The Rhythm Road: The Ryan Cohan Quartet and Exegesis

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad is a program developed by Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to identify talented jazz and urban music artists in the United States and give them a chance to perform internationally before a wide variety of audiences. For the third year in a row, these talented young artists will perform at National Geographic, some before leaving the States on their world tours, and some after returning from abroad. We will be presenting five of these programs, January 17 and 24, March 27, April 17, and May 1.

The Ryan Cohan Quartet constantly searches for new musical territory to explore while remaining deeply rooted in jazz and blues traditions. Conversant in a variety of world-music styles and rhythms, the Chicago-based quartet has distinguished itself on major stages throughout the U.S. and Canada by balancing dynamic and tight ensemble playing with explosive, expressive solos. Download audiofiles.

Exegesis bases its music in the belief that symbols, scientific thought, astronomical ideas, numerical ratios and conceptual art and architecture can be expressed in sound. The group seeks to bridge the gap between modern music technology and improvisation, using live samplers and interactive music software to create the sonic illusion that there are more than four musicians performing. Download audiofiles.

Meet the musicians at a free reception following this program.

This series is presented with generous support from media sponsor WPFW radio, at 89.3 FM.

http://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/nglive/washingtondc/s2008/concerts/cohan.html