[Revolutionary
Rhythm; Jade Simmons,
pianist; KIC CD 7760 (2009)]
“An
artist that believes audiences should nod their heads and tap their
toes at Classical music concerts, too!
“FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE--On Saturday, Feb 18th, 2012 at 8pm, acclaimed pianist Jade
Simmons will take to the Ferst Center stage at the Georgia Institute
of Technology in a fury of rhythmic energy performing pieces for solo
piano, with her trio Collide, (piano, percussion and saxophone) and
alongside Georgia Tech's infamous improvising robot Shimon. Simmons,
one of the most innovative and versatile concert artists on the scene
today, is noted for riveting performances and creative projects. She
ended 2011 with a performance at the White House and 2012 will
include the release of #PaganiniProject, the follow up to her
first critically acclaimed, genre-bending CD, Revolutionary
Rhythm. The upcoming CD dares to feature standard Classical works
alongside Contemporary Classical pieces with elements of Jazz and
original works for piano and electronic beats in a mash-up style Jade
calls Hybrid Hip-Hop.
“This concert will
serve as the culmination of her time at the university as their
second-ever ARTech artist-in-residence. Under the rubric of Rhythm
as Necessity, the former drum major, bass drum line captain and
co-founder of Northwestern University's Boomshaka (a popular
percussion and dance ensemble), Jade will feature highly rhythmic
Contemporary Classical pieces almost entirely by living composers and
will tell the story of her relationship with rhythm throughout the
concert. The first part of Ms. Simmons' residency took place in
October of 2011 and included outreach programs at local schools,
multiple lectures, including one called The Implications of Race
and Gender in Classical Performance, and a masterclass for
student pianists at the university.
“Jade's residency is
an interactive one. Members of the Georgia Tech community were able
to submit sound samples via the Music Technology department's
innovative software program Urban Remix. The software allows
users to capture sounds and images around them and upload them to be
shared and remixed by other users. Jade will take the submissions and
create an original piece to be performed in the culminating concert.
“During this second
residency period, Feb. 12-18, there will also be a panel discussion
called The Creative Impulse, more outreach performances, and a
masterclass with members of Jade's trio Collide. For ticket
information and a full outline of activities, visit:
To
learn more about Jade, visit: www.jademedia.org
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