Turtle Island String Quartet, Gypsy Jazz, Piedmont Triad Jazz Orchestra, And A Hopscotch Audio Diary

  Turtle Island String Quartet

On Thursday, the Turtle Island String Quartet played a concert with jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut as part of Wake Forest University's Secrest Artist Series. The show explored jazz and classical traditions with American music from Jelly Roll Morton to Thelonius Monk. Throughout their history together, the quartet has played with the sounds of folk, bluegrass, swing, be-bop, funk, R&B…the list goes on. And their experimentation paid off – with two Grammy awards for best classical crossover album in 2006 and 2008. While they certainly explore contemporary musical fusion, the quartet isn't afraid of reviving long lost tradition either. Turtle Island is known for its revival of improvisational and compositional chamber traditions that haven't been explored by string musicians for nearly 200 years.   

Violinist David Balakishnan co-founded the groundbreaking crossover string quartet more than 30 years ago. He spoke with Executive Producer David Ford in August ahead of their first performance with jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut in Ravinia.

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Wrecks and Fatima Guitar Criminals

Rex Griffin and Fatima Mendieta make up the gypsy jazz guitar duo Wrecks and Fatima Guitar Criminals. Rex was the leader of the Hot Club of North Carolina for 30 years. He's been playing the music of Django Reinhart for decades, and even toured with Django's son. Fatima studied guitar and piano in Mexico and brings a distinct and appealing rhythm to the duo. he gypsy jazz duo is releasing their first CD this Saturday, September 19^th. They'll be playing a show at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Greensboro. The show is 8-10pm. Tickets will be sold at the door. 

The two spoke with WFDD's David Ford in anticipation of their first CD release.

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Piedmont Triad Jazz Orchestra

The Piedmont Triad Jazz Orchestra is about to kick off their second full season on September 20^th. They'll play “Tar Heel Swing,” a concert featuring the music of North Carolina-born John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, Max Roach, as well as original compositions by Orchestra members. David Ford spoke with Piedmont Triad Jazz Orchestra co-founder Wally West.

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Keep Out! Eddie's Hopscotch Audio Diary: Part One

  Eddie Garcia lets you in on his Hopscotch experience. Eddie attended the 3-day festival last weekend in Raleigh, and has this audio diary to remember it by.