Live Concert at CCA | Muñoz Waxman Gallery
Sunday, December 26 | 3 pm | $20
Join us for the live concert in CCA’s exhibition space this holiday season, featuring an afternoon performance from What The What and Robby Rothschild in the Muñoz Waxman Gallery. What the What delivers a “groove-based, more funky” jazz sound (as proclaimed by trumpeter JQ Whitcomb in The Santa Fe New Mexican) while Rothschild offers a guitar and kora-driven set from his latest EP. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination or recent negative test result is required upon entry.
From the performers: “Robby Rothschild’s contemplative, sung songs and What the What’s dexterous, propulsive instrumental expeditions both incorporate a lot of just what you’ll be craving — space. Come be around like-minded people without having to talk to them too much. Come dig into what it is to party in a town of hermits over the holidays.”
About the Performers
Robby Rothschild has studied many forms of music with teachers all over the world and earned a master’s degree in composition from UNM. He performs his original songs regularly as a solo artist, bringing his varied background to bear in a unique and powerful songwriting style. In addition, he has worked with Thomas Mapfumo and Guinean griot Prince Diabate, He is currently the touring percussionist for both Ottmar Liebert and Kip Winger. His solo set on guitar and kora will feature music from his newly released eponymous EP, as well as many new pieces, and the first public performances of at least one song.
Bassist Jon Gagan is best known for his 30+ year association with renowned guitarist Ottmar Liebert. In addition to playing bass on over 25 Liebert albums, (including several RIAA-certified gold and platinum and Grammy-nominated titles) Jon also scored a full-length string orchestra concert for Liebert. The show was performed by Liebert’s trio along with The NM Philharmonic to a sold-out crowd at Popejoy Hall in April of 2015. As a freelance sideman, Gagan has performed with Milt Jackson, Eddie Harris, Dave Grusin, Christopher Cross, Big Al Anderson, Nat Adderley, Emily Remler and Mose Allison, among many others. He has also released a series of solo albums on Liebert’s SSRI label, Transit 1-3.
NYC-based trumpet player J.Q. Whitcomb holds a B.A. in jazz performance from Oberlin Conservatory as well as an M.A. in jazz performance from Juilliard. In 2003, J.Q. relocated to Shanghai, China, where he worked steadily for 8 years as a jazz artist and educator. He was featured as a guest artist with internationally-acclaimed jazz artist Sinne Eeg on a tour of Denmark. He also performed at the Copenhagen Jazz festival in 2008 and 2011, as well as the 2011 Ribe Jazz festival. In 2016, J.Q. was commissioned by The New Mexico Jazz Workshop to compose a piece for their 40th anniversary. He has recorded two albums as a leader: Airports, and Tales Of Enchantment.
