Amirtha Kidambi's Elder Ones

 Running time: 90 minutes 

Amirtha Kidambi, vocal, harmonium, electronics; Matt Nelson, soprano saxophone, electronics; Alfredo Colon, tenor saxophone; Nick Dunston, double bass; Jason Nazary,  drums, electronics 

Led by Amirtha Kidambi, Elder Ones blend free jazz, classical avant-garde and electronic music with the riotous energy of ‘spiritual punk’. The line-up brings together an inspired configuration of musicians: vocalist, composer and keyboardist Amirtha Kidambi (who has toured Slovenia as a member of Mary Halvorson’s bands and also performs with Darius Jones); saxophonists Matt Nelson (Battle Trance, Flying Luttenbachers) and Alfredo Colon (Henry Threadgill, Moses Sumney); bassist Nick Dunston (Marc Ribot, Vijay Iyer, Mary Halvorson, Tyshawn Sorey, Moor Mother, JACK Quartet); and drummer Jason Nazary (Anteloper, Saint Abdullah). The figures listed in brackets are not merely illustrious names, but forebears – the elder ones – whose omnipresence can be felt throughout the musicians’ work.

The ensemble’s instrumentation, undergirded by the drone of the Indian pump organ harmonium, creates an intricate contemporary soundscape for Amirtha’s voice to traverse – invariably engaged, articulate and ready to confront the injustices and consequences of -isms and systemic oppression.

Hindu devotional music – bhajan, accompanied by harmonium – forms the soundtrack to Amirtha’s childhood. Born to Indian parents, she grew up on the US West Coast, where she encountered the Carnatic musical tradition through dance as well. It is from here – from the body – that her rhythmic language truly stems. She explores the complexity of her identity – her experience as an Indian American – through an artistic expression shaped by the theory and practice of singing in contemporary classical ensembles, experimental rock bands on the New York DIY scene, and jazz. The concert marks her Slovenian debut as the leader of her own ensemble.