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Art After 5 debuts two commissioned jazz compositions by renowned saxophonist-composers Joe Lovano (May 20) and Chris Potter (May 27) at the Philadelphia Museum of Art that are both inspired by a single painting in the museum’s collection, “Seine” by Ellsworth Kelly.
Joe Lovano
Each performance takes place in two sets, from 5:45–6:45pm and 7:15–8:15pm, following a 5pm interview with the composer conducted by journalist David R. Adler.
In 2005, Art After 5 developed a series that explores the relationship between music and the visual arts, offering a new point of departure for its acclaimed jazz programming. Lovano and Potter’s works will represent the fifth and sixth times musicians have composed pieces inspired by works in the museum’s permanent collection.
Chris Potter
Not only are Lovano and Potter’s compositions new interpretations of visual art, but they also serve as a musical “conversation” between two of today’s leading saxophonists, artists of separate generations who are equally groundbreaking in their work and musicianship. Saxophonist Joe Lovano (b.1952) is considered an icon of his generation of jazz musicians. His career began with the Woody Herman Thundering Herd in the 1970s, and includes three decades with the Mel Lewis Orchestra. He worked with the Paul Motian Band in the 1980s, and collaborated with major artists such as John Scofield, Herbie Hancock, Elvin Jones, Dave Holland, and Ornette Coleman. During his 20-year relationship with Blue Note Records, Lovano was nominated for eight Grammy Awards, winning Best Large Ensemble in 2000 for the record “52nd Street Themes.”
A world-class soloist, accomplished composer and bandleader, saxophonist Chris Potter (b. 1971) is considered one of the leading musicians of his generation and is the youngest musician ever to win Denmark’s Jazzpar Prize. Potter’s discography includes 15 albums as a leader and appearances on more than 100 albums as a sideman. He has performed or recorded with many of the leading names in jazz, such as Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, John Scofield, the Mingus Big Band, Jim Hall, Paul Motian, Dave Douglas, Ray Brown, and many others.
For general information, call 215.763.8100 or visit the Museum’s website at www.philamuseum.org
