The all-star line-up of musicians performing at the West Tisbury Library on Saturday, January 14 offers more than a concert of world-class musicians. According to a press release, Boston-based group Peace Ensemble “seeks to inspire people and help transform culture through soulful musical exploration.” Band his leader Gretablo describes the quartet ensemble’s mission: Music is a very powerful facilitator for opening up collective experiences — opening doors of perception and taking people on a journey.
Don’t let this description fool you into thinking that the Peace Ensemble is just about a therapeutic experience. Blending popular songs such as Stevie Wonder, vocal and instrumental improvisational soundscapes, original compositions incorporating sacred jazz, Brazilian and Latin grooves, Afropop and world soul, the concerts are fun and enthralling. . It’s an experience that tends to get people uplifted, and can even induce dancing.
The concert will introduce the island audience to four musicians with a very impressive track record. Saxophonist Stan Strickland has entertained audiences around the world, performing with Boston Her Pops, Herbie Mann, Yusef Ratif, and more.
Pianist John McDowell rose to international fame with the soundtrack to the Academy Award-winning documentary Born into Brothels. He has played in his own world music band and has toured and recorded with Sting, Rusted Root and Krishna Das. Bringing world music influences to his ensemble of pieces, McDowell is the musical director and arranger of Tibetan singer Ani Choin.
Bruce Gertz was named Best Bassist at the Boston Music Awards. In addition to his extensive playing experience with Dave Brubeck, Cab Calloway, Maynard Ferguson and Count Basie, Gertz has had an extensive career as an educator and has received multiple awards for his achievements in music education. . He is currently Professor of Bass at the prestigious Berklee College of Music since 1976.
Singer-songwriter Greta Bro has performed in the United States, Europe and Brazil, bringing her own original compositions that incorporate inspiring music from around the world, including bossa nova, Latin, reggae and world pop. Bro describes her style as popular music. Her CD “Love’s Song” was enthusiastically received by audiences in the United States, Brazil, Sweden and France, with very favorable reviews of her music and her voice described as sincere and soulful. It has received praise from critics. Larry Katz of the Boston Herald called her singing “a voice that echoes deep within her heart”.
In addition to her performing and recording history, Bro has long pursued various fields of music therapy and empowerment. Among other things, she leads seminars on the healing properties of sound and music.
On her website, Bro describes herself as “psychic teacher, depth psychologist, female spirituality pioneer, spiritual midwife, vibrational healer, sound healer, author, poet, singer/songwriter, performer. described as an artist. She has her master’s degree. She studied Expressive Arts Therapy and Counseling Psychology at Lesley College, Cambridge, and is currently working in music therapy with her longtime friend and collaborator Strickland. she said: She is a powerful facilitator for opening the collective heart space. I use sound to take people on a journey into themselves and open doors of perception. ”
Bro and other group members see the Peace Ensemble’s music as a vehicle for promoting unity and awareness. It’s conscious music. My lyrics explore the human condition. ” Every member brings a unique perspective to the group.
“In these times of accelerating change, we are all on a journey,” says Bro. “Music is a great tool for facilitating change. We want to give people the opportunity to reflect and recognize our common humanity through music.”
The Peace Ensemble will perform at the West Tisbury Library on Saturday, January 14th at 3:30pm.
