I am listening to Vijay Iyer’s new album, “Historicity.” It is turning an unremarkable morning into an aural adventure. It’s always exciting to experience new work from an artist we are associated with, but it’s a thrill when the work is so powerful, elegant and richly textured. Vijay takes on some familiar songs, and some perhaps not so familiar. He has re-imagined such standards as the Leonard Bernstein’s “Somewhere” and Stevie Wonder’s “Big Brother” as well as work by Andrew Hill and Julius Hemphill and more, including his own compositions.
It is especially exciting because we are embarking on a new creative journey with Vijay and poet Mike Ladd this year. Both artists are new to our Harlem Stage family and they’ve been a complete joy to work with so far. Both have produced rich and exciting work in the past – together and on their own – and we look forward to working with them over the next few years.
Keep an eye for our spring season when you will have a chance to begin the journey with us as we embark on the creation of Vijay and Mike’s new work, “Holding it Down: Songs of Experience.” For some idea of what that might be like, check out their stunning 2003 album In What Language.
Until then, pick up “Historicity” It’s a delightful listen. Here’s a little something from the New York Times Fall Preview.
-Brad