Pianist/composer and Bad Plus founder Ethan Iverson chose The Local in Saugerties for the world premiere of three pieces for piano, string quartet, and clarinet, all named for an early jazz master: “The Benny Goodman Sextet,” “The Louis Armstrong Sextet,” and “The Coleman Hawkins Sextet.” Carol McGonnell provided the clarinet, while contemporary classical quartet Orange Road brought the strings.

Words and Photos by Rudy Lu for Mirth Films

The other musicians are not jazz musicians per se. They are classical musicians that champion the music of the late 20th/21st century. All the performed notes are written, there was no improvisation. The performances of the compositions were short, purposely limited to 5 minutes or less. The limits of a 78 rpm laquer.

– Rudy Lu for Mirth Films