The band is named Three Part Invention. The emphasis is on invention.
Go in with expectations and you may come out with a different perspective from this trio that plays classical instruments in a non-classical way.
Three Part Invention will perform at 7:30 p.m. next Friday, Feb. 28, at the Clark State Performing Arts Center.
The show, presented by Clark State, is part of the Club Kuss series and is appropriate for all ages.
Violinist Tracy Silverman, pianist Philip Aaberg and cellist Mike Block start with chamber music, then filter it through jazz, pop and world music.
Chamber is a form of classical music for a small group and involves two stringed instruments and a piano. An alternate name for the group could be Rearranging Bach.
“You have to pretend you’re hearing the music for the first time,” said Silverman. “It kinds of wakes you up. One night it’s more classical, another night it’s funkier.
“What’s wonderful for us is we get to improvise for each show. We take the music and say here’s how it is and here’s how we do it.”
Each performer gets to showcase his solo talents during the show. Audience rapport is a key, using humor to keep the audience involved, saying they want to share the vibe and interact.
Aaberg thinks of it as continuing an improve tradition that began in the early 1900s. The showmanship also stands out with the music.
Silverman plays electric violin, similar to an electric guitar. Aaberg doesn’t always sit at the piano, but gets up and gets down in the groove. And Block straps the cello around himself, similar to a guitar, allowing him to sing as well as play.
Silverman, who played Springfield in December with Jim Brickman, said this is the perfect size crowd for Three Part Invention.
“A town the size of Springfield with a lot of interest in the arts makes for a great experience for us as performers. My favorite audience is one that is curious, waiting to discover something.”
This Club Kuss event will begin with a lobby party at 6 p.m. featuring complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.