Bobby Previte, the prolific drummer and composer, makes a return visit to the Greater Buffalo area on Saturday, October 13. Bringing to town, at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, his latest project called Rhapsody. An ambitious acoustic work of art that stretches the concept of jazz and explores various directions into free improvisational, classical, and jazz music.
Previte is a Niagara Falls native and a graduate of SUNY at Buffalo. After receiving his BA, he moved to New York City in 1979. Beginning an association with many figures in the world of music, art, and culture that includes John Adams, Terry Adams, Robert Altman, Johnny Copeland, Lejaren Hiller, Charlie Hunter, Lenny Kaye, John Lurie, Sonny Sharrock, Michael Tilson-Thomas, Tom Waits, and Iggy Pop. Exploring an array of sounds in the arena of improvised music.
Previte’s Rhapsody project is about his exploration into the notion of “Travel.” The song titles from this project are all travel related as well. Such as “Casting Off” and “I Arrive.” Bobby Previte gives this explanation of Rhapsody:
“Separated from your home but not yet at your destination, you are neither here nor there, confined with strangers in an intimate environment for a predetermined amount of time, uncomfortable, yet somehow free. To travel is to be bound with these strangers by faith — faith in the vessel which carries you, faith in the people who operate it, and ultimately, faith in the strangers waiting at your destination.”
Rhapsody assembles a notable group of talented musicians. Consisting of guitarist Nels Cline, keyboardist John Medeski, vocalist Jen Shyu, saxophonist Fabian Rucker, and harpist and accordionist Zeena Parkins. The musicians in this ensemble made names for themselves in the electronic and improvised music worlds as well. What makes Rhapsody different is the focus on acoustic music. Offering a different display of the immense talent associated with Rhapsody.
Here is a glimpse of Rhapsody in performance:
Rhapsody promises to be an open and free experience. Sure, to stretch the ear into unfamiliar, as well as, familiar tonal listening. Befitting, in many ways, how one can view Bobby Previte. An artist who defies categories or labels such as jazz, classical, pop, or other.
Previte’s Rhapsody appears on Saturday, October 13 at 8 pm at the Burchfield Penney Art Center located at 1300 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo. Tickets are $15 for members and $30 for non-members. $30 tickets available online or by phone.
