Screen Nights – Timeless: The Composer/Arranger Series

Screen Nights is back and this time we’re focusing on the Timeless Series by Brian Cross. Brian, aka B+, is a Limerick native who studied in at the National College of Art and Design and then went to Los Angeles to become the de facto photographer for the L.A. beat scene. His Timeless series focuses on three inspirational composer/arrangers who are pushing the boundaries of their respective disciplines.

Timeless is the name of a concert series that was created in homage to the composer/arrangers who have influenced hip-hop in the most literal and profound ways. The series was conceived by production house Mochilla in Los Angeles during February and March 2009 and included the performances of over 150 musicians in front of ecstatic sold out crowds. From Mulatu Astatke to J.Dilla to Arthur Verocai, the Timeless Concert Series touched upon the works of three musical giants. These three historic events were recorded and filmed in exacting detail with Mochilla’s unmistakable style.

The nights will be held in the Centre from Creative Practices on Pembroke Street on the 14, 21 & 28 June, and for the final film we’ll be having a surprise act performing. Screen Nights are BYOB events and tickets cost just €5 for the first two films and €10 for the film and performance.  The events are organised by Keith Fennell and I and we hope to see you at CFCP in June. Check out a clip & blurb for each film below and stay tuned on Twitter for updates.

Arthur Verocai // 14 June @ 7.30pm

Arthur Verocai has composed and arranged for such giants as Jorge Ben, Gal Costa and Leny Andrade. But hiphop heads know him for his often sampled (see Ludacriss, MF Doom and Lil Brother) self titled solo album. The album came out at the height of the Brasilian dictatorship and was a commercial failure. His performance of this seminal 1972 record brought the capacity Luckman crowd to a stand still. According to Verocai, “he had never played the record, alive or dead!” His delight at the opportunity to play this music in its complete form can be seen in the DVD. He has subsequently been offered an opportunity to do the concert again in London. The music in the film has been mixed by Verocai himself in Rio de Janeiro. History turned on its head and musical justice served.

Mulatu Astatke // 21 June @ 7.30pm

On February 1st 2009, Ethiopian musician and inventor of Ethio-jazz, Mulatu Astatke, a giant in African music blessed the sold-out Luckman Fine Arts Complex with an amazing show. He shared the stage with veterans of the Los Angeles jazz scene Bennie Maupin, Azar Lawrence and Phil Ranelin. The performance is beautiful – showcasing many classics as well as some new material too.

Suite for Ma Dukes // 28 June @ 7.30pm

This film celebrated the music of J.Dilla. Composed and arranged for a 60 piece Orchestra by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson feat. special guests Bilal, Dwele, Posdnuos, Talib Kweli and more. This premiere performance is still on the minds of many. Mixed and mastered by legendary Grammy award winning producer/mixer, Bob Power. The man behind hundreds of pop and jazz recordings for such artists as Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest and more, he had also worked with Dilla while he was alive. Hiphop has never sounded or looked like this, welcome to a new era, a new scale and a new sound. Part of the proceeds of all Suite for Ma Dukes performances and recordings will go towards Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey and the heirs to the Dilla Estate.

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