Myra Melford Splash Trio @ Portland Conservatory of Music

About This Event

SPACE co-presents West Coast pianist Myra Melford alongside bassist Michael Formanek and drummer/vibraphonist Ches Smith as part of the Portland Conservatory of Music’s Dimensions in Jazz series. What does a painting sound like when it leaps off the canvas? In Splash, pianist and composer Myra Melford transforms the explosive lines, vivid gestures, and restless energy of artist Cy Twombly into music. Joined by bassist Michael Formanek and drummer and vibraphonist Ches Smith, Melford leads a powerhouse trio through a thrilling collision of composition and improvisation. One moment, the musicians lock into a propulsive groove; the next, the music bursts apart into angular piano lines, rumbling bass, shimmering vibraphone, and waves of percussion. Ideas ricochet among three fearless improvisers, taking unexpected turns before snapping into focus. It is music in constant motion—bold, physical, and alive with possibility. Splash was named an Editor’s Choice by Jazzwise and received 4½ stars from DownBeat, which called it “a damned exciting piano trio record” and “a blast to listen to.” The Wire declared it one of Melford’s finest releases. Experience three of contemporary jazz’s most inventive musicians creating something that could only happen in the room, in the moment—and never exactly the same way again.

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