Concert Review: Chamber vs. the 1s & 2s

Concert Review:
Chamber vs. the 1s & 2s
Gilbert Galindo - aka Casa De Galindo - composer/DJ
Gene Pritsker - aka Di.J. Noizepunk  - composer/Di.J.
Russell Kotcher & Sabina Torosjan -  violin, Laura Sacks - viola, Luis Mercado -  violoncello,
Robert C. Ford - poet/narrator

@The Delancy
presented by Composers Concordance & Galindo Musix
January 21, 2022


     Celebrating the birthday of Gilbert Galindo, noted composer/dj, the intimate setting of the Delancy was just the right place to bring out the “electro-tribal” beats and New Music that he has masterfully created. And that’s just one highlight from this entertaining evening. Gilbert’s music, was deftly performed by both chamber musicians and a fellow composer/dj, Gene Pritsker.
     The 1st mini set featured a remix of Gilbert’s dj music by Gene Pritsker. Using syncopation, samples and some pretty nifty software Gene re imagined Gilbert’s music into a mesmerizing dance track.
     Jumping into the chamber portion, Russell Kotcher and Laura Sacks, on violin and viola respectively, performed the endearing and uplifting “Let Us Bloom”, in a delicate and authentic manner. As Gilbert explained the genesis for the song was the pandemic lock down and his response.
     Furthering the chamber influence, Luis Mercado, on violincello and Sabina Torosjan, violinist, joined Russell and Laura on stage to perform a bright and bouncy with a contemplative ending composition by Gene. The string quartet played in perfect unison, truly lovely.
     Composer Gilbert introduced his composition, “Praise by Your Being”, as a call for action not just words, indeed his music has a way of challenging his audience to do better. The string quartet, hence renamed, The Delancy Quartet, once again performed beautifully, conveying the true spirit of the music.
     What followed next was an intriguing hybrid of the Delancy Quartet and electronic dj'ing by Gene. “The Vanity of Existence”, a composition on existentialism if there ever was one, definitely added to the philosophical element of the concert. Rapping, electronic and quartet combined for a welcome synergy.
     Next, poet Robert C. Ford, combining with Gene’s electronic music, recited his observational poem on the integral NYC subway system. At once whimsical and nostalgic this poem fit in perfectly in the environment of the Lower Eastside.
     The man of the hour, Gilbert, showed off his chops as a snappy, innovative dj, debuting some of his “electro-tribal” beats, music that takes you back to a primal age, a magical heart warming feeling of belonging, maybe to someplace you can’t quite identify. A compelling way to end a concert that shows the synergy and innovation that composers individually or acting together can bring to a willing audience.

Review by Thomas


    
    

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