Lecture Series Features 'Out of the Box' Musician
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NORTH ADAMS — Todd Reynolds fancies himself "just another guy."
The Los Angeles native, an internationally renowned violinist and composer, is anything but ordinary. He's been praised in the New York Times, the New Yorker and the San Francisco Chronicle and is known for his improvisation techniques in performances and his acceptance of "out of the box" styles.
And he lives right here in the city, relocating to the Berkshires three years ago after spending five years of residency as faculty of Bang On A Can, who host a summer festival at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Arts. Captivated by the beauty of the region, Reynolds settled down in the city, continuing his work as an experimental and innovative musician.
"When I decided to take a rest from my beloved New York City scene, I decided to come here to clear my head and focus on creative work," said Reynolds, who will be the guest artist at Thursday night's "Eye to Ear" lecture at the Berkshire Museum at 7.
Sponsored by the Pittsfield Cultural Council, the free illustrated series of talks are intended to provide insight into the creative lives and works of prominent county visual, literary and performing artists.
"It's the history of Todd until now," Reynolds said. "It's basically going to be a journey through my progression from an educated classical artist from the age of 4 to branching out to jazz, rock 'n' roll and the art world."
The talk will also feature a performance component, though Reynolds said on Wednesday that he wasn't entirely sure exactly what he was going to do, though he did plan to have visual and multimedia elements.
"I'm just another guy who is trying to make music and art in this world and trying to bring people together," he said. "My goal is to really bring community together and inspire others to make art."
Defining himself as "not mainstream," Reynolds is a pioneer in using computer technology, digital loops and "his unique blend of classically improvised, quantum-ambient electronica" to create one-of-a-kind compositions and performances. He is internationally known for his work with amplified violin and electronics and has worked with a wide variety of performers, including a collaboration with Meredith Monk set to debut at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis in June 2008, recent performances with the Albany Symphony Orchestra and a tour with the alternative band The Books last year."
"At the lecture, I'll be showing what I do which is a lot of different things," he said. "I get lots of different responses to artistic work or creative work and I'm happy to talk with however many people are there about my work. This will be much more of a conversation than a presentation."
Founded in 2004, the Eye to Ear artist talk series has featured Stockbridge set designer Carl Sprague, Williamstown choreographer Sandra Burton, New Marlborough painter Walton Ford, Pittsfield author Kevin O'Hara, Dalton jewelry artist Linda Kaye-Moses and Pittsfield percussionist and former Frank Zappa band member Ed Mann.
"This is an opportunity to interface with the community who don't necessarily get to see what we as musicians go through, the celebrations and trials of our lives. They get to see behind the scenes. I hope that people take away that there's something very special about improvisation and the organic and the authentic nature of creating in the moment," said Reynolds.
Video Art by Luke DuBois, through the generous support of MassMoCA
