Jazz pianist Kris Bowers will play the Fontana series tonight with an invited ensemble of drummer, bassist, and guitarist. The set list will feature works from his 2014 debut album, Heroes + Misfits, covers from surprising sources (like the tUnE-yArDs) and more recent pieces from his film scores.
In an interview with Cara Lieurance, Bowers discusses his interest in film scores, and describes the process of working on Kobe Bryant's Muse, a documentary which debuts on Showtime February 28th.
Over the last few years, Bowers has developed his interest in prepared piano techniques, which alter the sounds of the strings. He also incorporates looped tracks into his performances. The winner of the 2011 Thelonius Monk Competition, Kris Bowers continues to produce works and performances with a searching, questing quality, alternating with episodes of playful virtuosity.