The Jazz Gallery Presents: Brandon Ross & Stomu Takeishi

Since joining Henry Threadgill's Make a Move Band in 1996, guitarist Brandon Ross and bassist Stomu Takeishi have become a truly simpatico musical pair. Whether playing as a duo, in a quartet, or a large ensemble, the pair can seemingly play with one mind, has an uncanny knack for improvising fully complementary ideas. In an interview with Jazz Speaks, Ross spoke about how their time with Threadgill still undergirds their interplay today:

Stomu and I have [Threadgill] as a reference point in terms of musical dynamics, musical language. What we have been able to distill from that experience at that time, and evolve and mature in the duo relationship that we have. And I guess the longevity of the language that we share and that we developed is something that is has a lot to do with the instruments that we’re playing—Steve Klein-designed instruments. They have such a particular character of sound production and the way they interact with one another – we just want to hear them! In the writing that we do, I just want to hear the instruments [laughs].

This Friday, February 21, Ross and Takeishi return to The Jazz Gallery for two sets. They will be introducing new music for the duo that both clarifies their lineage and points to what's next.Brandon Ross & Stomu Takeishi's "For Living Lovers" plays The Jazz Gallery on Friday, February 21, 2020. The group features Mr. Ross on acoustic guitars, banjo, and vocals; and Mr. Takeishi on acoustic bass guitar and bass ukulele. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. $25 general admission ($15 for members), $30 reserved table seating ($20 for members) for each set. Purchase tickets here.