The Bridge #2.11 | Outbound journey | On Tour in the Midwest
Concert
Nicolas Peoc’h, Greg Ward, Isaiah Spencer, Hélène Labarrière
Back in the Midwest this fall, The Bridge brings together innovative jazz musicians from France and the U.S. for an electrifying series of performances across Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee. This transatlantic initiative continues to foster unique musical collaborations that push the boundaries of jazz and creative improvisation.
This tour unites Chicago’s alto saxophonist Greg Ward and drummer Isaiah Spencer with French musicians Hélène Labarrière on double bass and Nicolas Peoc’h on alto saxophone.
Chicago saxophonist Greg Ward, recognized for his versatility and technical skill, fuses elements of free funk, swing, and more, creating a style that pays homage to jazz greats like Johnny Hodges and Von Freeman while pushing new boundaries.
Fellow Chicagoan Isaiah Spencer brings an intense, adaptive drumming style developed through his work with icons like Ernest Khabeer Dawkins; his playing adds a powerful, sensitive rhythm that dynamically responds to the ensemble’s flow.
On the French side, double bassist Hélène Labarrière, a veteran of both jazz and traditional music, brings a vibrant, liberated approach, drawing from years of crossing genres and experimenting within jazz and contemporary music. Her playing reflects a deeply felt connection to both melody and rhythm, captivating listeners with its raw energy.
Saxophonist Nicolas Peoc’h infuses the lineup with an eclectic style that incorporates influences from jazz, Latin American music, and West African traditions. His innovative approach to the saxophone adds a unique depth and playfulness to each piece, bringing a sense of adventure to the ensemble.
The Bridge #2.11 promises an unforgettable exploration of jazz, with every performance an invitation to experience the raw energy and creativity that comes only from live improvisation.
DATES :
11/16 – BlueStem Jazz @ Audio for the Arts, Madison (8pm)
11/17 – Alternative Current Live Series @ Woodland Pattern, Milwaukee (7pm)
11/18 – The Promontory (7pm)
11/19 – The Whistler (9pm)
* Nicolas Peoc’h + Sarah Clausen, Sharon Udoh, Corey Wilkes, Hunter Diamond, Ollin Yolt, Dustin Laurenzi, Sharon Udoh, Allen Moore, Anton Hatwich & Naydja Burton
11/20 – The California Clipper (8pm)
* Fred Jackson Jr., Nicolas Peoc’h, Jean-Luc Cappozzo, Hélène Labarrière & Isaiah Spencer
11/21 – Stony Island Arts Bank (6pm)
* Greg Ward & Nicolas Peoc’h The California Clipper (9pm)
11/22 – Logan Center for the Arts (7pm)
11/23 – Constellation (8:30pm)
+ Nick Mazzarella, Jean-Luc Cappozzo, Clark Sommers & Dana Hall
11/24 – ProMusica (3pm)
11/25 – Elastic Arts (9pm)
11/27 – Katalyst (8pm)
The Bridge #2.11 has been made possible through Jazz & New Music, a program of Villa Albertine and Albertine Foundation, in partnership with the French Embassy in the United States with support from the French Ministry of Culture, Institut français, SACEM (Société des auteurs, compositeurs et éditeurs de musique) and the CNM (Centre National de la Musique).
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