Violist and composer Mat Maneri is a master of improvisation. He follows in the footsteps of stellar improvisers Paul Bley and Paul Motian with a sound that is distinctly his own and developed over years of discovery and practice. Considered as one of the original and compelling musicians of exploratory music, Maneri has collaborated with countless musicians including Cecil Taylor, Evan Parker, Lucian Ban, and Craig Taborn, among others. Pianist Matt Shipp called him “one of the five greatest improvisers on the planet.”

The evolution of Maneri’s remarkable and individual sound began with his initial forays into classical violin. His discovery of Baroque music and his explorations of modern classical and improvisation led him to develop his own practices. Through the influence of his father, woodwind player and educator Joe Maneri, he was able to find a way of vocalizing on the violin or viola in his own unique manner, channeling Ben Webster and Miles Davis.

His recording Ash showcases his stirring playing in a program of open-ended compositions that showcase his unique marriage of jazz and microtonal music alongside an ensemble of modern master improvisers: Lucian Ban (piano), Brandon Lopez (bass), and Randy Peterson (drums).

Sam Yulsman, Sam Wenc & Joey Sullivan Trio:

Sam Yulsman is a composer and pianist whose music spans a wide range of idioms. Yulsman’s compositions have been performed in North and South America, Europe, and Asia by ensembles and soloists including the Talea Ensemble, Ensemble Korea, Sun Ra Arkestra, JACK Quartet, Séverine Ballon, String Noise, Distractfold, Wet Ink Ensemble, Mivos Quartet, New York New Music Ensemble, Julia den Boer, Jeonghyeon Joo, loadbang, and Rage Thormbones.

Sam Wenc is a composer and interdisciplinary artist often working with sound, text, and fabric. As a multi-instrumentalist, he utilizes guitar, pedal steel guitar, vibraphone, electronics, field recordings, and found objects to compose structured and formless work that is curious about the themes and parameters of “folk" music. He has released music on labels such as Noumenal Loom, Obsolete Staircases, Where to Now (UK), Moone Records, his own label, Lobby Art. He received a MFA in Music & Sound at the Milton Avery Graduate School of the Arts at Bard College.

Joey Sullivan is active in both setting up some very successful free music showings as well as playing with an array of east coast improvisers. Playing drums in out music groups like Bark Culture & Violet Salon III with James McKain as well as playing in active alt-folk groups like Florry.

accessibility: two steps from street to venue

Please note, once a show begins at The Perch entrance is through the side door via calling the number posted on the front door.