Description
It is an honor to welcome the world-jazz-fusion duo, Free Planet Radio back to our stage.
Free Planet Radio is known for encompassing an impressive array of rich and textured soundscapes, intricate rhythms, and virtuosic agility performed on an exotic collection of instruments acquired during their many travels. Their compositions weave together diverse traditions, innovation, and inspiration, as well as some mathematical gymnastics. Comprised of world-renowned musicians, River Guerguerian on percussion and Chris Rosser on piano and multi-instruments, the band’s aim is always to transport listeners on a captivating journey while “exploring the infinite and seamless relationships between musical cultures through the universal language of sound.”
Special guests include…
Jane Kramer is lauded by UK music reviewer Three Chords and the Truth as sounding like she was “…born to irreverent, bohemian poets and raised in the mountains by Emmylou Harris,”. She has garnered international recognition for the sultry, heartrending originality of her vocals and for the heavy-hitting lyrical eloquence of her songwriting. With deep roots in the musical traditions, culture and lore of her beloved Appalachia, Kramer’s songs are introspective, gracefully gritty and fiercely memorable. They elegantly sweep listeners down the gravel roads and southern coastal highways, midnight truck stops and lonely motel rooms of hard learning and lead home to the wooded Blue Ridge Mountains with moving acceptance of our flawed human experience. Kramer’s live performances are equally as poignant and engaging; rich with accessible, warm, often hilarious storytelling and gracefully lifting the veil between audience and performer.
With vivid storytelling and arresting honesty Anya Hinkle’s music is steeped in the tones of folk and bluegrass and seasoned by travels the world over. No Depression says of her 2021 release Eden and Her Borderlands [Organic Records] “…one of roots music’s gems so far this year.” She “effortlessly delivers…” (Pop Matters) with “…vivid songwriting and transportive vocals…” (Folk Alley). Hinkle won the 2019 MerleFest Chris Austin Songwriting Competition, the 2023 USA Songwriting Competition and was runner-up in the 2022 International Acoustic Music Awards. Her newest album, OCEANIA, released in 2024, was produced by legendary Irish producer Kevin Moloney (U2, Sinéad O’Connor)
Jake Wolf is a skilled and accomplished electric bassist celebrated for his dynamic groove and adaptable musical style. Originally from Boston, Jake landed in Asheville after living and performing on the West Coast. His journey includes roles as a session musician, touring artist, and recording artist, collaborating with bands and producers nationwide. His work as a solo electric bassist has earned acclaim. Jake’s proficiency spans various genres, from jazz and funk to R&B and world music. His dedication and talent have also led him to a distinguished role as a writer for Bass Musician Magazine, where he shares his insights and experiences, further enriching the music community.
