Adam O'Farrill "Elephant"

Adam O'Farrill develops a naturally syncretic universe of compositions that bridge tradition and modernity, reflecting both the melodic and rhythmic richness of his Cuban heritage (he is the grandson of legendary composer and arranger Chico O'Farrill) and the wealth of mixed influences that continue to make New York jazz so distinctive.

Elephant is a quartet under his direction, consisting of Yvonne Rogers on piano, prepared piano and synthesizer, Walter Stinson on double bass, Russell Holzman on drums and O'Farrill on trumpet and electronics. Influenced by the classical music and minimalism of the 20th century and the beat music of the subsequent drum machine era, Elephant strikes an impressive balance between the freedom and intimacy of small jazz quartets, the patience and emotional range of Reich, Sakamoto and Britten, and the urgency and excitement of contemporary dance music.