Pioneer Valley Jazz Shares

PNEUMA (πνεῦμα) is an ancient Greek word for "breath", "spirit" or "soul". This quartet features four improvisers / composers: vocalist Ayelet Rose Gottlieb and clarinetists James Falzone, François Houle and Michael Winograd. Pneuma’s sound is kaleidoscopic - many worlds entangled - with extended techniques and layered effects blending with soulfulness and an exposed vulnerability. Jewish-music intertwines with contemporary classical compositions and free-jazz improvisations. Pneuma’s instrumentation is unusual and full of breath, allowing every band member to reimagine their role and find their ground in new and innovative ways. The poetry (sung in English) comes from many corners of the world, including Christina Rossetti (UK), Warsan Shire (Somalia / UK), Forugh Farrokhzad (Iran), James Joyce (Ireland), Mayumi Terada (Japan), and Ono no Komachi (9th century Japan). Pneuma will conduct a workshop, sit for an interview and participate in a post-concert reception.