Rubyboo Records presents

Lincoln's BladesTue, 09/07/2010 - 02:44 — Tim Manners
A row of 13 vertical LED screens are part of a plan to make Lincoln Center "more porous, inviting and immediate," reports Robin Pogrebin in the New York Times (9/2/10). Each screen is 4-by-8 feet, and feature "video sequences of 10 to 90 seconds ... One of them provides a series of evocative single images -- a conductor's hands, a violin bow, someone applauding. Another features life-size pedestrians suddenly breaking out into dance on the sidewalk in their street clothes."

According to Elizabeth Diller of design firm Diller, Scofidio & Renfro, the idea is to create something that is "much more atmospheric and gestural and impressionistic" than a typical poster. In some cases, the images pass sequentially across the screens -- or "blades," as they're sometimes called, with hands running up or down piano keys, for example. "New Yorkers are notorious for passing anything," says Reynold Levy, Lincoln Center's president. "We think this will cause them to stop in their tracks and take a look." (video)

Elizabeth hopes that the blades, in combination with other digital signage around the center, will help turn it into more than "just something carved out of stone." Describing the concept as an "electronic infoscape," she explains: "The monumentality of the scale of the buildings really needed to be softened up by a different, pedestrian scale ... The media is really part of the architectural expression of that." As Reynold puts it: "We are endeavoring to create a feeling, engender a mood, provide a sense of the drama and beauty of what goes on in our halls."

- reveries.com

Native New Yorker Willis Wilson, will perform with the Willis Wilson Quintet in the Newburgh Jazz Series, Thursday evening at the Newburgh waterfront landing.

Performing wide ranges of contemporary and classic styles, Wilson believes “as a musician today we have to lend our voices to contemporary sounds and at the same time pay homage to those who came before us.” He will be playing a lot of Miles Davis (his biggest musical influence), and his own music, a combination of contemporary and classic styles from his first album “Revelations” and his latest album “Meditations”.

Traci Tota, a guest vocalist on both his albums, has been working with Wilson for a few years.
“What I like about Traci, a great vocalist, is that she shares the same vision as me,” Wilson says, “bridging the past with the present, and future. We both have an affinity for what people are currently doing, making a mark on our time.”

For the Newburgh Jazz series, Tota will be singing some Billie Holiday classics.

Other members of the Willis Wilson quintet have been working with him for 10 years. Keyboardist Joe Scott, “an incredible talent as well as a great arranger and producer, is known in NYC as ‘the singer’s dream accompanist.’”

“I’ve also had the pleasure of working with the incredible bassist, David Innis since I’m 14 years old. He has worked with so many great jazz artists over the years.” Harry Conyers, a drummer who has his own production and sound reinforcement company, works with jazz and gospel artists, has done many festivals with Wilson. “I’m extremely happy to have him gracing us with his presence.”

Wilson, who studied jazz at City College in Harlem, has been playing trumpet since he was 12 years old. “My dad, a big influence in my life, was a jazz enthusiast. He was a tenor saxophonist and played lots of Miles and Coltrane around the house.”

Early in his career, 18- year-old Wilson toured several times with the Duke Ellington Orchestra.

“This experience had an impact on me. The dedication and level of musicianship was incredible. Mercer Ellington’s attitude towards young and upcoming musicians was outstanding.”
Wilson also studied trumpet with Carnegie Hall Jazz Band Director Jon Faddis and noted trumpeter and educator Jimmy Owens. Sid Baker, of the NY Philharmonic trained Wilson in classical music.

The CD “Revelations” has received praise worthy reviews from fans and industry insiders. New York City’s CD 101.9 personality Deborah Rath describes Wilson’s performances as “mesmerizing and reminiscent of a young Miles Davis.”

At the 13th annual Asbury Park Jazz Festival, Wilson received two resounding standing ovations when he opened for Spyro Gyra. He has recently completed a four week engagement at the world famous “Regent” hotel. Wilson has also hosted “Jazz on The Rink” with mesmerizing performances at “The Rink Bar” at Rockefeller Center and “The Sequoia Club” at South Street Seaport.

One of the “highlights” in Wilson’s life is a HD Video series at Lincoln Center which will be completed in the last quarter of this year. “My group was selected to play in an artistic film/video for thirteen monitors set to run along 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam. This reoccurring video Jazz performance was exquisitely shot in strong chiaroscuro lighting” said Wilson.

People from all around are drawn to New Jersey resident Wilson’s music. “Everyone really feels what we’re playing. Our music is spiritual and inspirational. People e-mail from all over the world and give me positive and uplifting feedback. I’ve had successful results and I’m very happy about that,” said Wilson.

“Ferry Godmother” Aquanetta Wright, the creator of the Newburgh Jazz Series, is pleased to have the Willis Wilson Quintet perform. Her hope is to encourage cultural development and promote high profile art events in the City of Newburgh.

By Naomi Kennedy
- Hudson Valley Times