Eric Johnsen "The Dreamers"

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

In 2005 Eric took a transformative trip to the Amazon rainforest, and spent some time with the indigenous Achuar people. The Achuar are a dream culture; they believe the world of dreams is the true waking state, and what we perceive as being awake is really being asleep. For years they have been fighting to protect their land and lives from the ever-encroaching fossil fuel industry, with the help of the San Francisco-based NGO Pachamama Alliance. This was a unique alliance between the modern world of the North, and the indigenous world of the South. Yet the message from the Achuar has always been clear: If you coming here to save us, you’re wasting your time. If you really want to help, go home – and change the dream of the North. Featured soloists are Jerry Léonide (keyboards), Song Yi Jeon (voice), and Chris Wabich (drums). Also featured is the string orchestra, periodically punctuating the improvisational ensemble with featured sections. Voice Song Yi Jeon Keyboards Jerry Léonide Bass Roberto Koch Drums Chris Wabich Tabla Ehren Hanson String Chamber Orchestra Eric Johnsen’s Liminality seeks to explore liminal spaces: that space at the threshold of profound change; the state of suspension between the death of what was, and the birth of what will be -- or could be. Combining an improvisational chamber ensemble with strings, Liminality weaves together jazz, fusion, and world beats with chamber and orchestral elements. The music ranges from strictly composed to purely improvisational. Textures range from the power of the full ensemble with chamber string orchestra to the delicacies of solo and duet performances. At times the music floats in ethereal spaces; at other times it is rhythmically driving, anchored by American, Indian, and Afro-Cuban influences. All music composed and produced by Eric Johnsen. For more info: http://ericjohnsen.com