THE VORTEX

The VODE at NSH and an invitation only show!

2012-01-06T12:55:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year!

The Vortex Series had such a strong finish to the year with two amazing concerts at the Nave Gallery in Somerville and we are so grateful to the Somerville Arts Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their support. In our latest Vortex news, The Vortex Other Dimension Ensemble will be teaming up with Lisa Linde and her students at Newton South High School on January 11. In this incarnation of the VODE, we will feature mezzo soprano Sara Bielaski, cellist Rob Bethel, clarinetist Todd Brunel and percussionist Gary Fieldman.

On Sunday February 12, we will be presenting a small invitation only concert that will feature guitarist Garrison Fewell, trumpet player Jerry Sabatini and guitarist Eric Hofbauer. With this concert, we would like to say thank you to our supporters and close friends.

In case you missed it, video footage is now available from our December 9th concert and clips are available now on Todd Brunel's youtube channel. Here are some clips for your enjoyment:

Peter Cassino and Todd Brunel

http://youtu.be/HuaYGJHEHlA

1st Movement of Petitionen by Paul Walter Furst with violist Eve Boltax, painist Paul Carlson and clarinetist Todd Brunel:

http://youtu.be/_rbRiJiLgYY

VODE Improvisation II featuring Gary Fieldman on drums, alto saxophonist Rick Stone, violist Eve Boltax, pianist Peter Cassino and clarinetist Todd Brunel

http://youtu.be/N3HwXbfqdP0

December 9, 8:00 at the Nave

2011-11-23T08:23:00.010-05:00

On December 9 at 8:00, Pianist Paul Carlson will be joining the Vortex Series presenting a solo piano work by Ruth Crawford Seeger as featured on his soon to be released solo album. Mr Carlson will also collaborate with violist Eve Boltax and clarinetist Todd Brunel with chamber works by Paul Walter Furst and Bertold Hummel. Todd Brunel will present solo clarinet and bass clarinet works works by Pamela Marshall and Claudio Gabriele.

On the second half of our program, percussionist Gary Fieldman will join saxophonist Rick Stone in a 6 part collaborative composition and pianist Peter Cassino will join Todd Brunel in presenting an improvisational work by composer John Morrison, as featured recently at the Longy School's Septemberfest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybcIQXVYwjQ

Then in keeping with our ongoing tradition, improvisations will ensue by Cassino, Brunel, Fieldman and Stone. Location: The Nave Gallery, 155 Powderhouse Blvd, Somerville, MA. Time: 8:00. $10 admission. Tickets for this event available at: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=s7t7quhab&oeidk=a07e5amwba4f7c25a68

This concert is presented in part by a grant by the Somerville Arts Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

November 18 show at the Nave

2011-10-24T23:49:00.015-04:00

November 18, 8:00, the Nave Gallery in Somerville

The Vortex Series for New and Improvised Music proudly presents:

Guitarist Garrison Fewell, Forbes Graham trumpet and electronics,Pamela Marshall on French horn, John McLellan drums, Jodi Hitzhusen classical soprano, Melissa Kassell jazz vocalist and Sonic Sandbox with Tom Casale on double bass.

The Nave gallery is located at: 155 Powderhouse Blvd, Somerville, MA.

$10 suggested donation, wheel chair accessible.

Two New SHOWS!

2011-10-12T09:36:00.002-04:00

Nave Gallery, Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, 155 Powderhouse Blvd., Somerville, MA. Friday November 18 at 8:00 and December 9 at 8:00.

More details will be emerging , save the date!

A Break

2011-09-28T21:07:00.004-04:00

Peter Cassino and Todd Brunel live at Septemberfest at the Longy School in Cambridge.The Vortex has been taking a break since our cd release party back in June. I welcome your thoughts, ideas about venues and future collaborations. Feel free to email me directly at:

th.brunel@gmail.com

Todd

Great Cd party!

2011-06-28T23:47:00.003-04:00

I just want to thank everyone who made our cd release party a success the other day, we had a blast! The Somerville Scout has run a nice article about our series and our cd. Check the article out here: http://www.somervillescout.com/2011/06/local-band-showcases-new-music/
We will be announcing our fall line up shortly. We're so grateful for our good friends, their incredible talent and support.
Todd

Vortex Live CD Release Party!!

2011-05-27T09:57:00.002-04:00

CD Release Party

Sunday, June 26, from 2:00-5:00

the Cafe at the Somerville Armory,

191 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA.

The Vortex Series just released an amazing cd called Vortex Live. It features adventurous performances by some of the best musicians in the New England area. It took 3 years to cultivate and grow into the 9 track cd that it has become. We are very happy to announce our cd release party which will take place Sunday afternoon June 26 starting at 2:00. Some of our best friends will be there to perform live and you can pick up your very own copy in person. Feel free to check out our CD Baby page as well to sample or to even download our music. The link is right here at the top right hand side of our blog. So please save the time and the date and come on down!

Andy Voelker Trio, b.mez, Todd Brunel Trio

2011-05-26T08:29:00.013-04:00

Friday June 17 8:30 at Zumix, 260 Sumner st, E. Boston, MA.
The Vortex Series is proud to welcome the Andy Voelker trio with Jeff Galindo on trombone and Jeff Charland on double bass.
The Andy Voelker Trio plays free explorations and Andy's original compositions ranging from tone poems to swinging tours de forces. Andy has been playing in the saxophone trio setting for years born out of the noticeable lack of actual pianos in the clubs and bars around Boston. The AV Trio chooses compositions and approaches that make it differ from other formats Andy plays in even when the players are the same. He will be joined by Jeff Galindo on trombone and Jeff Charland on bass.

Andy Voelker is a Berklee trained jazz musician who has studied bebop, hard bop, modern jazz, free jazz, avant guard jazz, and so called noise music. Having embraced the Boston free music scene early on, Andy has been able to incorporate many of the techniques and morals of the avant guard into a unique approach that stands out on the Boston improvisation scene.

The vortex is also proud to welcome b.mez, an improvisational loop- and fx-based project featuring members of Birdsongs of the Mesozoic plus guests.
Michael Bierylo/guitar/loops/electronics

Ken Field/sax/flute/loops/electronics
Rick Scott/synthesizer/loops
Encanti/electronic beats/loops
Formed in 1980,post-punk,art-rock pioneers Birdsongs of the Mesozoic are known world-wide for their wide-ranging,innovative instrumental constructions."It's as if Ornette Coleman was in a no-rock band with Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny and the Kronos Quartet suddenly stopped by to get drunk with them on Teleman's grave." -Performer Magazine

In contrast to the compositionally-based Birdsongs, b.mez functions as a nimble landing craft, emphasizing spontaneity and improvisational energy, while retaining the structured sensibility that guides the mother ship.
"Totally sublime and deeply moving." - The Noise

The night will also feature an improvisational trio with Todd Brunel on clarinets and soprano sax, Peter Cassino on piano and Pam Marshall on french horn.

John Tchicai's Six Points

2011-05-10T15:42:00.005-04:00

John Tchicai's Six Points: Ascension Unending

Friday, May 20 - 8:30 PM @ Zumix, 260 Sumner St, East Boston

performers: John Tchicai, Garrison Fewell, Alex Weiss, Rosi Hertlein, Dmitry Ishenko, Ches Smith,

John Tchicai's Six Points is a collaborative ensemble consisting of the following six sensible musical personalities: Saxophonist/singer John Tchicai, and with sounds ready for Victoriaville and elsewhere, guitarist Garrison Fewell, along with the bass is "the base" bassist Dmitry Ishenko, totally in tune with herself violinist/singer Rosie Hertlein, excuisite drummer companion Ches Smith, and he who always knows when and where to place the next tone, fabulous saxophonist Alex Weiss.

The ensemble paints wonderful inner landscapes, plays compositions by the group members and improvises solo's, duo's, trio's etc. and continues the way of music communication initiated by John Coltrane on his momentous Ascension recordings.

*********
By approaching jazz from a wide scope, Afro-Danish-American John Tchicai has been continuously progressive throughout his life. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1936, of a Danish mother and a Congolese father and growing up in healthy surroundings, John Martin Tchicai became a leading exponent of the jazz avant-garde in New York in the '60s and a father-figure for the European avant-garde after that. Now based in Davis, California, and Claira, France, by a single-mindedness of purpose and action, his work still reflects what he's always been doing, which is innovate and inspires other people, in a most refreshing way. The Danish ministry of Culture recognized his work by awarding him a lifetime grant.

John Tchicai

2011-04-23T10:13:00.005-04:00

Friday May 20, 2011 at Zumix, 260 Sumner St, E. Boston, MA. 8:30, $10 Suggested donation.

The Vortex Series is proud to present John Tchicai as a feature performer at its next concert, to be held May 20 at the beautifully renovated Zumix Firehouse in East Boston. Approaching jazz from a wide scope, Afro-Danish American John Tchicai is a composer & saxophonist whose music is internationally known for its compelling sense of rhythm, drama and humor, its freedom, spirituality, healing qualities and ultimate freshness. He recorded with both John Coltrane (“Ascension”) and John Lennon (“Life with Lions”), founded ensembles like “New York Art Quartet”, “Cadentia Nova Danica” and “John Tchicai & the Archetypes”, he has composed for jazz & classical ensembles and he records, tours and teaches continuously. Based today in Davis, CA and Claira, France, John Tchicai is also the first recipient of a lifetime grant for Jazz performance from the State of Danmark.

He will be working with his New York based project, Six Points which also features bassist Dmitry Ishenko, violinist/singer Rosie Hertlein, drummer Ches Smith and saxophonist Alex Weiss.

The concert will start at 8:30 pm at the Zumix Firehouse, 260 Sumner Street, East Boston, located just around the corner from the Blue Line Maverick T-stop. As a proud recipient of a 2011 Somerville Arts Council Grant, The Vortex Series is also an affiliate of Art Without Borders, based in Harvard Square.

Sunshine Soldier, Saxophone in Machines, Peter Cassino

2011-04-05T10:13:00.011-04:00

Friday April 15, 8:30 at Zumix, 260 Sumner St, E. Boston, MA 02128

Saxophone in Machines:

is Michael Dobiel and Kelly Roberge. Their axes of choice are saxophones and laptops. The duo seeks to tame these machines to create a fully integrated improvised music. Mike and Kelly have been playing together since May 2010. This day was characterized by everything from malfunctioning computers, to microphones being beaten against the ground. It was all done against the backdrop of a video of moon landings. They have not looked back
since.

Sunshine Soldier:

It is rare that a new improvising band can walk right pastconvention and into a sonic territory all their own. Sunshine Soldier is doing just that. Whether its the delicious sonic hideousness of Brad Henkel playing a balloon through his mouthpiece, the soft-spoken
melodies on Stardrum's melodica or the crunchy, percussive blasts from Carlson's baritone guitar, these guys are executing their sonic landscapes fearlessly.

Peter Cassino piano:

In 1961 at the young age of 21, Peter was one of a growing number of American jazz players who relocated to Europe. During that time, Peter had the opportunity to play with a number of prominent players who were also living in Europe. Among them were trumpeter Benny Baily, alto saxophonist Leo Wright, and drummer Joe Harris. His life as a full-time jazz musician really started in West Berlin during this time. In 1969 Peter returned to the United States and completed his formal music studies. As an undergraduate piano major at the School for the Arts at Boston University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music, he had the good fortune to study piano with Leon Tumarkin and Anthony di Bonaventura. He received a Master of Music in jazz piano from the New England Conservatory where he studied piano with Jaki Byard and composition with George Russell.

Mr Cassino is head of the Modern American Music Department at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, MA.

EAR DUO with Robots, Garrison Fewell Trio NYC.

2011-03-21T10:41:00.005-04:00

Friday April 1, 8:00 Somerville Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA
The EAR DUO with Robots and The Garrison Fewell trio with Steve Swell trombone and Andrew Raffo Dewar alto sax.

The EAR Duo and Robots!

Founded in 2005 by saxophonist Michael Straus and bassoonist Dana Jessen, the EAR (Electro Acoustic Reed) Duo is dedicated to the performance of new, improvised and experimental electroacoustic music. Recently praised by the Boston Music Intelligencer for performing "with conviction and authenticity," the duo can regularly be seen presenting a variety of works ranging from new commissions written specifically for them, to original arrangements of works by Terry Riley, Steve Reich and James Tenney. Attempting to stretch the limits of duo performance, their concerts include aspects of theater coupled with visual and electronic media. Aside from performing on their respective instruments, EAR Duo has teamed up with the brilliant trio of guys in EMMI (Expressive Machines Musical Instruments) and recently received funding through a Kickstarter campaign. Yes the Ear duo will be playing live with robots at the Vortex!! They have commissioned a series of musical robots to unleash on the U.S. and Europe.

Garrison Fewell Trio with Steve Swell trombone and Andrew Raffo Dewar soprano saxophonist.

Renowned for his mature, melodic sound and elegant, lyrical style of writing, guitarist Garrison Fewell has established himself as a distinctive voice throughout his 30-year career. Critics have called him "one of today’s most personal guitar players" (Boston Phoenix), "an assured stylist with a strong sense of tradition" (The New Yorker), "a player of virtuosity and swinging intensity" (UPI), and "refined, passionate, and inspiring" (Guitar Player).

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Steve Swell has been an active member of the NYC music community since 1975. He has toured and recorded with many artists from main-streamers such as Lionel Hampton and Buddy Rich to so called outsiders, Anthony Braxton, Bill Dixon, Cecil Taylor and William Parker. He has over 25 Cds as a leader or co-leader and is a featured artist on more than 90 other releases. He runs workshops around the world and is a teaching artist in the NYC public school system focusing on special needs children.

Andrew Raffo Dewar (b.1975 Rosario, Argentina) is a composer, improviser, woodwind instrumentalist and ethnomusicologist. Since 1995, he has been active in the music communities of Minneapolis, New Orleans, the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City, performing his work in North America, Southeast Asia and Europe. Dewar studied with saxophonist/composers Steve Lacy, Anthony Braxton and Phillip Greenlief, composer Alvin Lucier, trumpeter/composer Bill Dixon, and multi-instrumentalist improviser Milo Fine. He has also had a long involvement with Indonesian traditional and experimental music, particularly the Minangkabau music of West Sumatra and Central Javanese gamelan.

Birdsongs and Quantum Trio

2011-03-07T10:39:00.015-05:00

The Vortex Series presents: March 18, 8:30 at Zumix, 260 Sumner st, East Boston, MA.

Birdsongs Of The Mesozoic began in 1980 as a side project by half of Boston's now legendary Mission Of Burma, Roger Miller and Martin Swope. Miller and Swope joined forces with Rick Scott and Erik Lindgren for what was originally conceived as a recording project only. In 1983, they released a self-titled EP, Birdsongs Of The Mesozoic.

With the demise of Mission Of Burma at about the same time as the EP's release, Birdongs Of The Mesozoic became a full-time band for all members. In 1984 they released another LP, Magnetic Flip, and began extensive touring to support its release. A year later they released another EP, Beat Of The Mesozoic, and again set out on tour.

In 1987, Roger Miller left the group to concentrate on solo projects and was replaced by saxophonist Ken Field. Birdsongs' new lineup recorded Faultline, released on Cuneiform (Rune 19). Their second Cuneiform release, Pyroclastics (Rune 35), appeared in 1992. Shortly afterwards, guitarist Michael Bierylo replaced Martin Swope, who moved to Hawaii. In 1993 a collection of previously unreleased material from 1980-1987 featuring the band's first lineup and accompanied by a written history, The Fossil Record (Rune 55) paid tribute to Birdsongs' early years.

1995's Dancing On A'A (Rune 69) was the first Birdsongs release to feature the current lineup of the group, which has been performing ever since to widespread acclaim.

Birdsongs' instrumentation is as striking as its music: two keyboards, guitar, and saxophone blend with electronic and acoustic percussion (including a Mercury Cougar hubcap and a paint can) to produce sound "...as meditative as it is physical, as rooted in classical structure and jazz improvisation as it is in rock 'n roll." (The Boston Globe)

Since 1994, the members of Birdsongs have been Aritsts-In-Residence at Dartmouth College and Massachusetts College Of Art. Other recent notable performances have included the Knitting Factory in New York City, the Honolulu Academy Of Arts, the Monadnock Music Festival in New Hampshire, and Real Art Ways in Hartford, Connecticut.

Quantum Trio
Michael Shea- piano/electric keyboard
Hilary Noble-tenor saxophone/flute/congas/
percussion
Dennis Warren-drums/timbales/quica/percussion

Michael Shea studied at Karl Berger's Creative Music Studio in
Woodstock NY; he has performed with Raqib Hassan, FMRJE and a wide
swathe of jazz and creative improvisation communities throughout the USA.

Hilary Noble studied congas in Havana with Maximino Duquesne and
saxophone in the USA with Yusef Lateef. He was mentored by in Europe by
the great Afrocentric free jazz bandleader Clifford Thornton. He has played with Bo Diddley, Esperanza Spalding, Eric Crasno, Bobby Sanabria, Ray Vega and others.

Dennis Warren the self described quantum drummer, graduated from Bennington College where he studied with Black music theorists like the late trumpeter Bill Dixon and drummer Milford Graves, he was around to experience the tail end of the Free Jazz psychedelic epoch. Dennis has toured Europe and recorded with trumpeter Raphe Malik and saxophonist Glenn Spearman. He also leads and produces FMRJE.

Hear the Trio at these links:
http://www.fmrje.com/NSW1.mp3
http://www.fmrje.com/NSW2.mp3
http://www.fmrje.com/NSW3.mp3

March 4 Democracy Center

2011-02-26T00:39:00.009-05:00

Tom Hall tenor sax, Kit Demos double bass, Ashley Addington flute, Rachel Arnold cello, Pam Marshall French horn, Todd Brunel clarinets.
Completing their three concert cycle, the duo of Rachel Arnold and Ashley Addington will once again grace our stage at the Democracy Center, bringing a program that will include newly commissioned works as well as 'Enchanted Preludes' by Elliot Carter.
The Vortex is also proud to present tenor saxophonist Tom Hall and bassist Kit Demos. Tom Hall has enjoyed a long and varied career as one of the most influential improvisers in the New England area. He has worked with such projects as club d'Elf, the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, Bruce Katz and is on the faculty of Brandeis University.
Bassist Kit Demos works frequently with such artists as drummer John McClellan, cellist Junko Simons, guitarist Jeff Platz and alto saxophonist Jim Hobbs. He is the director of the Avant jazz Series in Lewiston, ME and is a New England Foundation for the Arts Grant Recipient.
Joining the artist will be fellow Vortex regulars Pam Marshall on french horn and clarinetist Todd Brunel.

Our First Zumix show!

2011-02-10T12:02:00.010-05:00

Friday February 25 at 8:30
Zumix, 260 sumner St
E. Boston, MA 02128
$10 suggested donation
Wheel Chair Accessible

Glenn Dickson, microtonal clarinet

The bandleader of Naftule's Dream and Shirim Klezmer Orchestra. Glenn has toured and recorded with Hypnotic Clambake, Joe Maneri, Taximi (Greek). Featured on the soundtracks of the feature films "A Stranger Among Us" (Sidney Lumet) and "Deconstructing Harry" (Woody Allen).

John McLellan, percussionist

John has toured and recorded with some of the most influential names in modern improvisation including: Pandelis Karyorgis, Blaise Siwula, Matt Maneri and has an extensive discography. A frequent feature with the Vortex Series, John mixes a blend of groove and poly-rhythm.

Dennis Shafer and the Chagall Performance Arts Collaborative

Hailed by the Boston Globe as “Brilliant,” Dennis has collaborated with the New England String ensemble and is the artistic director of the Chagall Performance Arts Collaborative. He will be performing with his Boston Sound-painting Ensemble that features an extensive line up.

Rachel Arnold Cello and Ashley Addington Flute

A brilliant and highly virtuosic duo that actively commission new works for the flute and cello.
Giving a wide variety of concerts throughout the Us and abroad, the two performers continue to stun audiences with a remarkable command of the repertoire.

February 4, 8:00 Steven Jobe, Yael Bat Shimon

2011-01-15T09:21:00.022-05:00

Steven Jobe

"Composer, instrument builder, avant-garde cabaret master and all-purpose madman..."

—Rick Massimo, The Providence Journal, June 8th, 2006
Steven Jobe began composing in 1987 when he was commissioned by the Community College of Rhode Island to compose the lyrics and music for an original musical, Walking on Air. A few years later he wrote the lyrics and music to an opera, Joan of Arc (then called Jeanne d’Arc), which premiered in Providence, Rhode Island in 1993. With the help of his friends and colleagues, a concert version of the work was performed at Bell St. Chapel with a twenty piece cha mber ensemble – including glass bells, hurdy gurdy, accordion and harmonic instruments in support of a cast of a dozen or more...

find out more about Steven Jobe at: http://www.stevenjobe.com/
Yael Bat-shimon
Yael Bat-Shimon, described by T he Boston Globe as an "adventurous contemporary violinist" whose improvisational work draws on her classical training as well as non-western musical traditions", has performed for audie nces from Paris, France to Cambridge, MA. Her music was featured in the fall 2008 edition of the arts and culture e-zine "Zingology", which called her improvisations, "Fiery interpretations of European and American folk traditions squarely anchored on her classical training. A Harvard graduate, she has also studied violin performance at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore and the New England Conservatory.
Find out more about Yael at:
http:// www.yaelbat-shimon.com/index.html

Cellist Rob Bethel has been working with Steve Jobe and Yael Bat-Shimon for years and enjoys a busy a career as a freelance cellis t. A regular feature at the Vortex series, Rob will be interacting with both artists and bringing his "listening as a creative act" approach to Friday nights intimate show. For more about Rob and his company, Yesterday Service, click:
http: //www.yesterdayservice.com/

Thank you Somerville Arts Council

2011-01-10T22:55:00.003-05:00

The Vortex Series for New and Improvised Music has been awarded a 2011 grant from the Somerville Arts council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The first Vortex Show of the new year at the Democracy Center went very well and we had a great turn out. Much thanks to all the artist involved, especially our features, Rob Manthy, Ashley Addington, Rachel Arnold and Gary Fieldman.

First Democracy Center Show

2010-12-07T03:40:00.010-05:00

January 7, 2011, 8:00
The Democracy Center
The duo of flutist Ashley Addington and cellist Rachel Arnold will be presenting Kaija Saariaho Mirrors, Elliott Carter Enchanted Preludes and
Michael Colquhoun Three for Two as One. For more information on Ashley and Rachel please visit: http://www.ashleyaddington.com/about/

We will also be presenting a special premiere by composer/ pianist Robert Manthy who is currently based in the Netherlands. In 2003 he received a Fulbright Scholarship from the US government to study composition with Louis Andriessen and Richard Ayres at the Royal
Conservatory of the Netherlands in the Hague, where he graduated in 2007. He has been active as a pianist, composer and conductor in
various new music concerts, theatrical performances, and other music in the Netherlands, the US, France, Italy,Puerto Rico, Kenya, and Tanzania amongst others. He will be collaborating that night with Esther Viola oboe, Eric Hoffbauer guitar, Rob Bethel cello, Michael Dobiel saxophone and electronics, Pam Marshall french horn, Todd Brunel clarinets, and Gary Fieldman drums. For more information on Robert Manthy click: http://robmanthey.net/

The Vortex will also be presenting a performance of 'Dog Ears' by Gary Fieldman. It is a solo percussion work that draws on Gary's masterful use of poly-rhythm on found objects. To check out a video of Gary performing his piece live, click the link:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3383044915501537674#

Jeff PLatz Group

2010-11-24T09:56:00.007-05:00

Friday December 3, 2010
8:00 Outpost 186.
The Jeff Platz Group
Featuring:
Junko Simons cello
Kit Demos bass
David Miller drums

”Platz‘s mystic axe tones gradually madden into vapor -like
labyrinths letting the subtleties unfold in sparse bubbling currents”.
SIGNAL TO NOISE MAGAZINE

" An intelligent approach to both composition
and improvisation”
JAZZREVIEW.COM

This will be our last regularly scheduled show at the amazing outpost 186 and our last Vortex Show of 2010. Our next show will be at the Democracy Center in Harvard Square Cambridge on Friday January 7.

Moving in January

2010-11-07T08:05:00.006-05:00

We are moving to a new location in January. The Vortex has been at the Outpost 186 for over three years and recently we decided to move over to the Democracy Center, 45 Mount Auburn St in Harvard Square Cambridge, MA. One of the big reasons for this move is the addition of new planning personnel and we have decided to team up with an organization called Art Without Borders.We are planning many new events in 2011 and feel very strongly that live new and improvised music will be best if brought to a few different communities. The concept of the Vortex can be molded to suit many purposes, but our primary objective is to present music that is new, interesting, improvised or notated and we are always seeking new collaborators. I am very happy to say that Julee Avallone and Michael Dobiel are taking time from their busy schedule with the Boston Free Jazz Association to work with us as well as composer Pamela Marshall, artist Sirarpi Henghinian Walzer, flutist Pat Jao and engineer/ trombonist Randy Winchester. We also will be seeking advice from our long time collaborators, cellist Rob Bethel, flutist Matt Samolis, drummer John McClellan, oboist Esther Viola and Rob Chalfen, the executive producer of the Outpost 186, still located in Inman Square, Cambridge, MA. This year we are also planning on teaming up with Zumix in East Boston and the Cafe at the Somerville Armory. At both of these new locations we will be providing performance opportunities for students and strongly believe that now more than ever young people need exposure to new ways of creating music. Our last show (for now) at the Outpost 186 in Inman Square will feature the Jeff Platz Group, Friday December 3 at 8:00.

Sonic Sandbox and guitarist Ben Miller

2010-10-14T13:52:00.004-04:00

Friday, November 5, 8:00

Cultivating his technique since 1982, Ben Miller/degeneration presents a sonic tapestry that defies standard guitar playing. By using several pickups outputted separately through two chain of effects, Miller produces a texturous, multiphonic soundscape. With the addition of a wide variety of preparations, radio and analog tape, it is difficult to discern where any one sound originates or where it is headed.
Sonic Sandbox, an improvisational trio consisting of composer and electronic musician Forrest Larsen, percussionist and Didgeridoo player David Brown and clarinetist Todd Brunel will be performing in support of their latest release, "Turbulence."

Meltdown Incentive

2010-09-16T22:06:00.009-04:00

8:00 Friday October 1, Outpost 186, Cambridge, MA.
The Meltdown Incentive is the brainchild of composer Delvyn Case, who will be featured on piano with Sara Bielanski vocalizations, Ed Broms on fixed electric bass, various percussion instruments, Rob Bethel on cello and Todd Brunel on clarinets. The improvisational troupe will experiment with poetry, recipes, personal ads and abstract sounds painting.
Here is a youtube video that features Sara and ensemble with
a very deadpan version of the classic frat anthem, "The Beer Prayer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TLDz8ql_Qw

There will also be a performance by composer, saxophonist Michael Dobiel, who will be collaborating with Erich Hochstrasser, a sound design/synthesis artist. Learn more about Michael Dobiel and his exciting work here:
http://www.myspace.com/michaeldobiel

Palimpest Friday

2010-08-29T17:54:00.003-04:00

Friday 3 September @ Outpost, 8pm $10 or b/o
Vortex presents
Dennis Shafer - solo saxophone, performing:
Tadj for Solo Soprano Saxophone by Christian Lauba
Melodique etude based upon three modes and varied attacks

+The Ara Sarkissian Palimpest Ensemble
Ara Sarkissian – piano / Julee Avalone – flutes /Todd Brunel – clarinets / Kit Demos – bass / John Mclellan - drumset

The Palimpsest Ensemble, led by Ara Sarkissian, combines the art of group improvisation with a strict adherence to musical form. Thus, unlike many other musical situations in which we as players use the technique of improvisation in an open form setting, this ensemble requires the application of improvisatory techniques within strict rules pertaining to form, texture, motivic development, dynamics and other elements.

Vortex Friday and New McLellans

2010-08-05T13:29:00.003-04:00

We are really excited about Friday night's show that will feature saxophonist Tom Hall playing with us Vortex Dimensionites. All of us, except drummer John McLellan, because he will be with his family. That's all I'm going to say about it! Alright John, God be with you two, we are really looking forward to the news!!!!

FRIDAY 6 AUGUST @ 8PM

2010-07-27T20:43:00.000-04:00

Tom Hall and the Vortex Other Dimension Ensemble!

VOD Fest

2010-07-24T23:53:00.001-04:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in one of the most truly inspirational days in memory.

Boston Phoenix 'Bos Picks'

2010-07-14T22:33:00.009-04:00

VOD Fest July 22, 2010
If you frequent the tiny avant-improv bunker Outpost 186, then you're familiar with clarinettist Todd Brunel's Vortex Series, which features some of the city's finest jazz musicians and free-improvisers of all stripes. Today Brunel launches his VOD Festival (as in, Vortex Other Dimension). Festivities include a full day of master classes and workshops for all levels of "jazz, blues, microtonal improvisation, music concrète, world music, and avant-garde improvisation on your instrument of choice." The day concludes with a concert by VOD faculty: saxophonist Tom Hall, the Jeff Platz Group, the Vortex Other Dimension Ensemble, pianist David Maxwell, and guitarist Kevin Frenette. It's all at the Cambridge Family YMCA, 820 Mass Ave, Cambridge | 10 am-6:45 pm workshops; 7-10 pm concert | $75 full day; $12 evening concert; $10 students | clarinetconspiracy.com. Filed under: MUSIC

VOD Festival

2010-07-06T19:08:00.003-04:00

The VOD Festival
Thursday July 22
Cambridge YMCA
10:00-10:00
An all day music adventure featuring some of the most adventurous improvisational artists from around New England and New York. Click the side link to see our schedule, faculty roster and guest artists.
For registration information go to www.clarinetconspiracy.com
and click on VOD Festival.
The VOD Festival..its the other side of music!

Composers Other Side

2010-06-27T21:13:00.003-04:00

Featuring:
Pamela Marshall, French horn, ideas
Del Case, piano, concepts
Todd Brunel reed things
Kevin Frenette, strummed and plucked sounds
John McLellen, skins and cymbals

FRIDAY 2 JULY @ 8PM

2010-06-14T22:18:00.001-04:00

Composer's Other Side

with
Pam Marshall
Delvyn Case

New compositions; improvs; surprises...

Friday June 4, 8:00 Dave Maxwell piano, Andrew Hickman tenor, Blake Newman bass

2010-05-26T22:21:00.003-04:00

Blues pianist and musical traveler David Maxwell will join forces with tenor saxophonist Andrew Hickman, bassist Blake Newman, drummer John Mclellan, cellist Rob Bethel and clarinetist Todd Brunel for a sonic adventure like no other.

FRIDAY 7 MAY @ 8.00PM

2010-04-16T22:04:00.002-04:00

Birdsongs of the Mesozoic
The Legendary Birdsongs of the Mesozoic will perform original works and transformative improvisations incorporating live electronics.

Michael Bierylo guitar/loops
Ken Field sax/loops
Erik Lindgren piano
Rick Scott synth/loops/samples
Encanti electronics/beats

***

a duo:
Katt Hernandez violin
Steve Norton bass clarinet

***

Ken Field will show a movie about the 60/60 composers festival

FRIDAY 2 APRIL @ 8PM

2010-03-25T05:27:00.002-04:00

Guitars and Horns
composed notes and new encounters

Tom Duprey trumpet
David Hawthorn guitar
...and others

Garrison Fewell guitar
Esther Viola oboe
Todd Brunel clarinet

successful fundraiser

2010-03-19T11:07:00.004-04:00

Thanks to all who made it out on such a blistery, rainy night to support our series. I want to thank in particular Rob Bethel for making the beautiful cafe space at the Armory happen, Susan for being the behind the scenes producer and all of those who participated in the performances that night. Noel Dorcy, Matt Samolis, Peter Blum, Esther Viola, Rob Bethel, Sara Bielanski, all combined talents and efforts to create another great Vortex night! Thank you Heather Townsend for the great pics and hopefully we'll have some audio clips available soon, so stay tuned!

Vortex fundraiser

2010-03-03T11:15:00.003-05:00

Vortex Series for New and Improvised Music Fundraiser

Saturday, March 13 at 8:00
At the Armory Café, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA
Featuring:

Sara Bielanski, vocals
Todd Brunel, clarinets
Esther Viola, oboe
Rob Bethel, cello
Yael Bat- Shimon, violin
John McClellan, drumset
and
Peter Bloom, Bass flute
Matt Samolis, flute
Noell Dorsey, voice
performing Tips by Steve Lacey

The Vortex concert series is looking for sponsors and subscribers to help
support great new and improvised music. Listeners appreciate
music on the fringes of improvised or notated modern music,
with shows that span diverse musical styles and artistic disciplines.

So come join us for an exciting fund raising
event with refreshments and live
performances by some of the most adventurous musicians
in the Boston area and get a preview of shows to come!

$10 admission

FRIDAY 5 MARCH 8.30 PM NEW TIME

2010-02-12T16:51:00.011-05:00

Beat & Brazuka Breakdown

Esther Viola oboe

Silvana Costa poet

Adam Bahrami guitars/cavaquinho
...and others!

EV is trying out some ideas: putting music to words and bringing oboe to Brazilian beats and melodies.

PART 1 poetry and sound improv

PART 2 solo surprise

PART 3 non-traditional takes on Brazilian beats and sambas

A Labor of Love

2010-02-10T19:50:00.012-05:00

After talking with some friends on Friday night, I started to understand that this series could branch in ways that I hadn't considered. The Vortex is a labor of love where some of the most profound new music happens, usually improvised. This latest incarnation is 2 years old, but in the past I had a vortex in 2004-05 that was really great as well and involved a whole cast of characters and the Old Green Street Grill. Fights and nastiness ensued around the time of the Red Sox play offs...well of course in a town that loves its sports, we eventually moved to what is now the Lilli Pad...back then it was the Zeitgeist space.
Its been 10 years now of exploring new and creative music making in association with Rob Chalfen and others who have really dedicated their lives to creating new music adventures similar to what used to happen in the 60's and 70's and yes I suppose the 80's. I have also seen other incredible musicians at other concerts at the venue which we are currently in, the Outpost 186, the home of our series. They are there to promote their music to an appreciative audience of fellow journeypersons, creating the music they really love and I am certain that none of the artists performing at this space are really there for the money. Truly this space is home to many labors of love and we think this kind of music is that important to make an adjustment in perspective. How do we go about changing a perspective that is so wrapped in mystique or petty misconceptions? To champion improvised music as a real art, a listening art, an art of chance, reaction, innovation and true artistic integrity..
Thanks to Yael Bat Shimon violin, Geni Skendo flute, shakuhatchi and of course Rob Bethel and our great recording engineer that night, David Lee...hope your feeling better John..catch you on the next one bro!

New recording available a Jamendo

2010-01-21T23:52:00.005-05:00

This recording from our January 8 show features three separate tracks with Matt Samolis on flute, Rob Bethel cello and Todd Brunel on clarinet...its a free download so enjoy!

http://www.jamendo.com/en/album/59027

FRIDAY 5 FEBRUARY 8PM

2010-01-21T18:41:00.003-05:00

The Vortex Ensemble takes on yet another new dimension in February!

featuring:
Yael Bat-Shimon violin
Rob Bethel cello
Todd Brunel clarinets
Geni Skendo flute, shakuhatchi
John Mcclellan drums

listen to Yael Bat-Shimon

Great show Jan 8

2010-01-19T11:56:00.004-05:00

The Provisor Crook Duo did a great job improvising and presenting their compositions to a very full house that night and then our trio came on consisiting of Rob Bethel, Matt Samolis and myself. We had a great time and I cant wait to hear the audio clip. Thanks Steve and Keith for your artistry and getting such a warm and receptive audience there. Thanks Rob and Matt for making that night a truly amazing and memorable new music experience! I think our trio will do it again at the church of the Advent in February....

Cambridge Arts Council Grant

2010-01-12T17:40:00.004-05:00

We are very pleased to announce that THE VORTEX Series for New and Improvised Music has been awarded a grant from the Cambridge Arts Council.

The Cambridge Arts Council grant program is funded by the City of Cambridge and an allocation from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Stayed tuned for further developments of THE VORTEX in 2010!

FRIDAY 4 DECEMBER, 8PM: TRIO BARU @ the VORTEX!

2009-11-16T12:12:00.011-05:00

The VORTEX goes south---to BRAZIL!

Join us to hear the innovative Brazilian Trio Baru, who meshes together Brazilian traditions with jazz and other modern world styles.

With Nelson Latif and Bosco Oliveira on guitar and Rafael dos Santos on percussion, the group unites three Brazilian musicians with diverse musical backgrounds. Latif is an ambassador of choro, an instrumental genre originating in Rio de Janeiro, and a master of cavaquinho, the small 4-string Brazilian guitar. He also spent formative years playing on the São Paolo jazz scene. Oliveira, with a classical foundation, has delved into Spanish flamenco. Santos infuses Afro-Brazilian rhythms with modern jazz. The three join forces in expanding and celebrating their native Brazilian music.

Their current program, “Violão Brasileiro” (Brazilian Guitar), includes original compositions as well as their own arrangements of great Brazilian masters, such as Villa-Lobos, Jacob do Bandolim, Egberto Gismonti, and Baden Powell. On December 4th the Trio may be joined by several local choro-musicians for an informal jam in the final set.

FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER 8PM

2009-10-20T16:42:00.003-04:00

Announcing Todd Brunel's and Esther Viola's first night as collaborating programmers:

"MIXING IT UP AND BREAKING IT DOWN"

Rob Bethel    cello
John Mclellan    drums
Todd Brunel    clarinets
Tom Duprey    trumpet

Sarvenaz Moshfegh    cello
Silvana Costa    spoken word
Esther Viola    oboe/voice

To find out how we're gonna mix it up and break it down, join us November 6th at the Outpost!

What is THE VORTEX?

2009-10-06T16:42:00.002-04:00

Only one way to find out...
...the first Friday of the month at Outpost 186.

The Vortex is a concert series that brings new and improvised music every first Friday of the month to Outpost 186.

The shows span diverse musical styles and artistic disciplines, but the common factors remain experimentation and spontaneity. While most performers have a strong affinity for improvisation, this is not required. They may have a background in jazz, or classical training, or be completely self-taught. We actively seek performers from as diverse backgrounds as possible. We only ask one thing: be open.

The Vortex varies greatly from month to month. Listeners expect the unexpected. The shows are rarely rehearsed, and combinations of performers who have never performed together before are the norm. Often the show takes a natural form based on who is playing, and it is never set in stone. For example, two separate bands may play two distinct sets, or they may play separately and then together. The “band” of the night could also be a guitarist, a dancer and a painter. It could sound like modern jazz, electronic music, beat poetry, or something less easily definable.

The vibe of the shows is relaxed and casual. The intimate size of the space allows audience members to talk to the performers throughout the show.