The University Daily Kansan
Music
Section B • Page 3
Brazilian Guitar Quartet Bach: Four Suites for Orchestra
Orchestra
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the death of Johann Sebastian Bach, the master Baroque composer. You don't have to
be familiar with his work or even classical music to enjoy the Brazilian Guitar Quartet's take on Bach.
its new release serves as a great introduction to the artistry of Bach's
instrumental writing. Originally intended for an orchestra, the members of the quartet arranged the music for four guitars. To add another twist, members Paul Galbraith and Everton Gloedon play their guitars like cellos, with the endpins resting on the floor. Any guitar aficionado should explore this CD just for the innovations in guitar playing.
The quartet brings a beautiful, litting sound to the "Orchestral Suites." In one of the most
recognized pieces, "Air" from "Suite no. 3," the guitarists weave together different musical lines, creating a sound that is both sorrowful and hopeful. The "Sarabande" from the "Second Suite" is another jawel among the riches offered on this album. The "Overture to the First Suite" reveals Bach's genius, taking a short tune and creating a universe with it. The quartet skillfully brings out the tune.
Bach: Four Suites for Orchestra as performed by the Brazilian Guitar Quartet has just been released on the Delos label and can be ordered through www.delosmus.com.
Instrumentation — ●●●●●
Melitta George
Tupac Shakur — The Rose That Grew From Concrete, Volume I
Tupac Shakur spent his life filling a variety of roles: entertainer, spokesman, criminal, musician and poet. Today, in a post-mortem release compiled in his honor, Tupac's legacy
continues with a new role — teacher.
A brilliant lyricist in life, Tupac's words live in the voices of his friends and fellow performers on The Rose That Grew From Concrete, Volume I. The powerful words and stories in his personal poetry collection inspired performers such as Mos Def, Reverend Run
Danny Glover, Q-Tip, Malcom Jamal Warner and Quincy Jones to offer their musical and emotional interpretations for the 25-track compilation. Tupac's mother, Aften Shakur, was the driving force behind the project's
creation — she wanted her son's influential words to continue inspiring and educating the youth in today's urban society.
In the style of Tupac's song "You Are Appreciated," an ode to his mother, the poetry on this album is of swear words and full of history lessons and life stories.
The CD begins with Tupac, who encourages the use of rap music as an outlet for teaching youth about African-American history and the
From there, it dives into "Wake Me When I'm Free," a poem set to African music that discusses life as a prisoner of society and calls for equality among all people and freedom of expression.
world.
"Tears of a Teenage Mother," about a teenage mother and a deadbeat dad, urges teenage girls not to trust men. Reverend Run's heartfelt reading of "God," Tupac's prayer of faith in nobody but God, is a beautiful counterpoint to the previous poem.
Some of the most intriguing cuts on the album are the two versions of "Can U See the Pride in the Panther," read by Mos Def. The male version is like an anthem of pride for the Black Panthers. The following female version is less hard-hitting but illicits a new emotion and respect from Mos Def's voice.
The title track "The Rose that Grew from Concrete" is a personal story by Tupac's life, and his voice can be heard alongside Nikki Giovanni's. It discusses growing out of a difficult childhood and about conquering the odds and finding success in life.
"Sometimes I Cry" ventures further from
Tuapac's traditional rap anthems as it speaks of fear and loneliness in a world that does not care about people who fall through the cracks.
The boldest track is "In the Event of My Demise," performed by Outlawz and Geronimo Il Jaga, which offers deep insight into the mind of the rap icon. Tupac wrote about not fearing death, wanting to die for a purpose and having an impact on people.
"I shared my wisdom with the world/ they don't know I was here," his lyrics state. "Still I rise but never get a chance to fly/ mama please don't cry in the event of my demise."
Afeni Shakur keeps her son's messages alive with this album so the world can continue to hear his words.
Lyrics — ●●●●●
Originality --- ●●●●●●
Instrumentation — ●●●○
Chris Wristen
More information
For audio samples of these bands, go online at www.kansan.com
Live Music
Tonight:
Welch's Joose, 10 p.m. at Jerseys Bar and Grill, 1105 Massachusetts St. $3, 21 and older.
Rock A Teens with Nymb, 10 p.m.
at the Replay Lounge, 946
Massachusetts St. $2, 21 and
Podstar, the Touchdowns and Tanka Ray and Musico, 8 p.m. at The Bottleneck, 737 New
Hampshire St. $4, 21 and older
$6, 18 to 20.
Full Feature, 10 p.m. at The Jazzhaus, 926 1/2 Massachusetts St. $4, 21 and older.
Fridav:
p. m. at The Jazzhaus, 926 1/2 Massachusetts St. $4, 21 and older.
Kristie Stremel and Factor 9, 10
Saturday:
The Gritters and Caliphone, the Higher Burning Fire, 8 p.m. at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. $7, 21 and older, $8, 18 to 20.
Four Score, 10 p.m. at The
Jazzhaus, 926/1 2/2 Massachusetts
St. $4, 21 and older.
Sunday:
Jumbo's Killcrane with B-non, 10 p.m. at the Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St. $2, 21 and older.
Monday:
In Flames, Never more and Shadows Fall, 8 p.m. at The
Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire
St. $12, all ages.
Jazzhaus Jam with the Skanktones,
10 p.m. at the Jazzhaus, 926 1/2
Massachusetts St. $2, 21 and older.
Tuesday:
Acoustic night with Danny Pound and Fred Weaver, 8 p.m. at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. $3, 21 and older. $5, 18 to 20.
Wednesday:
Cee-Knowledge and the Cosmic Funk Orchestra 8 p.m. at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. St $10, all ages.
Javaman, 10 p.m. at The Jazzhaus,
926 1/2 Massachusetts St. $3.
21 and older.
--at the Lied Center with flamenco guest artist Tamara La Garbancit
--at the Lied Center with flamenco guest artist Tamara La Garbancit
Thursday:
Joe Jackson, 8 p.m. at Liberty Hall,
644 Massachusetts St. All ages.
All reserved seats. $30. $25.50.
--at the Lied Center with flamenco guest artist Tamara La Garbancit
The University of Kansas School of Fine Arts Department of Music and Dance presents
DANCE
Company
December 6 & 7
8:00 p.m.
Tickets on sale at the Lied Center, Murphy Hall, and SU box offices; $5 public; $5 students and senior citizens. Call 684-8375 for tickets STUDENTS
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