From 1998 – 2004 the Cleveland-based trio Birth seemed to be playing regularly in Rochester. They were at the Bug Jar, Milestones, Java’s and, of course, the Bop Shop back in the Atrium days. We presented Birth twice in what were probably among their more unique concerts. The first time we presented them, they were given two sets. The first was a typical rousing freewheeling set of the trio doing what they did best. The second set was unique. At the time, in Village Gate there was an instrument store. The second set presented the band “unplugged” at the instrument store, playing unique percussion instruments, flutes and other sundry items for an unusual set even by Birth standards. But it was a wonderful night of music. Birth played a second time at the store in one of the most memorable Bop Shop concerts of that era. They brought along microtonal saxophone master Joe Maneri. It was a memorable night of free improvisation with music of subtlety and power. But the most surprising moment was when Maneri said, “Let’s play a tune” and they wound up playing a wonderful, other-worldly version of “Body And Soul”. Their music evolved from youthful, unrestrained, often “sensationalized” (in�the words of Joe Maneri) displays of prodigious outbursts on their�instruments, to later, a hybrid of powerful, yet highly sensitive�improvisation and composition that garnered attention and praise from�some of the leading voices of the avant-garde jazz and creative music world. A favorite of Cleveland jazz writer and folk icon Harvey Pekar, their music�lead Harvey to proclaim that birth was “So good that it’s scary.” “Awesome and magnificent” lauded The Wire. John Zorn wrote “The music is strong, as is the group.” They were voted best Cleveland band of all time by the outgoing editors from the Cleveland Free Times in its final edition. Birth released four records during their tenure to critical acclaim, including�two studio records, as well as collections of live recordings. The trio toured in the US and Europe, constantly evolving their music and sound. They regularly performed at NYC’s Knitting Factory as well as other hubs of creative jazz including Tonic, and Chicago’s Empty Bottle. They presented countless concerts in Cleveland, bringing to town cohorts who were some of the finest in improvised and creative music, and inspired a younger generation of musicians who have gone on to establish themselves in the creative music world.� After a performance at the High Mayhem Festival in Santa Fe New Mexico�in 2004, the group went on an indefinite hiatus as its members disbursed�to various corners of the country. Saxophonist Joshua Smith relocated to�San Francisco, California where he had performed with various groups�under his own direction and as a sideman, Jeremy Bleich relocated to the�Southwest, and has lived and performed music for the past eight years in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Joe Tomino anchored in New York City and�pursued studio and touring projects that have brought him into a variety of�notable realms. We’re glad they’re back and we’re pleased to present them once again. You won’t want to miss this one. They’ve always seemed like a band who were up for anything so we know this will be an entertaining night of exciting and powerful music.
