Jazz@Bucknell presents Ryan Keberle & Catharsis in a free, public concert on Friday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m. in Bucknell Hall.
Since arriving in New York City in 1999, trombonist/composer Ryan Keberle has performed with a jaw-dropping roster of legendary musicians across a vast array of styles. At 34, his resume is more eclectic and impressive than that of many musicians twice his age.
Keberle has performed with jazz greats including Maria Schneider and Wynton Marsalis; hip-hop and R&B superstars like Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, and Alicia Keys; Latin jazz leaders like Pedro Giraudo and Ivan Lins; played in the house band at Saturday Night Live, on the soundtracks of filmmakers like Woody Allen, and in the pit for the Tony-winning Broadway musical In the Heights. He most recently toured with indie rock ground-breaker Sufjan Stevens, ushering him into a new arena of fresh, emotionally charged music.
Keberle combines that wealth of influence and experience into a bold group sound with the debut of his pianoless quartet, Catharsis. The band comprises some of the most compelling up-and-coming voices in jazz – trumpeter Mike Rodriguez, bassist Jorge Roeder, and drummer Eric Doob – culminating in an approach rich with melodic invention, heavy groove, and a subtle indie rock sensibility. With the absence of a chordal instrument, Keberle was driven to focus more keenly on melodic and rhythmic aspects, resulting in memorable tunes and intensely driving grooves.
Jazz@Bucknell is a chamber series that was conceived to present international modern masters and young visionaries to the campus and surrounding community several times a year. Programming showcases the entire tradition of jazz, from standards to the Avant-Garde, with an eye on artists who continue the innovative tradition of the music with their personal approaches to sound, style and composition.