Mary Halvorson - Georgetown University, Friday the 13th, February 2015
Just got back from a Mary Halvorson solo performance at Georgetown University, part of their Afternoon Music series. Mary also conducted a Master Class for GU music students. The concert was presented free (thank you GU) as part of Mary's visit. I've seen Mary in every possible configuration, from nonet to duo, but her solo appearances have been scarce, so this was an especially welcome performance. Do I need to say that the performance was superb? It was.
The interesting aspect of this performance was Mary performed "covers" of a variety of compositions. I took note of the set list (I might have missed one); a fascinating set of compositions:
Ornette Coleman - "Sadness"
Carla Bley - "Ida Lupino"
Annette Peacock - "Blood"
Oliver Nelson - "The Cat"
Duke Ellington - "Solitude"
Chris Lightcap - "Platform"
Tomas Fujiwara - "When"
Although the concert was recorded by GU, it is not planned to be released; however, Mary has recorded these and other pieces for a solo album, which will be released on Firehouse 12 in the Fall. That will be one to get. Friday the 13th turned out to be a lucky day after all.