Projects: The Stone Residency
April 12–17, I was in residence at the Stone, John Zorn's legendary East Village sanctuary for new and interesting sounds. I had the privelege of presenting many different incarnations of my music with some of my favorite collaborators and inspirers. The playlist spanned over 20 years of compositions, including lots of new material written just for this occasion. This is the first time ever that I had the opportunity of presenting a big-picture retro- and avantro-spective of my music, and I can honestly say the experience was both inspiring and daunting. Here's the schedule:
Tuesday, April 12
8 pm
REED BASKET
Andy Biskin (clarinets), Peter Hess (clarinets), Mike McGinnis (clarinets), and Sam Sadigursky (clarinets). Performing originals, Pee Wee Russell and Jelly Roll Morton tributes, covers of Mozart and Schubert, and some unexpected standards, using about a dozen clarinets of various sizes and shapes.
Wednesday, April 13
8 pm
16 TONS
(selections from the Alan Lomax songbook)
Andy Biskin (clarinet), John Carlson (trumpet), Dave Smith (trumpet), Kenny Warren (trumpet), and Matt Wilson (drums). This will be our first gig in Manhattan. The playlist includes "Down in the Valley,” ‘The Grey Goose,” “Blue Tail Fly,” “Am I Born to Die?,” and many others, both known and lesser known.
10 pm
QUARTET
Andy Biskin (clarinet), Tony Malaby (sax), Kent McLagan (bass), and Matt Wilson (drums)
Thursday, April 14
8 pm
IBID
Andy Biskin (clarinet), Ben Holmes (trumpet), Brian Drye (trombone), and Jeff Davis (drums). Playing music from our CD Act Necessary.
Friday, April 15
8 pm
DOGMENTAL
Andy Biskin (clarinet), Ron Horton (trumpet), Brian Drye (trombone), Kent McLagan (bass), and Michael Sarin (drums). We revisited music from my debut CD.
Saturday, April 16
8 pm
TRIO
Andy Biskin (clarinet), Nate Radley (guitar), and Kent McLagan (bass). We stretched out on some of the Trio Tragico repertory, but with Nate's guitar instead of trumpet.
Sunday, April 17
8 pm
DUO
Andy Biskin (clarinet), Rob Schwimmer (piano).