Catch the Derrick Michaels Quartet and the Aaron Irwin Trio on a double bill at An die Musik Live!
7 pm: Derrick Michaels Quartet
Derrick Michaels, saxophones
Dave Ballou, trumpet
John Lee, guitar
Mike Kuhl, drums & percussion
Baltimore native Derrick Michaels is a tenor saxophonist and improviser with a deep sound and a bold, imaginative presence in the creative music community. With roots in both the lyrical and exploratory branches of the creative saxophone tradition, his wide expressive palette brings a soulful, melodic sincerity to a wide range of musical environments.
He has been described by Jazz Weekly as a “thick-toned tenorist”, and by Downbeat magazine as wielding a “large sound and free flowing style”. The Baltimore Jazz Alliance says: “Derrick Michaels' saxophone playing comes right out of his soul; the instrument sounds like a human voice.”
Over the years, many important musical relationships have developed with the likes of Ellery Eskelin, Susan Alcorn, Michael Formanek, Dave Ballou, John Dierker, Tony Martucci, Eric Kennedy, Zach Swanson, Mike Kuhl, Alex Weber, Savino Palumbo, Daniel A. Ryan, Jon Seligman, Theljon Allen, Jeff Reed, Phil Cunneff, Ben Frock, Chris Pumphrey, John Lee, and a growing list of respected names within the broader community.
Joining Michaels for this occasion are venerated members of the jazz and experimental scene on the East Coast: Dave Ballou on trumpet, John Lee on guitar, and Mike Kuhl on drums. The dynamic and telepathic connections between these stalwart improvisers excites sonic textures and movements that run the gamut from serene to turbulent — all in devout service of the beauty and truth of the moment.
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8:30 pm: Aaron Irwin Trio
Aaron Irwin, saxophones & clarinets
Mike Baggetta, guitar
Bill Campbell, drums
The Aaron Irwin Trio is an exploratory and dynamic ensemble that thrives on pushing the boundaries of structure, form and improvisation, creating music that is deeply interactive and texturally rich. With a focus on group interplay, the trio crafts non-conventional song forms that evolve organically in performance, blurring the lines between composition and spontaneous creation.
Each member brings a distinctive voice shaped by years of collaboration and work with some of the most forward-thinking artists in jazz and beyond. Baggetta (mssv, Jim Keltner, David Torn) is known for his atmospheric yet raw approach to the guitar, while Campbell (Breastfist, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Madison Cunningham, Andrew Bird) provides a fluid and expressive rhythmic foundation. Irwin (Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, Jamie Baum’s Septet +, Gabe Kahane) ties it together with a melodic sensibility that embraces both clarity and abstraction.
The trio first made its mark with Wobegon (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2018), an album that established their distinctive aesthetic. Their latest release, (After) (Adhyâropa Records, 2024), further refines their approach, earning critical praise for its expansive compositions and immersive sound. With years of collaboration behind them, the Aaron Irwin Trio continues to evolve, creating music that is unpredictable, expressive, and deeply connected.
In-person tickets, both sets: $25/ $10 students
In-person attendees receive a link to the recording to view for one week.
Streaming passes:: $15
The link will remain active thru Aug 15!
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