Eardrum Series Presents: Ra Bishop & Special Guest

About this event

$15 suggested, doors 7:30, show @ 8PM

[What is Eardrum?] BMC’s Eardrum series focuses on bringing improvised music to the south side. The series aims to feature diverse artists and types of improvisation and to celebrate Chicago’s rich culture of creative and experimental scenes.

A truly multi-generational group, the ensemble Ra Bishop embodies an extraordinary breadth of combined experience. Master percussionist Avreeayl Ra (Professor Longhair, Sun Ra Arkestra) and the singular trombonist Jeb Bishop (Jeb Bishop Trio/Quartet, Peter Brötzmann Chicago Tentet) first worked together in bands led by guitarist Dan Phillips. Since Bishop's move back to Chicago in 2022, the two have sought ways to deepen their collaboration in new settings. For this trio and quartet performance at Chicago's Hungry Brain in March 2024, they were joined by veteran composer/bandleader/improviser Edward Wilkerson Jr (8 Bold Souls, Shadow Vignettes) on woodwinds, and on piano the remarkable and intrepid newcomer Erez Dessel, a more recent arrival in Chicago who has quickly made himself heard there. The distinctive and fascinating results are heard on the group's debut CD, Of the Essence.