Chopin Salon #100 – Nagant
Nagant
Wed May 8th 8pm – Chamber-folk ensemble NAGANT and folk-noir artist Ellis Swan perform.
Tix $10. More info 217-840-3024.
NAGANT is a chamber-folk ensemble living and working in Chicago. It is the collaborative effort of composers Noah Harris (piano and voice) and Nathan Swanson (violins, viola and cello). Their music draws from a broad base of
classical, world, and western folk influence. Swanson’s string arrangements have an epic and virtuosic quality, full of nuance and ardor, reminiscent of the late Beethoven Quartets. The songs have a dark swagger that pull the listener into a world of aged imagery, influences like Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits can be heard. Harris’ voice is simultaneously theatrical and earnest, one is reminded of singers like Jacques Brel, Jeff Buckley and Rufus Wainwright.On May 8th the two composers will be joined by three members of Chicago’s New Millenium Orchestra: executive director and principal violist Dominic Johnson, violinist Madeline Capistran, and cellist Dan Klingler.
Ellis Swan has been called “Chicago’s most elusive musician” by Chicago Magazine. “Swan’s songs have patient movement: bass lines that crawl around in circles and fractured washes of texture. His weary, almost exhausted-sounding voice scrapes out a listener’s soul.” – Chicago Magazine 1/15/13
“Standout track “Black Perfumes” is as subtly fuzzed out as ever, with the artist sporting an appropriately muted croon over staccato percussion and restrained instrumentation, as if he knew that whatever our plans could have been for next year, it’s probably already too late for anything anyway.” No Fear of Pop 12/6/12
Ellis Swan has almost never been seen live, and will be performing this very rare concert appearance solo on May 8th.
Director
Noah Harris and Nathan SwansonPerformers
Noah Harris, Nathan Swanson. Ellis Swan. Chicago New Millenium Orchestra – Dominic Johnson (violis); Madeline Capistran (violinist); Dan Klingler (cellist)