Michael Cooke

Phillip Greenlief

Phillip Greenlief, a veritable icon of the Bay Area’s improvisational music scene, stands as a testament to the intertwining of creativity, collaboration, and exploration. As a saxophonist and composer, his work breathes with whispers and wails, weaving a musical tapestry rich with innovation and a deep sense of community.

The roots of his artistic journey are as diverse as the genres he embraces. Inspired by the collaborative ethos of legendary figures like Merce Cunningham, Robert Rauschenberg, and Morton Feldman, Greenlief’s approach is one of shared aesthetic values and mutual trust. These qualities have become his hallmark, evident when he shares the stage with dancers, poets, and fellow musicians, creating moments of beauty unplanned and pure.

Greenlief’s performances are more than shows; they are gatherings of cultures and spirits where spontaneity reigns supreme. His projects, such as the reflective melodies of The Lost Trio and the unrestrained compositions with Animals & Giraffes, showcase a relentless pursuit of the roads less traveled in music. These endeavours exemplify his belief that the most compelling works often arise from a dynamic and responsive creative process.

Phillip met poet and critic Claudia La Rocco during a residency at the Headlands Center for the Arts, sparking a collaboration that thrived on immediate response and raw expression. This partnership culminated in the formation of Animals & Giraffes, where live improvisations provide a sonic backdrop to La Rocco’s real-time poetic creations. Their connection highlights Greenlief’s desire for dialogue with other living artists, breathing life into the words as they unfold.

Yet, despite his influential presence and his significant contributions, Greenlief often opts for the intimate setting over the grand stage, focusing on the quality of interaction rather than the spotlight. His longest-running ensemble, The Lost Trio, features a collective sound that captures conversations not just between musicians but with the audience as well.

Beyond performance, Greenlief’s impact extends through his role as a curator, collaborator, and educator. His label, Evander Music, has been a vessel for the prolific creativity of the 90s and aughts, linking the Bay Area to a global network of improvisational voices. Collaborators like Lisa Mezzacappa celebrate him not only for his artistry but also for his role in fostering a culture of generosity and interconnectedness among artists.

Looking ahead, Greenlief’s creative journey continues to evolve. With a slew of recording projects in the pipeline, including collaborations and solo ventures, he stands poised to steer his music into uncharted territories. As a composer, his devotion to the craft is unwavering, a reminder that the path of an improviser is not one of solitude, but a continuous dance with the world around him.

Phillip Greenlief’s story is one of ceaseless innovation and fearless artistic exploration—a melody that plays on, inviting listeners to discover the endless possibilities within the world of sound.

Alexis Alrich

Alexis Alrich’s musical tapestry is woven with threads of the global soundscape, a blend that started forming when she began composing music at the tender age of eight. Her path led her through the esteemed corridors of the New England Conservatory of Music and the California Institute of the Arts, culminating in a master’s degree in music composition from Mills College under the tutelage of Lou Harrison.

Alrich’s compositions resonate with the rich traditions of Western classical music, yet they dance to the rhythms of minimalism, whisper in the hues of French Impressionism, and echo the percussive patterns of gamelan and Chinese music, all the while keeping a foot firmly planted in the soil of American roots music. Her style is distinctively melodic and tonally vibrant, crafted with lively rhythms and a colorful timbral palette that together weave a compelling musical narrative.

Acclaimed by audiences and lauded by critics, Alrich’s three-movement Marimba Concerto is emblematic of her ability to create a distinctively lyrical world. With a style that is uniquely hers, Alrich has seen her works, including her Marimba Concerto and Bell and Drum Tower, released on Naxos Records, earning praise for their fresh energy and musical richness.

Recognition for her work extends beyond the stage, with numerous grants and commissions underscoring her contribution to the arts. The Upstate California Creative Corps grant and the commission of “Sierra Rhapsody” for pianist Lynn Schugren highlight her recent accolades, with the latter piece premiering to the delight of Grass Valley audiences in September 2023. Her commitment to composing for communities is palpable, as seen in her “Continental Harmony” grant composition, “Maine Suite,” which bridges cultural divides through music.

Nature’s muse sings through Alrich’s work, from the piano-driven “Voice of the Forest” to the string quartet “Canoeing Silver Lake,” reflecting her deep connection to the environment. Her global journey, from San Francisco to Hong Kong and back to California, has infused her music with an eclectic array of cultural inflections, as evidenced by commissions such as “Shadow in the Moon” and “Song of Eternal Regret.”

Alrich’s versatility shines not only in her compositions but also in her performance as a pianist. Her chamber music, including the evocative “Chase Me” for violin duo and the “Water Colors” for a string ensemble, showcases her multifaceted artistry. Her contributions to the Nevada County Composers Cooperative and her featured performances in their concert series reflect her ongoing engagement with the music community.

Published by Alto Publications and Pavane Publishing, Alexis Alrich’s music invites listeners to a world where classical tradition and global musical narratives converge, creating an experience that is both rooted and transcendent.

Rent Romus

Working closely with Heikki Koskinen, Romus was also introduced to Karelian folk music and music by the indigenous Sami people realted through the Finno-Ugric language chain. These influences are woven throughout “The Otherworld Cycle,” and “Manala” where he uses traditional instruments like the kantele (a Finnish stringed instrument) alongside saxophones, flutes, and bells. The themes of the “Other World” in his music refer to a heritage found deep in the subconscious, interpreted from different perspectives through improvisation, traditional music, and composition.

In 2023, the Romus and Koksinen took their latest suite of music “Itkuja” (Lamentation) performing with their Finnish band, Otherworld Ensemble, drawing inspiration from the healing music of laments of the northern regions and elements of life-pulsating jazz. This project, among others, represents Romus’ commitment to celebrating and exploring his cultural heritage, using elements of Finnish pentameter rhythmic folk music interlaced with melodic themes, graphic, and improvisational components expressed in American Jazz.

Rent Romus’ embrace of his Finnish roots in his music is a testament to his versatility as a musician and his commitment to exploring and incorporating diverse cultural influences into his work.