By David Steinberg /
Journal Staff Writer
The use of the word “collective” suggests freedom rather than chaos.
That certainly is part of the sentiment that Albuquerque bassist Luis Guerra and Santa Fe pianist John Rangel want to convey in their Thursday, May 8, concert with the New Mexico Conscious Collective. The concert will be at the Outpost Performance Space.
The “conscious” part of the title refers to an awareness of world events, even outside the realm of music.
“John and I have been discussing for a while the current state of things in the world. How to bring (into the music) concepts of what's happening ... paying more for gas or the shifting music industry paradigm of buying and listening to CDs,” Guerra said.
“Our idea for a night of music is with new concepts and to bring to the audience what we're dealing with and create an ensemble of people who share those thoughts.”
The collective aspect will show up in the first set when Guerra, drummer Diego Arencon and saxophonist Kanoa Kaluhiwa will play compositions that each have written, some of them in modern Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythms.
Guerra said Rangel may join the trio in a number or two, but it will be in the second set when the pianist will take the lead.
“I'm going to do some experimental stuff and I may do some electronic stuff,” Rangel said. “I may throw in a standard or two.”
Regarding the idea of being a collective, he said he's simply trying to be more democratic about the importance of every instrument in the ensemble. He hears from many people that since the pianist is leading a trio, then the pianist will dominate. Even if that's the case, Rangel said he prefers that all musicians contribute whether “we're playing profound poetry or it's rhythmic play or a dance. We're all part of the whole. The pianist is just one instrument of the three.”
Rangel's recent experimentation has involved improvising on some of the 48 preludes and fugues contained in J.S. Bach's “Well-Tempered Clavier.”
Many musicians and composers have used parts of the “Well-Tempered Clavier” for inspiration.
Rangel's experiments with it will be on an upcoming recording.
Luis Guerra and John Rangel: The New Mexico Conscious Collective
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8
WHERE: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE
HOW MUCH: $17 general public, $12 students and Outpost members in advance at the Outpost or by calling 268-0044 or at the door
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