Exeter, NH (January 30, 2009)—Phillips Exeter Academy continues its annual Gilbert Concert Series with a performance by Trio Globo, an original voice in world jazz music. Described as a musical entity “with combustible spontaneity, rhythmic influences derived from six continents, and diverse musical roots that span jazz, classical and sacred traditions,” the threesome consists of Eugene Friesen, cello; Howard Levy, harmonica/piano; and Glen Velez, percussion. The group will perform on Tuesday, February 17, at 7 p.m., in Phillips Church, on the corner of Tan Lane and Front Street. The event is free and open to the public.

“Eugene, Howard and Glen are magnificent players with distinct musical voices. Together they have a fresh new sound and offer a unique vision of the world of music.”  — Dave Brubeck, jazz pianist and composer

“Trio Globo is one of the most extraordinary music groups that I have had the honor of presenting over 30 years of offering. Each performer is a master on their individual instrument and together their synergy is astounding. They are also three of the nicest and easy-to-work-with artists that I have encountered. I highly recommend Trio Globo to anyone interested in presenting a truly innovative performance of the highest quality.”  — Stuart Bigley, Executive Director, Unison Arts, New Paltz, NY

Three-time Grammy award winner Glen Velez is considered one of the most influential percussionists, credited for a worldwide resurgence in the popularity of the frame drum. Playing his own style of deeply emotional and raw music, Velez admits that he draws upon the great drumming traditions of the Middle East, South India and the Mediterranean world (ancient and modern), using a compilation of complex hand and finger techniques. He is known internationally as a solo artist, and for his 15-year recording and performing collaborations with composer Steve Reich, as well as the Paul Winter Consort; Israel Philharmonia; Brooklyn Philharmonia; Opera Orchestra of New York; Suzanne Vega; and Pat Metheny, among many others. Currently, Velez teaches frame drums at the Mannes School of Music, as well as a series of master classes at The Julliard School and Manhattan School of Music.

An active performer, composer, teacher and recording artist, cellist Euguene Friesen is a graduate of the Yale School of Music. He is known for his responsive flow of improvisatory music, featured in concerts all over the world with the Paul Winter Consort, Trio Globo, and with poets Yevgeny Yevtushenko and Coleman Barks. Friesen has performed as a soloist at the International Cello Festival in Manchester, England; Rencontres d’Ensembles de Violoncelles in Beauvais, France; and at the International Cello Encounter in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 1992, he founded Trio Globo with Levy and Velez. He is a two-time Grammy recipient as a member of the Paul Winter Consort in 1994 and 2006. Currently, Friesen is a faculty member of the Berklee College of Music, and is an artist-in-residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.

Howard Levy, piano & harmonica, is an adventuresome musician, traveling into many realms and genres. Acknowledged as the world’s most advanced diatonic harmonica player, he was an early member of the contemporary jazz group Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, with whom he won a Grammy. Levy studied piano and theory at The Manhattan School of Music in New York, and pipe organ with Carl Lambert. He has toured, recorded and performed with Kenny Loggins; Dolly Parton; Styx; Bobby McFerrin; Paul Simon; John Prine; Paquito D’Rivera, and many others. Levy is the music director of Chévere, Chicago’s hottest Latin/Jazz fusion band.

For further information, please call Patrice Baker in the Music Department at (603) 777-3453, or visit its webpage for a complete list of upcoming musical events. You may also call the PEA public events line at (603) 777-4309, or visit the PEA website. Directions to the Academy are available at (603) 777-4330.