The Modern Validity of Ben Allison

There is something very special about discovering a new artist and exploring their catalog. Jazz music has proven itself one of the most influential strongholds in American culture today. Jazz initially progressed at the intersection of oppression and expression, muddling frustrations and pleasures, together in an unmapped journey to freedom, and the result is such a sweet song, that releases what sparks our innermost hate, desires, lust, jealousy and happiness. The most exiting jazz artists have captured those very principles while adding the right modern twists to satisfy our ever-changing ears.
Unlike music that permeates the commercial monoculture of today, jazz is not forwardly nude or noxious. Unlike commercial rap there are no pimp cups or booty dances. Unlike a hard rock show, there is no moshing or bare-breasted girls. What is present in jazz is heart-pouring emotion that will take you on a ride through the crash of the cymbals, a bend through the blue notes, and hope in the horns. It is an art form of utmost class and clairvoyance that allows you to discover the vulnerability of the musician and yourself.
Most of us are familiar with classics like Coltrane, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Dave Brubeck, and Thelonious Monk. However, the key that started my engine of excitement was on the chain of a great new jazz artist. He proves relevant to the formula of modern jazz music and has electrified a thrilling musical scene that absolutely must be discovered.
Ben Allison is a visionary jazz bassist, heavily involved in the New York jazz scene. He has been creating music in the exciting community of shiny instruments and percussive submissions for over a decade. Allison has proven himself to be one of the consistent strong forces in the jazz realm of creative culture. His newest album, “Think Free,” is composed of a colony of innovation and improvision, bridging the gap between an old art and a brand new sound. The arrangements are subtle yet surprising, always leaving your ear stimulated with an original sound.

What is interesting about Allison’s style are the instruments he uses in the new album. He incorporates violin, guitar, trumpet, bass and drums in his new project. When I asked him about this unique pairing he said, “As a composer I’m always looking for new sonic directions. My inspiration of pairing violin and trumpet was to write a lot of things in unison. They’re both pretty high-pitched instruments but I thought that together they would have a very round but slightly ethereal sound. Also, it’s been interesting to think of the violin sometimes as a horn and sometimes as a string along with bass and guitar.”

The instruments are of great importance to the arrangement, yet so is the vibe or feeling they create. As there are no words to the Allison’s music, he discussed how he tries to relate a theme to the listener musically. “One of the reasons I love playing instrumental music is that it is more abstract and thus more open to interpretation by the listener. I like the fact that each member of the audience will have a different, and hopefully personal, reaction to any one tune. As for mood creating, that is something I’m deeply interested in. I want each of my tunes to have its own mood, distinct in some way from everything else I’ve written. It’s important for me to express it directly in words to my musicians, because most of that information is impossible to notate.”

At the heart of any gifted musician is passion for their particular art. Too often we forget to ask why artists love doing what they do. When I asked Ben why he loves the bass he added, “The bass is a beautiful and complex instrument that feels really good in your hands. It’s somewhere between a guitar and a drum. Musically, bassists can have a strong influence on the direction of the music, both harmonically and rhythmically. It’s a powerful feeling.” Allison’s charisma shines at the very center of his work and to see him perform live is a very powerful experience.

Allison will be performing on Monday at the Hansen Theater on the MSUM Campus. Tickets Available through the MSUM Box Office, 218.477.2271.
Nicholas Fryer, assistant professor of music at MSUM, said he is “Trying to create a jazz scene in the area and want to continue to bring in world-class musicians now and in the future.” Fryer also added that Ben will be hosting a two-day residency workshop at MSUM, and will be speaking about improvisation, composition, musicianship, and the music industry as a whole. These informative workshops will be held Feb 8 and 9 during daytime hours.

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

If You Go

What: Ben Allison Band
Where: Hansen Theatre, Roland Dille Center for the Arts, MSUM
When: Mon, Feb 8, 8 pm
How Much: $10