Brooklyn-based Guitarist Mary Halvorson Brings Compelling Soundscapes to PACA

Sunday, Sept. 25

Mary Halvorson seems to be riding a wave of critical acclaim. She's garnered it for a range of recent projects, from solo guitar to a 19-piece ensemble, and just about everything in between. Hailed in Jazziz as "one of the most original and arresting jazz guitarists to emerge in the first decade of the century," Halvorson's recent performances have included clubs and concert stages in Spain, France, Slovenia, Austria, Poland, Belgium, Italy, Finland, and Switzerland. On Sept. 25, she brings her current duo project, Secret Keeper, featuring bassist Stephan Crump, to Erie's PACA.

Jazz Times characterized Halvorson's playing as "sonic outbursts tempered by compositions that are highly intelligent and harmonically sophisticated, full of nuance, beauty, and the sound of surprise." These qualities were on display at a recent performance I attended at Cleveland's Bop Stop – with Thumbscrew, Halvorson's collaborative trio. I'm confident we can expect that same level of inspired playing here.

But here's a pet peeve confession: I hate it when adventurous musicians play Erie and so few local musicians show up to listen and appreciate. To address this sad situation, I'll quote PopMatters.com's take on Halvorson: "Fans of today's beyond-category jazz should be lining up for this music, but so should indie rock fans or guitar heads or noise rockers or any other music fan who cares to hear the daring mix with the heady." – Sheldon Peterson

8 p.m. // 1505 State St. // $10 // paca1505.com or 434.0687