PuSh Festival, Music on Main present Joby Burgess' “A Percussionist’s Songbook”
The genre-defying artist offers an electrifying performance of his new album
Joby Burgess, “Flying Sticks”. Photo by Nick White
Joby Burgess’ “A Percussionist’s Songbook” is coming to Vancouver, presented by PuSh International Performing Arts Festival and presenting partner Music on Main.
Burgess is a percussionist who transcends categorization; his virtuosity, daring, and eclecticism put him in the top rank of international musicians. In this show, he performs his new album, which consists of pieces written for him by John Metcalfe, Tunde Jegede, Dario Marianelli, Yazz Ahmed, Graham Fitkin, Dobrinka Tabakova and Gabriel Prokofiev, as well as two compositions of his own.
Burgess describes the works as “songs without words”, but, paradoxically enough, they’re inspired by texts; the literary sources include the poetry of Robert Graves, the prose of Michael Ondaatje, Saudi Arabian folk , and even United Nations population growth statistics!
Written for an array of electronics and percussion instruments, A Percussionist’s Songbook is a profusion of sonic pleasures. Burgess moves through a number of different setups during the performance and takes the time to chat with the audience as he goes. It’s an evening of electrifying music.
Joby Burgess’ “A Percussionist’s Songbook” takes place Wednesday, January 25 and Thursday, January 26 at the Annex (823 Seymour Street). Doors are at 7 pm; concert starts at 7:30 pm. The concert is supported by Vancouver Civic Theatres.
For more information, see Music on Main.
Post sponsored by Music on Main.
JobyBurgess, “Drum Boom”. Photo by NickWhite