Avant-garde composer and multi-instrumentalist Rhys Chatham has reached legendary status in experimental music circles. The Paris-based, New York-born composer began as a classically-trained prodigy, but by 1975, Chatham was fusing the overtone-drenched minimalism of John Cale and Tony Conrad with the relentless, elemental intensity of the Ramones. He is perhaps best known most recently for high-profile productions of his resplendent symphonies for hundreds of electric guitars, works which certify Chatham’s position on the front lines of post-minimalist and contemporary music.

For this concert, Chatham takes up the trumpet and joins forces with guitarist David Daniell and drummer Ryan Sawyer. Chatham deploys extended playing techniques inherited from bastions of free jazz – Don Cherry, Bill Dixon – as well as leaders of the minimalist movement – Tony Conrad, Jon Hassell, La Monte Young. Live processing of the instrument through a host of electronic devices gives rise to an ebullient cascade of sound and a truly unique and personal voice, carrying forward Chatham’s life-long pursuit of fusing the textural intricacies of the avant-garde with the visceral punch of punk rock.

Rhys Chatham – “A Crimson Grail” Finale (Live at Lincoln Center) from Big Ass Lens on Vimeo.