Efw Presents: Darius Jones Trio at VBI Theatre at Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center

“Darius Jones has such a distinctive sound on the alto saxophone — widely dilated, yet so rough it could peel paint — he could make a living off his tone alone. But he also has a fiercely innovative streak as a composer.”
— Giovanni Russonello, New York Times

“Bassist Chris Lightcap has been on so many of the coolest records of the last 20 years, playing with people like James Carney, Regina Carter, Craig Taborn, Matt Wilson, Rob Brown, Joe Morris, and many more.”
— Will Layman, PopMatters

“'I know it’s wacked to say this about someone playing now, someone of your own generation, but I think Gerald Cleaver is one of the greatest drummers in jazz history.' This is the view of Matthew Shipp, a fine pianist...if other colleagues don’t state it so boldly, their admiration for Cleaver is just as deep and genuine. They know, as many listeners do, that the story of jazz and improvised music in the last 15 years would not be the same without the artistry of this Detroit native.”...

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“Darius Jones has such a distinctive sound on the alto saxophone — widely dilated, yet so rough it could peel paint — he could make a living off his tone alone. But he also has a fiercely innovative streak as a composer.”
— Giovanni Russonello, New York Times

“Bassist Chris Lightcap has been on so many of the coolest records of the last 20 years, playing with people like James Carney, Regina Carter, Craig Taborn, Matt Wilson, Rob Brown, Joe Morris, and many more.”
— Will Layman, PopMatters

“'I know it’s wacked to say this about someone playing now, someone of your own generation, but I think Gerald Cleaver is one of the greatest drummers in jazz history.' This is the view of Matthew Shipp, a fine pianist...if other colleagues don’t state it so boldly, their admiration for Cleaver is just as deep and genuine. They know, as many listeners do, that the story of jazz and improvised music in the last 15 years would not be the same without the artistry of this Detroit native.”
— David R. Adler, JazzTimes

Elysium Furnace Works is thrilled to continue its epic 2025 season with a concert by a premier modern jazz ensemble, the Darius Jones Trio. Led by one of the most acclaimed alto saxophonists of his generation, this band of leaders will perform Jones' remarkable compositions, highlighting the one of the most gifted, commanding rhythm sections playing anywhere today: bassist Chris Lightcap and drummer Gerald Cleaver.

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