Aug 16

Aug 16 Strings

Back after a hiatus in Portugal. It's Tuesdays on the Terrace at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art. A beautiful night weather wise, as heat continues to bathe Chicago.

Tonight we have Here and Now, a trio compromised of Tomeka Reid on cello, Mazz Swift on violin, and Sylvia Bolognesi on bass. When I read list of instruments, I can only wonder whether this will sound like a Hayden string piece. Yet, I wouldn't miss the performance because Reid has delighted every time I've seen her. Tonight was no different. Nothing is readily identifiable, except that some of the pieces I have heard before. Most of the music is self-composed.

All three woman attack their instruments. There is bowing, slapping, and plucking, sometimes rather violent. The result is engaging music, that at times can even be toe tapping.

The trio does not have an album out, at least that I can find, which is a shame. Reid, who is well known in Chicago, is a clear candidate for a MacArthur Foundation Genius Award. She fits the model recipient to a "T." Hopefully one will come her way in the near future.