Jim Ryan's Forward Energy Trio FE3 Portland CD Release performance with Robert Jones(OR) bass, Andrew Wilshusen(OR) drums
SBTG-QDave Sewelson(NY)/Carolyn Torrente(OAK)/Antony Bichon(SF)/Nicolai Gvatua(SF)
Jim Ryan, the Bay Area's grand master of free jazz founded Forward Energy ten years ago playing with various bay area musicians using the free jazz improv style he learned during a year-long participation in Steve Lacy’s weekly open sessions in Paris during the early 1970’s. He has honed his style to a sharp precision and will present his trio performing sound from their new CD FE3.
Robert Jones learned to play the double bass from Winston Budrow at Michigan State University. He received his BA in contrabass performance and worked as an extra in several Midwest symphonic groups before moving to Portland, Oregon where he works with many improvisational ensembles including The Evolutionary Jass Band, Thee Oregon Artificial Limb Co. and Eternal Tapestry.
Andrew Wilshusen started drumming at ten but it got serious when he heard a Max Roach recording. He then listened intensely to late 40’s & 60’s jazz. He practiced the drums obsessively while obtaining his BA. He played in rock bands but was captured by avant-garde jazz and contemporary classical music. In 2000 he moved from the Midwest and immersed himself in the free jazz & improv music scenes of the San Francisco bay area. In 2005 he relocated to Portland expanding his work to accompany dancers and to cull new sounds from drums and found objects.
Dave Sewelson baritone-sax
I was born in Oakland, California, in 1952. There was a half-size
violin kept in the closet in case I wanted to be a concert violinist. I played trumpet at the age of nine, moving to baritone horn at the age of eleven, followed by a stint on
drums until I settled on electric bass at thirteen, adding upright bass to the mix until the switch to saxophone at the age of twenty-one. I have specialized in the baritone saxophone since the early seventies. I arrived in New York City
in the summer of 1978, settled in the East Village, played in many bands in the area including the 25 O'Clock Band, Jemeel Moondoc's Jus Grew Orchestra, Noise R Us, Mofungo, Freedomland and Fast 'n Bulbous.. I was a founding member of the
Microscopic Septet. Lifetime member of William Parker's Little Huey Creative Music Orchestra. Musical Director of The Daves.
Carolyn Torrente-alto sax
Carolyn Torrente plays alto sax and has performed with Polly
Bradfield, Lesli Dalaba, Robin Holcomb, Vicki Trent, Syble Glebow, ChuchEazy, Dave Sewelson, W. Horvitz, Spirit &
Jim Ryan in NYC & SF Bay Area.
Antony Bichon-Bass
Transplanted from "old Europe" to the San Francisco Bay Area, I
discovered that it is a great place for wine, food and sun... even for a Frenchman! Eventually my bass playing resurfaced and I have never looked back... except for good bread...
Nicolai Gvatua-drums was born and raised in Tbilisi, Georgia, currently lives in US since 1992. Started music education while
attending Tbilisi Choreography college. At age of 14 replaced a drummer in the school band and hasn't giving up the drum sticks since. Co-founder and lifetime member of the group Oazis (Road to Home, Live in SF) In 1998, together with Igor Abuladze (Oazis, Drug) started project Zarb'zan (Zarb'zan, Zarbzan2) that involves mostly studio work and occasional live performances. Played percussion with Foothill Brass band (Dave Adams-conductor)
for 2 seasons.Founding member and drummer of BTG Trio with Carolyn Torrente and Antony Bichon.
Cost: $10/8/5
Videos featuring musicians playing at this event
Green Alembic at Berkeley Arts 5-17-14