June 17-24, 2004

musicpicks

John Hollenbeck

JAZZ

Drummer John Hollenbeck is a percussionist addicted to texture. His sideman credits include work with downtown trumpet fusioneer Cuong Vu, trombonist Bob Brookmeyer's various large ensembles, even new music eclectic Meredith Monk. But it's within his own ensembles that Hollenbeck's crunchy tendencies reach their full potential. His Claudia Quintet — with reedist Chris Speed, vibist Matt Moran, accordionist Ted Reichman and bassist Drew Gress — melds Eastern European klezmer with contemporary classical music, by way of high-energy electro-acoustics. I, Claudia, their new album on Cuneiform, manages to be challenging but easy on the ears. And as if seeing these A-list improvisers in person weren't enough, Hollenbeck is opening his set with a duet performance featuring the Amsterdam sax legend Jorrit Dijkstra, whose fluttering lines have long recalled Ornette Coleman's more melodic excursions. Fans of postmodern creative music, take note: This is a show to take your nonbelieving friends to.

Thu., June 17, 8 p.m., $15, Slought Foundation, 4017 Walnut St., 215-222-9050.

—Kyle Parker