Lacy-George Lewis-David Wessel in Berkeley

[David Gitin]

As part of three-day fest, The Berkeley Edge Fest, which featured work by Terry Riley (in person), Lou Harrison, John Adams, Ingram Marshall, there was a concert by Steve Lacy, George Lewis, and David Wessel. (Wessel worked in Paris with IRCAM for many years, now heads CNMAT, Center for New Music and Audio Technologies, in Berkeley).

The concert opened with all three improvising, Lacy's magnificent tone and huge vocabulary meeting Lewis' conversational improvs (a master of improv) and percussive fills byWessel. Then a new version of Voyager by George Lewis in which each person solo'd against the computer music system, "virtual orchestra," and then collectively. Next were some solos, duos, trio, and finally Sorrows and Joys for Oliver (for Oliver Johnson) which was extraordinary, standing ovation, hooting, the works.

In two weeks Lewis will up in Vancouver, both appearing with the NOW orchestra and in a special group with Marilyn Crispell, Miya Masaoka, and Hamid Drake. I'll be there.

[Cem]

How was Lacy? I love his work dearly, but last time I saw him play with Lewis in his band, maaaan, I was bored. George was the man that kept me listening. Of course, Betsch and Avenel are no slouches either, but it felt like same old... I'm hoping it was an off night.

[Paul B]

The Edge show sounds great...Would have been nice to see him do something with Rova while in the Bay Area, but one can't have everything.

Lacy may indeed have an off night now and again, but I think recently he has been at the top of his game, as if he's cruising into a whole new era of creativity. And having him stateside now means more interesting collaborations like the one above, which can only be a good thing.

Bye-ya.

[Paul B]

David, Bruce did mention meeting you. And yes, I'll be around in July, and will try to join you for one of those gigs, maybe with some of the "gang." The Cecil might be the one to hit....

Bye-ya.