THRU Magazine Archive
Stressings by Jordan Dykstra: How to make the viola cry. Sometimes we need to question the difference between beautiful and pretty. I’m not about to tackle such a lofty rhetorical exercise, but it should be safe to say that your concept of pretty, beautiful, is not mine, and not least Jordan Dykstra’s. He is a […]
New worlds of improvised form were showcased at Creative Music Guild’s fifth annual ISP. In the spirit of this festival, the following was developed in an improvisational manner. As the event progressed, I posted photos and thoughts that were gradually edited, revised, and distilled — when I was able to rouse myself back up. Two nights and one full […]
One of Europe’s best known free jazz players mesmerizes old fans in Portland. Peter Brötzmann’s Quartet took the stage at Mississippi Studios last Thursday night in silence, setting a powerful tone of what was to come, which I will say now, was something musically fierce. With no commentary or following encore, the band set off, led […]
Japan Noise Tour Kicks Off in North Portland The term “noise” might be derogatory in some cases, implying uninvited sound. But there is another view which contends that all sound, invited or not, is music, so it just depends on how seriously the musician takes their noise. One might suggest that the latter would be […]
When Catherine Russell joined the instrumental trio on stage Thursday night at Jimmy Mak’s, she tied together a lustrous scene. In front of plush red curtains, a thick velvety backdrop that looked sturdy enough to support her if she fell back, the jazz vocalist from New York sparkled in the loose lace of a black […]