Nik Bärtsch's MOBILE:
Nik Bärtsch Piano, Composition
Nicolas Stocker Drums, Tuned Percussion
Kaspar Rast Drums, Percussion
Sha Bassclarinets, Altosax
Swiss composer/pianist Nik Bärtsch’s music seamlessly blends the hypnotic shifting textures of post-minimalism with a precision groove honed in the spirit of James Brown. It has been variously described (by the same respected New York Times music critic) as ‘rigorously conceptual’ and ‘zen-funk.’ Mainly known in the US for his amplified RONIN ensemble, Bärtsch has recently explored a new palette of chamber music-like colors with his acoustic MOBILE ensemble, featured on his critically acclaimed 2016 ECM album Continuum. The group, featuring the equally unique and essential bass clarinet virtuoso Sha, as well as bass and drums, makes its Boston-area public debut with this single Killian Hall appearance.
“Few musicians have continued to hone a concept as singularly unique and instantly recognizable, irrespective of context, as that being explored by Swiss pianist Nik Bärtsch.” – John Kelman, All About Jazz, April 2016.
Learn more about Nik Bärtsch
The 2016-17 MIT Sounding Series is presented by the MIT Center for Art, Science & Technology (CAST) and MIT Music and Theater Arts.
