Alex Harding & Lucian Ban DARK BLUE Tour
Join saxophonist Alex Harding and pianist Lucian Ban at An die Musik Live as they present DARK BLUE, a celebration of their musical brotherhood with a unique amalgamation of original pieces and improvisations informed by traditions of jazz, blues, and European chamber music.
From avant blues to spontaneous improv pieces, from ballads that recall Ben Webster, Archie Shepp, and Sun Ra, DARK BLUE represents a stunning document of two artists at their maturity, two old friends conversing in the language of modern jazz.
Detroit born baritone saxophonist Alex Harding and Transylvanian expat / New York City based pianist Lucian Ban have been at the forefront of contemporary jazz for more than two decades, collaborating and founding several groups together, releasing a handful of diverse albums for American and European labels, performing countless concerts and tours in the US and Europe all the while documenting an amazing body of music.
Their relationship has been long and fruitful. Pianist Lucian Ban arrived in New York City from Romania in 1998. As he first began to immerse himself in the local scene, he was fortunate to hear baritone saxophonist Alex Harding. The two hit it off immediately and formed a fast friendship, leading to musical collaboration with Alex becoming an essential voice on Lucian’s recording debut on their co-led album, Somethin’ Holy (CIMP, 2002). It was Alex Harding’s unique voice that attracted Lucian Ban, one that had also captured the ears of many legendary collaborators, including Sun Ra, Muhal Richard Abrams, and Julius Hemphill. Alex’s heartfelt, blues-drenched baritone sax and experimental playing lent well to Lucian’s open-minded and improvisatory approach to music. Their combination of elements of improvised music has helped the pair develop a unique musical language that transcends the expectations of the jazz genre.
In-person seats: $25 / $10 students
Attendees receive a link to the recording to view for one week.
Streaming passes: $15
The link will remain active through April 10
Donations welcome!
