Multi-instrumentalist L’Rain (photo by June Canedo)
Over his decades-long career, Roland P. Young has become known for many things — a thoroughly multi-instrumental approach, mind-bending improvisation, and a distinctive style that he’s termed “Afro-spiritual minimal electronic space music.” Funnily enough, the classically trained clarinetist started his career as a radio host for San Francisco’s famed KSAN, while performing on the side. With the release of his first solo record, Isophonic Boogie Woogie (1980), Young carved out his own unique sonic space that combined electronic and acoustic instrumentals, bringing together everything from saxophones and synths, to kalimbas. Several records later, his emphasis on richly layered improvisation has remained a delightful constant.
On Thursday, November 21, New Yorkers will have an opportunity to catch his first solo performance in over 10 years, as part of a double bill with the equally fluid experimentalist L’Rain, one of the latest projects of Brooklyn-born multi-hyphenate Taja Cheek. A classically trained cellist and pianist (and a curator in her own right), Cheek’s music conveys a similar spiritual inflection, combining aspects of jazz, noise, RnB, and pop into a sound that can elicit goosebumps during performances. Last year, her much buzzed-about debut album offered a tender collage of songs that explored grief, loss, joy, and everything in between, acting as a moving tribute to her late mother Lorraine, who passed away during the making of the album. Fresh off a residency at National Sawdust and a busy touring schedule, Thursday’s performance could offer a great opportunity to hear what exciting new material she might have in store for listeners next.
Roland P. Young and L’Rain is organized by Matthew Lyons, and co-presented by The Kitchen and Public Records, with additional support from Palto Flats.
When: Thursday, November 21, 8 pm
Where: Public Records (233 Butler Street, Brooklyn), tickets available here for $20 / $15 Kitchen Members / $25 at the door
