Harish Raghavan -double bass
Jasper Dutz -clarinet & bass clarinet
Ben Wendel -tenor saxophone & bassoon
Gilad Hekselman -guitar
Simon Moullier -vibraphone
Kayvon Gordon -drums
This show is in partial fullfillment of a Chamber Music of America grant. The ongoing topic is changes, and more specifically death. Of loved ones or ideas, I’ve tried to process these changes through sound with this ensemble.
For more than a decade, bassist-composer Harish Raghavan has helped lay the foundation for a thriving generation of artists. The Thelonious Monk Competition semifinalist garners acclaim as a sound architect for myriad original projects, from Ambrose Akinmusire’s to Eric Harland’s. Other longtime collaborators include Logan Richardson, Vijay Iyer, Gerald Clayton, Taylor Eigsti and Walter Smith III. Born in Chicago, the New York-based artist transitioned from Mridanga to bass at age 16. His appetite for mingling lineages has allowed him to craft an inclusive, deeply personal artistry. Raghavan’s debut album Calls for Action (Whirlwind Recordings) reflects his development as a composer and band leader. Fifteen original tracks serve as a cohesive narrative for the album, as well as standalone suites on either side of its vinyl release. Raghavan received his BA in Music from USC — where he studied under John Clayton and Dave Carpenter, and later with Robert Hurst — and has become a highly sought educator. Teaching credits include Stanford Jazz Workshop, The New School, Siena Jazz Workshop, Banff and Centrum Jazz Workshop. He also appears regularly on the international festival circuit.