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Pique-nique and Winter Jazzfest present guitarist and producer Dave Harrington’s Pranksters East, reinterpreting Miles Davis’ groundbreaking album “Bitches Brew” in his centennial year.
Part of the Take Two deep-listening series, the evening pairs an uninterrupted playback of the 1970 classic followed by a live reimagining by Harrington and his ensemble under the direction of Stuart Bogie: Alfredo Colón (alto saxophone, EWI), Ilhan Erşahin (tenor saxophone), Stuart Bogie (bass clarinet), Nels Cline (guitar), Grey McMurray (guitar), Anna Abandolo (bass), Shazad Ismaily (synths, percussion), Yuka Honda (synths, electronics), Tcheser Holmes (drum kit), Billy Martin (percussion), and Kenny Wollesen (percussion).
Known for his work with Darkside, Taper’s Choice and exploratory solo projects, Harrington has assembled all-star Pranksters in cities across the country. Always a “behemoth grooving machine”, they drew inspiration from many substrates of free improvisation, asking what lies between “Bitches Brew” and “Blues for Allah”.
For this special performance, Harrington leads an ensemble of longtime friends and new collaborators, taking cues from Miles’ legendary 1970 Fillmore shows when he opened for the Dead. Honoring both the energy of those live sets and Teo Macero’s groundbreaking studio craft, the group will explore the space between composition, improvisation and production.
Message from Dave Harrington:
“I’m sad to report that due to a family matter, I won’t be able to lead the Pranksters for this incredible show. Lucky for me and all of you, the incredible reed wizard and true maestro Stuart Bogie has agreed to lead the band, and the show will go on! In my absence, Billy Martin and Grey McMurray will be joining as special guests to add the wild card energy this music calls for. If I were able to be in NYC, I would be at this show regardless of whether I was playing or not. It is one of the most wide ranging and inspiring bands I’ve ever put together. I’m beyond grateful that Brice and the good people of WJF, and Sam and Jared of Take Two, are supporting these sorts of experiments, and am so happy that so many of my best friends, favorite improvisers, and legendary heroes alike will be joining forces to explore the world of Bitches Brew, perhaps my favorite record of all time. Be there now, let the chaos and order assemble and crumble again, have fun. BELIEVE IT !!”
Presented in partnership with Winter Jazz Fest
