$25 - $30

A Macarthur Genius Grant recipient and one of the most famous soprano saxophonists in jazz history, Steve Lacy was also one of the greatest interpreters of Thelonious Monk’s music. He played in smaller ensembles with Monk early in his career as well as Monk’s big band. Lacy is to Monk what Glenn Gould is to Bach – he recorded a dozen records of Monk’s music, several of them on solo unaccompanied horn. His music is in many ways an extension of Monk’s aesthetic, wholly original and fresh, while rooted in a strong sense of tradition. Lacy was also a prolific composer in his own right, releasing over 100 records along with dozens of records collaborating with seminal jazz artists Cecil Taylor, Mal Waldron and Gil Evans. Lacy’s compositional voice was like no other, blending jazz and soul with elements of free jazz and contemporary classical music into a music that is both rootsy and otherworldly.

In this special For Portland Only experience, Misteriosos is a celebration of the musical genius of both Lacy and Monk as interpreted by a group of brilliant musicians from New York City, California and the Pacific Northwest who will perform for the very first time in the same ensemble. Based on arrangements by Sundance Institute alumnus Mark Orton, Lacy and Monk’s music will be presented in combinations ranging from solo instrument to a full recreation of Lacy’s iconic sextet. Featuring two soprano saxes and violin, the band is made up of stellar and adventurous improvisers who have performed with Bill Frisell, John Zorn, Lou Reed, Marianne Faithful, Laurie Anderson, Marc Ribot, Yoko Ono, Herbie Mann, Bud Shank, Jason Moran and countless others. Being the final concert on the last night of the 2017 Festival, Misteriosos promises that the month of February will go out with straight horn glory.

Jenny Scheinman / violin, vocals
Rob Burger / piano, accordion
Mary Sue Tobin / soprano sax
Lee Elderton / soprano sax
Todd Sickafoose / bass
Stephen Pancerev / drums