators as diverse as John Cage and John Coltrane, this collective has become one of the most important avant-garde jazz groups in the world.

The path of the saxophonist, who founded Metalanguage Records back in 1978, is marked by many diverse and colorful works, from projects with British experimentalist Fred Frith (in the band Maybe Monday) or vocal jazz legend Peggy Lee to the group Kihnoua, founded with the Korean singer Dohee Lee. He also played with John Zorn, Kronos Quartet, Steve Lacy, Anthony Braxton, Wilco guitarist Nels Cline. Looking at the list of albums recorded by L. Ochs, it seems that this musician’s phone book probably looks like an encyclopedia of the most prominent names in avant-garde and jazz.

Photo by Dmitry Matveyev/Vladimir Tarasov

It will be an evening that cannot be repeated

The shocking musical dialogues of “Jones Jones” were also recorded in the album “We All Feel The Same Way”, and in 2018 the recording of the concert in California appeared in the album “A Jones In Time Saves Nine”, published by the Lithuanian publishing house “No Business Records”, famous in the world of jazz and avant-garde.

Since its first appearance in 2006 In San Francisco, it was clear that Jones Jones was a special group. They don’t perform often – the trio’s schedule is full of projects and ideas, so every performance can be considered a unique opportunity.

Dainius Labutis photo/”Jones Jones”

May 24 7:00 p.m. The Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio will also perform in LNDT’s New Hall, a trio that instantly feels each other’s pulse and has a passion for musical adventure. Before this Friday night’s concert in the theater lobby, festival goers are invited to meet the members of Jones Jones and one of the most creative and original jazz figures of today, Satoko Fujii. And it is not surprising that the paths of these jazz greats had already met: M. Dresser also played in one of the improvised music ensembles led by a Japanese pianist and composer.

The festival is financed by the Lithuanian Culture Council and Vilnius City Municipality.

Tickets are distributed by kakava.lt