CHRISTOPHER BAKRIGES Quartet Clear&

Present

Christopher Bakriges Quartet: Clear and Present is inspired by songs and spirit from around the world in celebration of the global humanitarian efforts and achievements of people and agencies working for peace using the universal language of music. Christopher Bakriges [Critical Theory, Quartet ‘Til the End of Time, Oikos], vibraphonist Jay Hoggard [Sam Rivers, Chico Freeman, Kenny Burrell, Hilton Ruiz], drummer Billy Arnold [Teddy Wilson, Zoot Sims, Junior Walker & the All Stars, Young@Heart Chorus], and bassist Avery Sharpe [Archie Shepp, Art Blakey, Pat Metheny, McCoy Tyner] are four veterans who work so well together. The opening track, “The Door of No Return,” memorializes the Atlantic slave trade on Gorée Island, off the coast of Dakar, Senegal. “Litima,” refers to an inner flame connecting spiritual meaning and beauty. “Primary Colors” exhibits the group’s incisive mainstream character. “Gnosis” plays itself like grace under fire - polyrhythmic volatility and melodic buoyancy - and features a virtuosic solo excursion by Hoggard. “Curious Birds” is a reharmonized blues while “Blue Book” is a lyrically adventurous romp. The music concludes with “Western Oceans, Eastern Seas,” that begins its journey on one continent and finishes on another. With compelling soloing and consummate ensemble interplay that holds itself to high aesthetic standards, Clear and Present is an emotional body of work that is an outstanding release.

Christopher Bakriges | www.bakriges.com | 802-368-7217 | jass@together.net

“…the pianist here with an exceptional band. Great original material, magnificent group interplay and fanciful soloing – Bakriges reveals stunningly moving pianism with an intense but clear compositional shape derived from Ahmad Jamal, McCoy Tyner, and the Modern Jazz Quartet. The acoustic fusion pianist with an effortlessly dynamic, open-minded quartet outing is a winner from start to finish.”

Critical Theory / 2016

1 Door of No Return

2 Litima

3 Primary Colors

4 Gnosis

5 Curious Birds

6 Blue Book

7 Fountain of the Innocents

8 Western Oceans, Eastern Seas

Christopher Bakriges, piano, compositions

Jay Hoggard, vibraphone

Billy Arnold, drums

Avery Sharpe, bass