Sunday May 17, 2015 | Connexion ARC | Fredericton
By Matt Carter @m_j_c73
When Connexion ARC first announced their line-up of spring performances earlier this year, this particular show caught my attention. Two unique solo performers from the East Coast and an instrumental ensemble from New York. How could it not be fantastic?
The evening began with a performance by Union Suit, a project by Fredericton artist Tate LeJeune. Union Suit combined guitar loops and occasional vocals to create contrasting melodies that argued and collided with the strength of a full ensemble. This impressive set was the perfect introduction to a great evening of music.
Paper Beat Scissors was up next. No stranger to East Coast venues large and small, Tim Crabtree performed a short set of music that included songs from his new album coming later this summer via Forward Music Group. One of Crabtree’s greatest strengths as a musician is his ability to deliver consistent performances that go far beyond the standard musician-with-instrument expectation. His guitar work and dynamic vocal delivery work together as a single instrument, never failing to captivate an audience. Made even more impressive by his giant silhouette projected high on the wall behind him thanks to a simple desk lamp, this short set could have carried the night on its own.
The evening was capped off with a stunting performance by the New York City ensemble, Bing & Ruth. Led by pianist and composer David Moore, the seven-person ensemble combined cello, clarinet, double bass and tape delays to create a calculated performance of ascending melodies and hypnotic dissonance. Through simple, captivating melodies bolstered by a highly skilled group of musicians, the complexity of Moore’s minimalist compositions where the perfect highpoint for a beautiful evening of music.
Big thanks to Backward Music and Connexion ARC for hosting the show. Despite the modest turnout, I’m sure those in attendance will remember this performance as one of the year’s best. Isn’t that always the way?
