David Bindman Ensemble at Sunset Park Library

Saxophonist/composer David Bindman brings his sextet into the Brooklyn Public Library for two concerts this June. The group will present new works by Bindman that feature the improvisational voices of the members and draw on elements from world music traditions, including West African rhythms and Indian modes and time cycles.

Following the 2012 release of their two-disc Sunset Park Polyphony, the ensemble has garnered high praise; critic Mike Shanley describes the music as “new forceful strain of jazz” (Shanley on Music), while Ed Hazell calls the album “Bindman’s beautifully crafted and executed major statement.” (Jazziz Summer 2012 print edition)...

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Saxophonist/composer David Bindman brings his sextet into the Brooklyn Public Library for two concerts this June. The group will present new works by Bindman that feature the improvisational voices of the members and draw on elements from world music traditions, including West African rhythms and Indian modes and time cycles.

Following the 2012 release of their two-disc Sunset Park Polyphony, the ensemble has garnered high praise; critic Mike Shanley describes the music as “new forceful strain of jazz” (Shanley on Music), while Ed Hazell calls the album “Bindman’s beautifully crafted and executed major statement.” (Jazziz Summer 2012 print edition)

Since 2008, the group has performed concerts in Brooklyn communities each spring, involving diverse audiences in clapping rhythms and in learning about the themes, history, and creative processes behind the compositions and performances.

Bindman, bassist Wes Brown, and drummer royal hartigan have played together for three decades; as the quartet Blood Drum Spirit, joined by pianist Art Hirahara, they have toured China, and in 2011 were featured at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ inaugural jazz festival.

Among other works, the group will perform excerpts from Bindman’s work-in-progress “Awakening of Consciousness”, a narrative suite that unfolds with multiple themes, textures, and rhythmic grooves. “Adzohu Suite” integrates a unique extended bell pattern and dance drumming from the Fon people of Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.

Among other projects, Bindman co-led the Brooklyn Sax Quartet with baritone saxophonist Fred Ho for a decade, recording The Way of the Saxophone (innova) and Far Side of Here (Omnitone). Wes Brown has toured with legendary pianist Earl “Fatha” Hines and many others; royal hartigan has written three books on West African drumming and jazz; Art Hirahara performs with numerous artists and leads his group; Frank London leads The Klezmatics and is a leader of New York’s radical Jewish music scene; Reut Regev leads her ensemble R*Time and works with numerous ensembles; Chris Demiglio, who will substitute for Frank London on June 9, is a freelance trumpeter living in NYC.

Directions:
• Directions to Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, by subway (from Manhattan): N or D express to 36th street (Brooklyn). Change for R, go two stops to 53rd Street. Walk two blocks. Library is on corner of 4th avenue and 51st street.

These events are sponsored, in part, by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by the Brooklyn Arts Council, Inc. (BAC) This program is also made possible in part thanks to the generous support of the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York State Assembly, and by the Brooklyn Public Library.

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