Tyshawn Sorey (1980) is a drummer/percussionist who at times will also sit at the piano or play the trombone. Not so extraordinary for someone who is active as a composer and music theoretician, but who should be seen as a performer first and foremost. Sorey is a musician who can be energetic and powerful in his playing, but pursues other goals as well: beauty, nuance and dynamism. His compositions have focussed on concepts derived from the music of Morton Feldman and Zen Buddism and are characterized best by a strong accent on ensemble playing and group improvisations. Last year, he released the album Alloy, a trio album that received only praise in the media. He created the record with the same trio he will bring to the festival this year; with Chris Tordini on bass and Corey Smythe on piano. Besides a beandleader, Sorey is also a much-requested sideman and well-known for his ability to effortlessly master even the most difficult written scores.
