Other Musical Treats from Wesleyan

The editor of the Eye has done a fine job writing about the different kinds of music emanating from the Wesleyan campus (either by current students or alumni) but has yet to delve into those who studied (or continue to study) with Professors Anthony Braxton (pictured), Alvin Lucier, Ron Kuivila and Jay Hoggard.

For the purpose of this post, I'll concentrate on musicians who have worked closely with Professor Braxton. He came to Middletown with a reputation for making music that rejects labels (other than the ones he projects onto his pieces.) But the man is a walking encyclopedia of 20th Century music, equally at home with the blues, ragtime, classical and avant-garde. He's issued hundreds of CDs on dozens on labels, plays with the University "Pep" Band and has made a practice of recording with his students.

Now several of them are making big splashes on the international creative music scene. Cornettist-composer Taylor Ho Bynum has relased several CDs in the past 18 months that document both his small and large group music. His SpiderMonkey Strings ensemble recently played 2 powerful sets of original music (with one notable exception composed by Duke Ellington) at Firehouse 12 in New Haven. Bynum also serves as co-owner of the recording studio/performance space's record label (see below) and is now living in the Elm City. When he's not on the road, he is a Private Lessons instructor at his alma mater.

Guitarist-composer Mary Halvorson has performed in Professor Braxton's large ensemble as well as his Trio has worked with Bynum in several ensembles. She co-leads a duo with violist Jessica Pavone and is beginning to work with many different musicians. This October, Firehouse 12 Records released "Dragon's Head" featuring Halvorson with bassist John Hebert and drummer Ches Smith and it's unlike most modern guitar trio music one might hear. The blend of her striking single string phrasing, her chordal fills and challenging compositions along with the powerful rhythm section keeps one's interest throughout.

These are just 2 of the myriad musicians who have worked with Braxton. There are other fine players such as accordionists Ted Reichman and Will Holshouser, saxophonists Steve Lehman and Matt Bauder, bassist Carl Testa and percussionist Aaron Siegel. Believe me, there are many more. They may not create music that captures the ears of The GRAMMY Awards or makes one want to get up and dance but their efforts challenge the listener and makes one consider the possibilities of sound.