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Concerts by Composers: Glen Velez and Layne Redmond
Works Performed or Excerpted:
1. “Excerpt ” - Glen Velez, dayereh, voice and Layne Redmond, panderetta
2. “Solo” - Glen Velez, bodhran
3. “Excerpt” - Glen Velez, bendir, voice and Layne Redmond, shruti box, voice
Glen Velez
Velez is the first percussionist to gain international recognition as a successful solo artist using frame drums. In 1989 Velez’s undeniable mastery caught the attention of twentieth century composer John Cage, who composed a piece especially for him, titled 'Improvisation for One-Sided Drum with or without Jingles.' Adorned with a rich international artistic legacy his plethora of sounds have inspired decades of collaborations with an epic and eclectic list, including Steve Reich, the Paul Winter Consort, Suzanne Vega, Maya Beiser, Tan Dun and Pat Metheny. Other collaborations include: Israel Philharmonia, Brooklyn Philharmonia, Opera Orchestra of New York, Taipei Chinese Orchestra, Zakir Hussain, Sonny Fortune, New York City Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke's, David Darling, Howard Levy, Eugene Friesen and Coleman Barks. Live performances also include radio concerts and interviews broadcasted on Spanish National Radio 4, German Public Radio, Italian National Radio 3, Radio Freistadt (Austria) and National Public Radio. Velez maintains an International touring schedule as a soloist and continues to collaborate with prominent artists in many styles. His most recent concerts are presented as TA KA DI MI Project and feature the virtuosic rhythm vocalist Lori Cotler as well as illustrious guest artists.
Layne Redmond
The February 2000 issue of DRUM! Magazine listed Layne Redmond as one of the 53 Heavyweight Drummers Who Made a Difference in the 90s. She's the only woman on this list (which includes Tony Williams, Roy Haynes, Zakir Hussain, Elvin Jones and Mickey Hart), and the only drummer on that list whose work is focused on the spiritual and healing aspects of drumming. Layne Redmond's unusual path focuses on the hand-held frame drum, the world's oldest known drum. For fifteen years, she researched the history of this drum in religious and healing rites in the ancient Mediterranean world culminating in her book, "When the Drummers Were Women". This book details a lost history of a time when women were the primary percussionists in the ancient world and also explains why they are not today.
Glen Velez in DRAM
More information on Glen Velez and Layne Redmond
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