Firehouse 12 to Present David Torn's Prezens This Friday 3/14

On Friday, March 14th, Firehouse 12 will kick off its 13-week Spring Jazz Series with a two-set performance by experimental guitarist David Torn's all-star quartet, Prezens. The group unites Torn with the members of acclaimed saxophonist Tim Berne's electro-acoustic trio, Hard Cell, featuring keyboardist Craig Taborn and drummer Tom Reney. Prezens is touring the U.S. in March in support of its self-titled 2007 debut, which marked Torn's triumphant return to the ECM Records label.

Critics called Prezens “marvelous" (Barry Witherden, BBC Music Magazine), “a truly unique work" (Dan Bilawsky, Jazz Improv) and “a potent mix of jazz, free form rock and technology that is both demanding and rewarding" (Edwin Pouncey, Jazzwise). AllAboutJazz.com reviewer Mark F. Turner added, “It is a musical journey unlike any other...an experience that is unique, cinematic and atmospheric. The musical shifts from quiet to explosive are what make this such an interesting and challenging recording. Much of the music feels like a real-time film score that is in constant flux; heightening anticipation after repeated listens."

Torn is a highly regarded composer, performer, producer and self-described texturalist. His eclectic body of work spans a wide spectrum of the sub-genres of jazz, rock and pop, and includes recordings under his electronica pseudonym, SPLaTTeRCeLL. Also a prominent composer of film scores, Torn's most recent release is the soundtrack for the 2007 Oscar nominated independent film, Lars and the Real Girl. Other highlights of his diverse discography include his influential 1987 release, Cloud About Mercury, the Jan Garbarek Group's It's Okay to Listen to the Gray Voice and Gtr Obliq with fellow guitarists Vernon Reid and Elliott Sharp.

2008 Spring Jazz Series schedule:

03/14 :: David Torn's Prezens
03/21 :: Susie Ibarra Trio
03/28 :: Dezron Douglas Quintet
04/04 :: Aaron Goldberg Trio
04/11 :: Joe Morris Quartet
04/18 :: Peter Brtzmann/Han Bennink Duo
04/25 :: Andy LaVerne's One Of A Kind
05/02 :: Bass Drum Bone
05/09 :: Miguel Zenon Quartet
05/16 :: Ralph Alessi and This Against That
05/23 :: Min Xiao-Fen Asian Trio
05/30 :: Amir ElSaffar's Two Rivers
06/06 :: Ben Wolfe Quartet