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Robert Black Tribute Concert: John Luther Adams’ Darkness and Scattered Light

This past year our friend Robert Black passed away.  One of the great bass players of our time and a founding member of the Bang on a Can All-Stars, he was a part of everything we did, from our first concert in 1987 until this year.  No-one on the planet could make the double bass sing, dance, sound like a drum, spin like a top, like Robert Black.  And no one dedicated his life to the new with as much invention, musicality and passion.  We are all blessed to have been his friends.

Robert’s last recording was John Luther Adams’ Darkness and Scattered Light.  This beautiful album overflows with JLA’s monumental reflections on the vastness and majesty of the natural world.  It was released after Robert died and went on to receive a Grammy nomination.  The music on it has never before been performed before in its entirety – rich, sonic, deep, complete, and live.The concert will be performed by five bassists – all former students of Robert’s and alumni of the Bang on a Can Summer Festival – and will be led by longtime Bang on a Can colleague Gregg August, including bassists Tristan Krausse, John-Paul Norpoth, Eleonore Oppenheim, Will Yager.

Robert Black Photo: Stephanie Berger

John Luther Adams: Pete Woodhead