2020 Roulette Commissioned Artist Max Johnson presents Transformations. Harvesting the wild energy and joy of free jazz and bluegrass, bassist and composer Max Johnson approaches his music with love and authenticity. Creating complex worlds of sound, Johnson challenges his listeners to engage deeply and be rewarded with a complete musical experience that is always jubilantly crafted with care and clarity. With nine albums, and over fifteen hundred concerts under his belt with artists like John Zorn, Mivos Quartet, Chris Thile, Anthony Braxton, Mary Halvorson, among others, Johnson has proven to be an unparalleled force on the bass, and a unique, exhilarating voice as a composer.
Program
String Trio (2017) for Violin, Viola, and Cello.
Long Meadow (2020) for Clarinet. Dedicated to Lucy Hatem, World Premiere.
Chestnut Grove (2019) for Alto Flute, Viola, Piano, and Percussion. World Premiere.
Transformations (2020) for Oboe, Trombone, Violin, Cello, and Percussion. World Premiere, Commissioned by Roulette with funds provided by the Jerome Foundation.
Nine O’Clock When the Streets Were Quiet (2020) for Clarinet, Violin, Viola, and Cello. World Premiere.
I Have Heard the Chimes at Midnight (2018) for Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone and Piano. Dedicated to Orson Welles, commissioned by the Steven R. Gerber Trust.
Waiting… from Day to Day (2020) for Flute, Violin, and Piano. Dedicated to Franz Kafka, World Premiere.
Performers
Lauren Cauley: violin
Carrie Frey: viola
Maria Hadge: cello
Laura Cocks: flute
Christa Robinson: oboe
Lucy Hatem: clarinet
Andy Kozar: trumpet
Kyra Sims: french horn
Will Lang: trombone
Steven Beck: piano
Matthew Gold: percussion
“Max Johnson is one of the most prolific and versatile musician/composers in music today” (Brad Cohan, New York City Jazz Record).
Transformations was originally scheduled for Spring, 2020, but was postponed and rescheduled due to Covid-19. Roulette’s Fall season will be presented virtually and available for free on a variety of streaming platforms. Our theater is currently closed for public performances as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the safety measures that Roulette has put in place to keep staff, artists, and the public safe.
Transformations, by Max Johnson, was commissioned by Roulette, made possible with funds provided by the Jerome Foundation. This performance is presented through Roulette’s GENERATE program, providing over 30 artists each year with in-depth creative and technical support.
