Altus: Imagined Futures
On February 15, Metropolis Ensemble hosts Dave Adewumi’s quintet, Altus, to celebrate their upcoming album Imagined Futures at One Rivington.
Concert at 7pm (Doors 6:30)
Preview the Album
About The Album
Imagined Futures, the upcoming album from the NYC based quintet Altus is a body of music that demonstrates the power of listening, of being heard, and of hearing in an age of social and political dissonance. The music, composed by all members of the collective, draws on the artistic traditions that form the bedrock of American music: Black American improvisation often referred to as “Jazz.”
This album, and collective en masse, is set apart from most other contemporary jazz experiences by nature of being a band in the truest sense of the word. The compositions, while credited to individuals within the collective, are brought to life by the group's ability to think as an ensemble. With a musical bond that can only be achieved through time, commitment, and trust, the group cultivates a “sixth voice;” a singular presence that is brought about by the combination of individuals.
It is this “sixth voice" that shapes Imagined Futures and demonstrates the message of the album: The sum is greater than any one.
With the history of Black American music as a backdrop, the members of Altus musically reflect on their disillusionment with the American Dream and its emphasis on individualism. The music fluctuates between cacophonic dissonance, like a heartbroken protest, and gentle synchronicity, like a prayer that gives the listener a sense of stubborn hope.
For five years Altus, consisting of Dave Adewumi, Neta Raanan, Nathan Reising, Isaac Levien, and Ryan Sands, has been sharing their music through performance and education. Altus can be heard at clubs throughout NYC and festivals from Burlington to New York or can be found teaching students at masterclasses and workshops at public schools or institutions like the New England Conservatory.
Meet The Musicians
About The Artists
Dave Adewumi
Dave Adewumi is an award-winning trumpet player, composer, and educator captivated by the intangible nature of music. His work is derivative of the great black improvisers and composers of the past yet pushes forward to capture the totality of the human experience.
He has performed around the world including the Panama Jazz Festival, Generations in Jazz Festival, De Camera festival, and Bern Jazz Festival. His most recent collaborations have been with Jason Moran and the Bandwagon’s Absence of Ruin, and Dave Douglas’ Engage and Dizzy Atmosphere. More Info »
Altus
Altus, a fusion of five gifted musicians—Dave Adewumi, Isaac Levien, Neta Raanan, Nathan Reising, and Ryan Sands—embarks on sonic journeys rooted in a decade-long musical bond. Inspired by Black American improvisational techniques, Altus creates narratives that blur the line between immediate experience and timeless mythologies. More Info »
