Back in 2002, an album quietly sneaked out on the CIMP label. It was a duet session by Romanian pianist Lucian Ban and Detroit-based baritone sax/bass clarinet player Alex Harding called Somethin' Holy. It seemed like an unlikely combination (piano and baritone sax? a Detroiter and a Romanian?) but these two were on the same wavelength and the album that was released was a remarkable set of beautifully delineated duets, running the gamut from transcendent ballad playing to vibrant heated exchanges. The album took its cues from the music of Coltrane, Ellington (they included a lovely rendition of Ellington's "Fleurette Africaine"), Randy Weston, Hamiet Blueitt, all players who even at their earthiest moments can bring out a spiritual ambience. So the title was not sent the message that this was a special session and was indeed Somthin' Holy.
Over 15 years later, It seems like a different world. But in addition to their individual projects Ban and Harding have managed link up several times since. They've released several records with groups of varying sizes and approaches. SInce then both have played the Bop Shop but at different times. Ban played here in a duet with violist Matt Maneri back in fall of 2016. And Harding's baritone has become a permanent fixture in Kahil El'Zabar's Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, bringing a hefty bottom end to the band's sound. They played a Bop Shop concert at Lovin' Cup just this past February.
We're happy to welcome them back to the store, this time together and billed as Something Holy (note the added "g"). They'll be reprising songs from the original album along with some new material. This duet is a special union and it's going to be a truly enjoyable night of varied and inspired music. You won't want to miss it.
