Arts, Dining & Entertainment, Featured

Ian Ethan Case brings his trio to Brandon Music

Saturday, March 17, 7:30 p.m.—BRANDON—Acoustic double-neck guitarist and Candyrat recording artist Ian Ethan Case is quickly becoming recognized as “one of the most creative and engaging fingerstyle guitarists in the world,” according to the International Center for Creativity. He has wowed audiences and packed the barn at Brandon Music since 2014, with listeners quickly catching on to his truly unique style and astounding talent. Case performs at Brandon Music on Saturday, March 17 with his trio, performing music from his latest album and new un-recorded works.

After a decade of composing and performing around the country largely under the radar, in 2015 a viral Facebook video of his song “Butter II” introduced his music to over six million listeners around the world in the course of a month. In addition to a record deal and endorsements with companies such as Ovation guitars and Boss pedals, 2016 and 2017 provided extensive touring opportunities throughout Europe and the United States, including two performances with a full symphony orchestra. Fingerstyle legend Don Ross invited Case to open for him in Ross’ then-hometown of Toronto, later describing his performance as “some of the most massively inventive musicianship I’ve ever heard/seen.” Other listeners have described his music as a cross between Michael Hedges and Pat Metheny.

His newest album, “Earth Suite” (released March 2), features a dozen musicians from all over the globe, including four-time Grammy-winning cellist Eugene Friesen and internationally acclaimed percussionist Jamey Haddad. While the studio album features a large group and dense orchestration, Case brings much of that expansive sound to his 2018 concert performances thanks to live looping and sound specialist Stephanie Case who records, layers, and manipulates Ian’s playing on the spot for a dynamic, truly symphonic effect that defies the typical “solo musician with a loop pedal” stereotype.

Joining Ian and Stephanie for the first time in Vermont will be two musicians featured on the new “Earth Suite” album: Philadelphia-based multi-percussionist Jeff Willet, and master flute player Amir Milstein, an international touring veteran with groups such as Bustan Abraham, Tucan Trio, and Tito Puente. Presenting songs from “Earth Suite” as well as new un-recorded material, the group will bring listeners on a cross-cultural journey connecting Arabic, Flamenco, Latin, Acoustic Fingerstyle, and forward-thinking Jazz elements in a performance that is certain to feed those hungry for something new.

Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. A pre-concert dinner is available for $25. Reservations are required for dinner and recommended for the show. Venue is BYOB.

For more information, call 802-247-4295 or email info@brandon-music.net. Brandon Music is located at 62 Country Club Road, Brandon.

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