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On the evening of Wednesday, September 30 we are proud to present avant-garde improvisational trio Almost Music (NYC/PA), featuring saxophonist Jack Wright, double bassist Evan Lipson, and trumpeter Jonah Gelbart. Opening for Almost Music is percussionist/improviser Troy Kunkler (CMH). Doors 7:30pm, show begins at 8:00pm. Performance will take place at Old First (1101 Bryden Road 43205). $8.00 online, $10 at the door.About the artists:
Jack Wright (b. 1942) is a musician described as playing “post-electronic saxophone, and dedicated to to free playing since 1979. Described thirty years ago as an “undergrounder by design,” he is a veteran improviser based mainly in Philadelphia. He has played mostly on tour through the US and Europe since the early 80s in search of interesting partners and playing situations. Now at 83 he is still the “Johnny Appleseed of Free Improvisation,” as guitarist Davey Williams called him in the 80s, on the road as much as ever. He continues to inspire players outside music-school careerdom, playing sessions with visiting and resident players old and new. He’s said to have the widest vocabulary of any saxophonist, including leaping pitches, punchy, precise timing, sharp and intrusive multiphonics, surprising gaps of silence, and obscene animalistic sounds. Apart from interviews, for a true assessment of his and his partners music and for links to his writings (including The Free Musics) go here: Spring Garden Music.
Evan Lipson (b. 1981) has lived with the incurable disease of music since early adolescence, seeking the liminal realms in which intellect and instinct, history and myth, and creative and destructive force intersect. Drawn towards aberrant perspectives at an early age, his formative activities were primarily rooted in extreme and discordant forms stemming from various traditions of “underground” and ancient musics. He may or may not have some degree of affiliation with Rev. Fred Lane in addition to a social scientific think tank known as MEINSCHAFT.
Jonah Gelbart is an improviser, composer, system-builder based in the greater Philadelphia area, playing trumpet and shofar. He plays everything from classical, straight-ahead jazz, new music, to free improvisation. He is currently a member of the Hansen-Protasi Group, the Kitchen Sink ensemble, the (Toshi) Makihara/Allen/Gelbart Trio, and various other temporary musical arrangements. Playing sessions regularly since June 2025 at the Spring Garden Music House in Philadelphia with Jack Wright, saxes, and Henry Allen, guitar.
Troy began playing percussion in middle school band. He went on to study music at Ohio University, where he studied classical percussion with Roger Braun and Joseph VanHassel and drum set with Guy Remonko. In college, Troy participated in as many ensembles as possible and was known for borrowing large stacks of scores from the library to read through. Since college, Troy has played, toured, and recorded with a variety of bands and ensembles on drum set, bass, and vibraphone. Some past projects include: Radarhill, Mosses, and a rock opera written by local composer Nick Weckman about worms taking over the planet entitled “Worms Rise Up”. Currently, Troy plays drums with October Ember, The Francis Bacon Band, guitarist Mike Sopko, bass with Marvin The Robot, and drums and vibraphone as a soloist, bandleader and freelancer. As an instructor, Troy has taught students of all ages and loves to help people find joy playing music and develop their unique sound based on their interests and influences. Outside of music, Troy enjoys being outdoors, running, tennis, card games, and movies.
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Event venue
Old First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bryden Rd,Columbus,OH,United States
Tickets
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