(photo by Scott Friedlander)
The trio of Mark Dresser (bass), Gerry Hemingway (drums, percussion) and Rudresh Mahanthappa (alto saxophone), collectively known as Mauger, performs 2 sets (8:30 and 10 p.m.) of exciting new works and improvisations Friday October 2 as part of the Firehouse 12 Fall 09 Concert Series.
Dresser and Hemingway have worked together on numerous projects. With the addition of Mahanthappa, they create music that is, at times, airy, challenging, fiery, rhythmically exciting and introspective. Mahanthappa's piquant, tart, tone on alto can be piercing but also can have a bluesy edge. His lines move neatly across the rhythmic soundscape. Dresser is a exploratory bassist, not just satisfied with obvious chord progressions or lines that support (all of which he can do quite well) but with pushing the music in many directions. Hemingway, a New Haven native who has worked and recorded with many fine creative musicians including Anthony Davis, Wadada Leo Smith, Anthony Braxton, Ray Anderson and Mark Helias, is a player who does so many things and does them well.
They have one CD, The Beautiful Enabler, issued last year on the Clean Feed label. As to be expected from 3 musician/composers/improvisors, the music is multi-faceted. I imagine their live show will be even better.
Firehouse 12 is located at 45 Crown Street in New Haven. For ticket information, call 203-785-0468 or go to firehouse12.com.
