The Revolution Ensemble, a seven-person chamber orchestra led by award-winning composer Peter Saltzman, is trying to do what few have tried: push classical music into the twentieth century.
In a series of three concerts, the second of which is November 10 at the Three Arts Club (the final will be at the same venue, November 17), TRE presents "Four Trios (With Limited Commercial Interruptions)."
The "Four Trios" are actually a combination of the classical piano trio (piano, violin and cello) and the classical jazz piano trio (piano, bass and drums). "Trio No. 1: The Classical Alternative" is a three-movement piece for piano, clarinet and bassoon. "Trio No. 2: The Hybrid Trio" features piano, cello and percussion, with amplified cello. The Jazz Trio strives to integrate jazz, funk and R&B into a classical setting with piano, electric bass and drums. And the fourth, "Classical Trio," features violin, piano and cello with movements of improv.
Based on The Revolution Ensemble's short sample CD of "Trio No. 4," this is interesting enough stuff to engage even the most jaded music fan. Also boding well is the fact that all the players boast high musical pedigrees. Leader Saltzman (above), in addition to winning the ASCAP Composers Prize, had his "Walls" recorded by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra for release on A&R. Bassist Michael Fiorino has performed with the likes of Dionne Warwick, Frankie Avalon and the Drifters. Violinist Katherine Hughes has recorded with Poi Dog Pondering and Corky Siegel. Percussionist Tom Jasek has been part of local bands Shrimp Boat and Falstaff, and composes for the Next Theatre and New Crime Productions. Other players have been part of or recorded with various area orchestras and jazz ensembles.
Morse codes
The Rogers Park venue Morseland Cafe is in danger of falling victim to the city's effort to reduce the number of bars in Chicago neighborhoods. Bridget Duggan, who bought the Morseland site (formerly On the Tao), was recently denied a change-of-officers request on the bar's "incidental liquor license," meaning the Morseland still operates with the license for O.T. Tao - the previous licensee.
The city, in it's official denial, claims that the Morseland area is beset by litter, noise, loitering, fighting, public drinking, public urination, unruly patrons who congregate, increased drug and gang activity and prostitution.
Whatever. Anyone who has visited the Morseland in the past year knows that none of the above is accurate. The Morseland, much like its far North Side cousin the Heartland Cafe, is a low-key, quiet venue. Although like any bar, it can become crowded, the music booked by the Morseland rarely draws a massive number of people.
"We keep the lot clean, the noise down, try to keep people from hanging around in the parking lot as much as possible, are severely harsh on IDs, and are too expensive for local undesirables," contends Duggan. "We don't sell drugs here, just food and drinks along with entertainment. We don't operate a prostitution or gambling facility, we don't sell liquor to go."
Duggan believes the denial of the change-of-officer request resulted from complaints the city had on file from previous years. The Morseland has a court date to argue its case - a second chance the city allows - but Duggan believes that once the case is closed, liquor license revocation is the next step. Morseland patrons can express their support by writing a letter to Mr. Winston Mardis, Mayor's License Commission, 320 North Clark, Room 519, Chicago, 60610.
Albini blues
The new Jon Spencer Blues Explosion album, "Acme" (Matador), features seven songs recorded by (guess who?) Steve Albini. The man, I swear, is everywhere.
Getting out
After more than a year out of commission with a never-identified brain ailment, Carlos Ortega is back on track, big-time. In addition to the November 7 show at Schubas, Ortega's band Casolondo has will play the Note December 5, Tower Records on Clark December 19, and a New Year's Eve date - with the Blacks - at Chicago's coolest small venue, the Hideout.
Loud luck
The secret, very unadvertised Sevendust concert last September 15 at the Metro has been turned into a television special, "Live and Loud." The half-hour show will be aired at midnight, November 14, on WBBM-TV Channel 2.
by Dave Chamberlain
copyright 1998 New City Communications, Inc.