Interstellar/Ascension Jam Session
Thursday, September 21st, 2017 – 7pm
Interstellar/Ascension Jam Session
Rittenhouse Soundworks
19 W Rittenhouse Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Germantown-based recording studio, Rittenhouse Soundworks presents a Coltrane-inspired Jam Session featuring the experimental music ensemble, Eye2Eye Trio. This group of sound explorers consists of Bert Harris - bass, Kim Pedro Rodriguez - drums, Elliott Levin - sax & flutes, with guest saxophonist, Larry Price. Expect an expansive, high energy event touching each era of the Coltrane musical legacy. All artists in the house are encouraged to participate.
Drummer Kim Pedro Rodriguez is a visual and performance artist, and a member of the Eye2Eye Trio. With the Sun Ra Arkestra’s DM Hotep and under the mentorship of Robert Kenyatta, they founded the JazGuardian Musicians’ Organization. In addition to serving as a Performing Arts Instructor for the Department of Recreation, he’s the originator and prime mover for the artists’ collective, NU GRuV Network.
PJP spoke with Eye2Eye Trio drummer, Kim Pedro Rodriguez about Coltrane and thre Jam Session.
PJP: Why is John Coltrane still relevant?
Kim Pedro Rodriguez: Being raised in North Philly, not far from Ridge Avenue, where the original Blue Note Night Club was, the nightlife of that scene brought my parents together. Literally, if it were not for the music that folks like John Coltrane created here in Philly, I would probably not be here today. As a side note, I'm actually involved in re-invigorating that Ridge Avenue cultural corridor. I'm consulting on the formation of some new venues and perfoming spaces for the next generation of Philadelphia musicians.
So, yes. John Coltrane is still revelant. Through the process of exploring the deep history of Ridge Avenue's Jazz scene, I have come to have a greater appreciation of John Coltrane. However, the more I learn, the more I understand, that there is so much that I don't understand.
PJP: How can you describe the vibe of this upcoming, Interstellar/Ascension Jam Session?
Kim Pedro Rodriguez: It's obviously going to be focused on Coltrane's music. His catalog is broad and touches on so many shades of the Jazz creative palette. But, I also see the influence of Sun Ra in the mix, since we will be performing in Germantown. Personally, as a drummer, it's going to be a challenge for me to think multi-dimensionally about the rhythms, the pulse, the feel, and the implied emotional framework of the evening. I really look forward to this.
PJP: What should the audience be expecting?
Kim Pedro Rodriguez: The audience should expect to be uplifted. Coltrane's music was grounded, but it was more spiritual. Don't come looking for a standard Jazz concert. Come ready for an open-ended, all-inclusive, inter-demominational, interstellar, spiritual music service. In these times, we all need an escape.
Eye2Eye Trio w/ Larry Price perform at Byard Lancaster Celebration
Thursday, September 21st, 2017 – 7pm
Interstellar/Ascension Jam Session
Rittenhouse Soundworks
19 W Rittenhouse Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144
PARTNERS:
This celebration is presented by the Philadelphia Jazz Project, in collaboration with WRTI, PhillyCAM, Free Library of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts, South Jazz Cafe, Rittenhouse Soundworks, Jazz Near You, City of Philadelphia, Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Fairmount Park Conservancy, East Fairmount Park Coalition, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
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Celebrating Coltrane 2017 was made possible by support from the The Wyncote Foundation / Philadelphia Jazz Project is a sponsored project of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia, with funding provided by The Wyncote Foundation.
