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    Rare Birds

    Mozart & Miles Davis: Ebène Quartet relies on classical training to put a newspin on jazz

    Chris Becker
    Nov 8, 2012 | 9:49 am
    • Ebène Quartet
      Photo by Julien Mignot
    • Member of Ebène Quartet use their classical training to put a new twist on jazz.
      Photo by Julien Mignot

    On Friday, Houston Friends of Chamber Music presents the Ebène Quartet, a string quartet all the way from France that performs onstage with a drummer, at McGonigel's Mucky Duck.

    And yes, you read that right, two violins, viola, cello, and drum kit.

    The quartet's name (Quatuor Ebène en Français) translates as "Ebony Quartet," which references their "love and respect for great African American jazz musicians." The quartet's repertoire includes works by great African American composers, including Wayne Shorter and Miles Davis, as well as film music (Pulp Fiction, Gilda, Ocean's 12), French chanson ("Lilac Wine"), and rock songs ("Come Together").

    The quartet has also recorded and regularly performs music by Mozart, Brahms, and Debussy, but that ain't what they're gonna be playing Friday night.

    The quartet has also recorded and regularly performs music by Mozart, Brahms, and Debussy, but that ain't what they're gonna be playing Friday night.

    Oh, and not only does the Ebène Quartet swing, each player improvises brilliantly, adding a whole other layer of interpretation to standard tunes including "So What," "Footprints," and "Nature Boy."

    Across the lines

    Some 25 years ago, it was rare to hear classical musicians improvising convincingly in rock and jazz idioms. Such musicians certainly existed, but generally speaking, the line between improvisation — which up until the 20th century was actually common practice for so-called classical musicians — and classical music performance was a line young musicians did not want to cross, lest they earn the wrath of professors, audiences, and perhaps most chillingly, music critics.

    When I first heard the Kronos Quartet live in Columbus, back when I was a freshman composition major at Capital University, they sounded to my young ears like nothing I'd heard before. During their performance of Charles Mingus' "Better Get Hit In Your Soul," the jazz saxophonist sitting next to me marveled, "That cellist (Joan Jeanrenaud) is swinging her ass off!" They encored with their notorious and noisy version of Jimi Hendrix's classic "Purple Haze" and nearly destroyed their bows in the process.

    The Ebène Quartet is breaking similar ground with their unique spin on contemporary non-classical repertoire. Their 2011 critically acclaimed hit album Fiction features the quartet, Pierre Colobmet (violin), Gabriel Le Magadure, (violin), Mathieu Herzog (viola), and Raphaël Merlin (cello), with drummer Richard Héry (who will be with them Friday at Mucky Duck), and guest vocalists Luz Casal, Stacey Kent, Fanny Ardant, who sings a freaky and strung out version of "Lilac Wine," and superstar soprano Natalie Dessay.

    There are so many magical moments on Fiction: Raphaël Merlin's solo that introduces Shorter's "Footprints," Héry's bowed and struck cymbals solo that is the prelude to a stunning version of "Calling You" from the film Bagdad Café, the quartet's a cappella vocal harmonies that bookend "Someday My Prince Will Come." The album was a big hit with listeners and named by National Public Radio as one of the Top 10 Classical Albums of 2011.

    Not surprisingly, and not unlike the majority of 21st century classical musicians, the four members of the Ebène Quartet grew up listening to and enjoying a wide variety of musical genres, including funk, opera, French chanson, chamber music, folk, electro, pop, baroque music, and of course, traditional and contemporary jazz. After more than 10 years of playing, Merlin says all of these influences "still feed our musical work."

    Does the quartet see themselves as part of a long running, distinctly French tradition of musical polymaths that includes singer songwriter Serge Gainsbourg and singer Edith Piaf?

    Given the Ebène Quartet's ability to improvise, and the idiomatic nature of performing rock and pop songs, I asked Merlin if the arrangements were created collectively and in the moment, similar to how a rock and roll band arranges a song.

    "The most interesting work is probably on pieces for which we don't write anything," Merlin says. "In that case, our process is like a rock band rehearsal, maybe a bit like in the (Jean-Luc) Godard movie featuring the Rolling Stones Sympathy For The Devil."

    However, Merlin adds that a written arrangement can indeed carry more "force" and provide the quartet with more sophisticated musical material to play, material that brings new life to an already great song like "Calling You."

    Does the quartet see themselves as part of a long running, distinctly French tradition of musical polymaths that includes singer songwriter Serge Gainsbourg and singer Edith Piaf?

    "Maybe," says Merlin. "We are deeply moved by the "Années folles" singing style, and totally impressed by the inventive dynamism of Gainsbourg. It's all a part of our aesthetic, as well as the music of Ravel, Fauré, Debussy, and Bizet."

    Improvisation (Slight Return)

    25 years ago, things were different. Now, in the 21st century, more and more classical musicians are coming out of music conservatories in the U.S. with a passion for improvising and the chops necessary to do it. Is this also true in Europe?

    "It is true that we're now observing a change all around the world," says Merlin. "Cultural globalization makes any musical discovery easier than ever. Improvisation was always a part of classical music, and it disappeared with modernism in 20th century. But now it's coming back."

    Houston Friends of Chamber Music presents the Ebène Quartet at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday, at McGonigel's Mucky Duck, 2425 Norfolk. Purchase tickets online or call 713-348-5400.

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    Here are the 15 best things to do in Houston this weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    May 14, 2025 | 6:30 pm
    Josephine's Crawfish boil
    Photo by Quit Nguyen
    Josephine's will be serving crawfish at EZ's Liquor Lounge.

    This weekend promises to have good times, good music and a helluva lot of crawfish.

    Two different crawfish boils will be going down, certain to make any seafood lover go on a head-sucking frenzy. We also have an immersive rock experience courtesy of a legendary music magazine, the grand opening of a new sports bar, the return of a Southern hip-hop trailblazer, the 35mm debut of a recent Oscar winner, and a salute to three guys who often told people they should be dancing.

    Thursday, May 15

    ARTECHOUSE presents Rolling Stone Presents: AMPLIFIED, The Immersive Rock Experience
    Rolling Stone Presents: AMPLIFIED brings the history of rock ‘n roll to life with a dynamic mix of music and visuals. Narrated by actor/musician Kevin Bacon, the show is a guided tour through the story of revolutionary music and the changes it brought. AMPLIFIED draws from rare live performance and behind-the-scenes footage, never-before-seen moments, exclusive portrait sessions, album art, and posters, delivering one of the most comprehensive collections of rock ‘n roll imagery ever assembled. 5 pm.

    Alley Theatre presents Primary Trust
    Kenneth has lived the same routine every day for the past 15 years. During the day, he goes to work at a bookstore; at night, he goes to a tiki bar with his friend Bert. When the bookstore goes out of business, Kenneth is forced to push past his boundaries and reconcile with his past. Primary Trust is a tender-hearted tale of old friends, new beginnings, and the smallest of chances. Through Sunday, May 25. 7:30 pm (8 pm Friday; 2 and 8 pm Saturday; 2 and 7 pm Sunday).

    Improv Houston presents Melissa Villaseñor
    Melissa Villaseñor spent six seasons as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, where she impersonated everyone from Bjork to Natalie Portman to Owen Wilson to fellow ex-SNLer Kristen Wiig. She’s also done extensive voiceover acting on Fox’s Family Guy, Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time, and Comedy Central’s Triptank. Catch her doing her standup thing at Improv Houston this weekend. 7:30 pm (7:30 and 9:45 pm Friday; 7 and 9:30 pm Saturday).

    Friday, May 16

    La Cabra Grand Opening Weekend
    La Cabra, Houston’s newest destination for sports fans, will officially open with a two-night, grand opening celebration. Founded by former MasterChef contestant Joseph Manglicmot, La Cabra is a soccer-focused sports bar. The opening will feature a lineup of local food vendors, including Lafitte’s Seafood serving up fresh crawfish, Ceviche El Guero offering ceviche specials, and Pascual’s Tacos. Attendees can also enjoy hourly giveaways and music by DJ Maniville. 5 pm.

    The Heritage Society presents Juneteenth Legacy Project with Sam Collins
    The Heritage Society's Juneteenth Celebration kicks off with subject matter expert Sam Collins. Teaming with Sue Johnson of the Nia Cultural Center in Galveston, he and others have established the Juneteenth Legacy Project. Collins has also been involved in Juneteeth celebrations in both Galveston and Hitchcock, and other historic preservation efforts in Galveston County. Tickets include a wine and cheese reception with a pop-up exhibit by Houston Suffragists Project. 6 pm.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Anora
    Anora (Oscar winner Mikey Madison), a young woman from Brooklyn, gets her chance at a Cinderella story when she meets and impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her fairytale is threatened as her new husband’s parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled. Showing at MFAH this weekend (in glorious 35mm!), see why Anora earned the Palme d’Or at Cannes and continued to triumph through the awards season, culminating in five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. 7 pm (5 pm Sunday).

    Houston Symphony presents "Stayin’ Alive: The Bee Gees & Beyond"
    Yes, brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb were the high-pitched kings of disco back in the day. But you can’t deny these guys made some timeless bops. (It’s certainly fun watching young YouTubers discover their music.) The Houston Symphony will celebrate the best of the Bee Gees, and beyond. A cappella sensation Rajaton brings their smooth harmonies to the songs that lit up the disco era in the high-energy concert, led by principal Pops conductor Steven Reineke. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday)

    Saturday, May 17

    Johnnie Means Academy Fourth Annual International Water Safety Day Festival
    While the Houston Swim Club will host a Water Safety Day fest in Sugar Land, Johnnie Means Aquatics will have its 4th Annual International Water Safety Day Festival at Texas Southern University’s Recreation Center. Guests can expect hands-on experiences around drowning prevention, beginner swim techniques, and lifeguard safety training. Participants will hear from water safety advocates, survivors, and professionals sharing their insights and experiences. 10 am.

    Saint Julian’s Social Club presents Spring Renaissance Festival
    The circus-themed pop-up bar is teaming up with Midtown bar Winnie’s for a one-of-a-kind Renaissance Faire. The all-day, family-friendly event features axe throwing, a dunk tank, jousting, magic, face painting, juggling, tarot, and short form Dungeons and Dragons. Since it wouldn’t be a festival without food, look for Hot Cheeto fried pickles, lamb meatball sliders, smoked andouille corndog bites, and the “I Smoked At Turkey Leg Hut” — a house smoked turkey leg glazed in spicy barbecue sauce. 12 pm.

    Project Row Houses present Crawfish and Brews
    Crawfish and Brews is back, ladies and gents. Now in its 11th year, Crawfish and Brews brings the community together for music, crawfish, and fun. The event is once again partnering with Project Row Houses, an organization that has been a champion for Houston art and culture. While you get your mudbug on, you can also tour the row houses. Currently on view is Round 58: Free Someone, which celebrates Houston artists who have overcome adversity to become renowned for their artwork in public places, using the city’s landscape as their canvas. 2 pm.

    Silver Street Studios presents "Visual Symphony: The Salon Revisited" opening reception
    Silver Street Studios will present "Visual Symphony: The Salon Revisited," a showcase of contemporary art that invites visitors to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of creativity, talent, and innovation. The exhibition, inspired by the grand salon traditions of 17th and 18th-century France, reimagines the classic format to celebrate the diversity of artistic voices within our vibrant community. Through Saturday, June 21. 5 pm.

    Camo Fest: Master P and Friends
    Who wants to go back to the late ‘90s? If you miss those days, you should check out the Camo Fest, which features throwback rap from New Orleans rap king Master P and several of his former No Limit soldiers (MIa X, Choppa, Fiend, Mac, and Mercedes). Other parts of the Dirty South will also be represented: 8Ball & MJG from Memphis, Young Dro from Atlanta, Webbie from Baton Rouge, and Lil Keke from right here in H-Town. 7 pm.

    Sunday, May 18

    EZ’s Liquor Lounge x Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition Crawfish Boil
    EZ’s Liquor Lounge and Josephine’s will be hosting a crawfish boil this weekend at the Heights neighborhood bar. Crawfish will be $9 per pound, while sausage links will be $5 and potatoes, corn and mushrooms will be $4 each. And there will also be plenty of wet sauce to go around. 1 pm.

    Emissary Quartet and Nicky Sohn in concert
    Emissary Quartet presents a special concert featuring the world premiere of a new work by composer Nicky Sohn. This piece is part of [moment]um, the quartet’s upcoming album, set to release later in 2025. The event showcases the quartet’s innovative approach to flute ensemble music, blending contemporary artistry with dynamic programming. Alongside Sohn’s premiere, EQ will perform selections from [moment]um. 6 pm.

    The Manns in concert
    Some of you may know Fort Worth’s own David & Tamela Mann, aka The Manns, as the stars of Meet the Browns, Tyler Perry’s hit play that eventually became a movie that also was spun off into a sitcom. But the pair are also very acclaimed gospel singers. This weekend, they’ll be coming to Sugar Land in support of their 2024 album, Live, Breathe, Fight. They'll be joined by Karen Clark Sheard, Erica Campbell, Tye Tribbett, and Kierra Sheard. 8 pm.



    Josephine's Crawfish boil
      

    Photo by Quit Nguyen

    Josephine's will be serving crawfish at EZ's Liquor Lounge.

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