Ethel is, perhaps, the first 21st-century realization of the classical string quartet.
Why you should listen to them:
An all-star foursome, Ethel includes performers Cornelius Dufallo (violin), Ralph Farris (viola), Dorothy Lawson (cello), and Mary Rowell (violin), a mixed bag of players from classical, rock and downtown new-music circles. The powerhouse ensemble takes an unconventional approach to performance.
Says the Wall Street Journal, "Ethel ... created a world in which classical music had never grown distant, a world in which it was as fresh and direct as crowds dancing in the street."
(photo by Steve J. Sherman)
"I wish there were more rock bands who played like Ethel. What you get from Ethel is the sense of the performers participating in the act of making a living, breathing music that brings the format back into contemporary life and culture."The Guardian
Blog Posts on TED
-
The string quartet Ethel plays "Blue Room," on TED.com – June 19, 2007
Ethel is, perhaps, the first 21st-century realization of the classical string quartet. An all-star foursome, Ethel is Cornelius Dufallo (violin), Ralph Farris (viola), Dorothy Lawson (cello), and Mary Rowell (violin), a mixed bag of players from classical, rock and downtown new-music circles. On TED.com, they perform the third movement from Phil Kline's four-part suite "The Blue Room and Other Stories," recorded on the quartet's 2003 album Ethel (Cantaloupe). Searching, questioning melodic lines slide from instrument to instrument, in a piece that shows off each player's deep and emotional musicality. (Recorded February 2006 in Monterey, CA. Duration: 03:55) Read more about Ethel on TED.com
Embed this video: Use this code to run the video on your own site:
Watch this talk on TED.com where you can download it, rate it, comment on it and find other talks and performances.
-
Last night's TED Salon at Joe's Pub – November 4, 2005
Boy, what a magical night. Here's Thomas Dolby's review...
-----------------
Joe's Pub was the perfect venue to meet TED friends and enjoy three excellent bands. It's been a while since I enjoyed an evening of music so much. Joe's booker Bill Bragin is known as one of New York's greatest champions of new talent, and it was his recommendation that brought Ethel, Vishal Vaid, and Stew to TED's attention.
First up was Ethel, a modern string quartet that's been attracting a lot of attention from the likes of Steve Reich and Joe Jackson. All superb players, they have an intuitive rapport and plenty of resonance, effortlessly trading melodies between the two violins while 'cello and viola lay down a surprisingly groovy backdrop. A dark and unsettling composition by the impressive composer and TEDster Michael Montes was followed by a new piece composed by Ethel cellist Dorthy Lawson; this showed just how well the quartet are able to blend rock'n'roll rhythms with classical phrasing and harmonies.
Vishal Vaid is a master of the remarkable Indian ghazal folk style. A gifted vocalist, he improvised using just the syllables of notes of the ghazal scale, interlocked with his harmonium chords; layered over the accompanying six-string electric bass, acoustic guitar, and Rahis Khan's fine tabla, effect was truly mesmerizing.
Originally from L.A., Stew is a great performer that somehow funnels his varied skills as a standup comedian, political satirist and protest singer into short catchy songs with titles like "Rehab", "Kingdom of Drink", and "When Black Men Ski." Peering over his glasses, it's a bit like having your favorite college professor sing to you. I'm sure he'll be a smash hit in Monterey--though I couldn't help thinking that Tom Reilly will have a hard time spoofing Stew, because he's already so outrageous and hilarious.A fun night, and what a joy to meet three fascinating new additions to TED's musical roster. The New York connection is going to turn out to be a fabulous source of new faces and inspiration!
-
Jill Sobule and Ethel: Together in Central Park – September 20, 2007
Wednesday night, Jill Sobule (watch her TEDTalk performance) and the modern string ensemble Ethel (watch their TEDTalk performance) paired up to play a charming set together in Central Park, a preview of the upcoming album from this partnership that began at TED2006. Backed by Ethel's wall of sound, Jill's sweet, funny, wise pop songs -- including a knockout version of "I Kissed a Girl" -- take on a new richness. The bill, which also included the New Standards from Minneapolis and the evening's star, Lesley Gore, was assembled by Bill Bragin of Joe's Pub, who works with the TED team to help choose some of the musicians for each TED. At the show: Rives (watch his TEDTalks) and Majora Carter (watch her TEDTalk).
Photo: Jill Sobule and Ethel's Cornelius Dufallo. Courtesy Marla Mitchnick
-
Tonight in L.A.: Jill Sobule – March 11, 2008
The wonderful Jill Sobule is playing at Largo tonight in LA, then swings back to NY to play at Ethel's 10th birthday party on March 20, along with Rives. But honestly, we were mainly looking for an excuse to share this great photo of Jill (left), taken 10 days ago at TED@Aspen...
