An Aural Painting of Richmond's History
Ashby Anderson will be presenting his Historic Richmond Jazz Suite on Sunday at 3 pm at MUSE Creative Workspace. Debuted in 2006, the four movements – “The Devil’s Half-Acre,” “Locomotive 231,” “Steppin’,” and “Soul of 2nd Street” – tell the story of African-American history and folklore in Richmond. The Historic Richmond Jazz Suite is purely […]
Ashby Anderson will be presenting his Historic Richmond Jazz Suite on Sunday at 3 pm at MUSE Creative Workspace. Debuted in 2006, the four movements – “The Devil’s Half-Acre,” “Locomotive 231,” “Steppin’,” and “Soul of 2nd Street” – tell the story of African-American history and folklore in Richmond.
The Historic Richmond Jazz Suite is purely my musical statement about things in and around me. The suite has taken two years to complete, reflect and learn. Since all artists need a subject to work with, I chose historical people, places and events. These subjects have always intrigued me. The folkloric quality of the buried train, the Devil’s Half-Acre, and Gabriel’s Rebellion (not in this musical collection) produce strong emotions and images that deserve attention. It is my conviction that my music will always be about something. Therefore, I draw inspiration from my immediate environment. For this work, I tuned in more and more to my surroundings. I did research, visited official historical markers, and spoke with knowledgeable people. My goal for this commission was to interpret these historical occurrences into works of music.
The piece is being performed by Anderson’s A Work of Art Ensemble, which consists of Anderson (piano), Kevin Simpson (tenor sax), Matt Hall (bass), Kevin Davis (percussion), Marcus Tenney (trumpet), Alex Powers (trombone), and Billy Williams (drums).
On Friday, check out Moods of Monk at MUSE, which will feature visual art by Nicole Elise Black and simultaneous music by Anderson’s Creative Music Ensemble.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
The Black History Museum and Cultural Center Presents:
The Historic Richmond Jazz Suite
MUSE Creative Workspace
3 pm
$12 Museum members, $15 general public
[where: 6 N. 19th St., Richmond, VA 23223]
Friday, April 25, 2008
Moods of Monk
MUSE Creative Workspace
6:30 pm
Admission TBA
[where: 6 N. 19th St., Richmond, VA 23223]
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