MUSIC

Nameless Sound is Houston’s most vital presenter of cutting-edge creative music, free improvisation, avant-garde jazz, electro-acoustic improvisation, new music and uncategorizable sound-making. This season opens with three Nameless Sound premieres, representing a wide range of world-class artists.

Nameless Sound and The Menil Collection present John Butcher and Joe McPhee in Dan Flavin's final florescent light installation.

John Butcher (UK) - saxophone
Joe McPhee (New York) - saxophone

Presented by Nameless Sound in collaboration with The Menil Collection.

British saxophonist John Butcher and American saxophonist/trumpet player Joe McPhee are two of the premiere international names in improvised music.

Known as a foremost virtuoso of the saxophone’s extended techniques, John Butcher’s solos are a study in subtle detail, nuanced acoustics, brilliant overtones, and powerful abstraction. He has shown a particular interest (and ability) in the exploration of site-specific acoustics. A strongly expressive musician, legendary saxophonist/trumpeter Joe McPhee (pictured) draws deeply from the well of blues, spirituals, and jazz, while always forging innovative ground and remaining a steadfast individualist. With roots in the revolutionary avant-garde of the 1960’s, McPhee is one of the music’s most inspirational artists, keeping it alive and on the cutting-edge.

Commissioned to create a site-specific installation by Dominique de Menil, Dan Flavin completed the design for the Richmond Hall installation just two days before his death in 1996. Given complete creative control of the project, Flavin chose not to alter the original structure of the building, a 1930 grocery store. Richmond Hall is one of Houston’s renowned art environments.  For more information about Richmond Hall: www.menil.org/visit/flavin.php.

Richmond Hall, at The Menil Collection, 1500 Richmond Ave. Tickets: Free.

This event is part of Nameless Sound's Andrew Mark Ladd Memorial Concert Series.

Links:
http://www.joemcphee.com
http://www.johnbutcher.org.uk