Two musicians who normally might not cross paths are brought together to meet for the first time, play and discuss each other’s music, and speak about their respective approaches to their shared instrument and their music. Celebrated for his singular fusion of traditonal and avant-garde styles, New York-based Steven Bernstein is a bandleader and arranger who has led several critically hailed groups (Millenial Territory Orchestra, Sexmob, Spanish Fly), worked on movie soundtracks (Kansas City, Get Shorty) and is currently co-leading the New Orleans-inspired Hot 9 with pianist Henry Butler. Classically trained and well-known in his native Netherlands for leading and collaborating in a wide variety of styles and projects, Eric Vloeimans has, like Bernstein, worked in the worlds of jazz and film; he has also extended his playing to electric/fusion groups, and continues to perform in a classical context. Both Bernstein and Vloeimans are noted for their senses of humor and light-hearted attitude while performing; this should make for an especially enjoyable conversation!
