Bassist/composer Lisa Mezzacappa and Nightshade, her stellar ensemble of improvisers, perform a series of wordless chamber songs inspired by the work of contemporary visual artists from Israel, Paris, and Los Angeles. The group's musical world encompasses evocative melodies, abstract sonic landscapes and playful rhythmic juxtapositions, with influences ranging from Eric Dolphy to Olivier Messiaen to Blonde Redhead. Mezzacappa's new quintet made its debut at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts this summer as part of the "Artists Respond to Wallworks" performance series.

Cory Wright, clarinets
John Finkbeiner, guitar
Kjell Nordeson, percussion
Lisa Mezzacappa, acoustic bass
Tim Perkis, electronics

Saxophonists Jon Raskin and Phillip Greenlief have been frequent collaborators since 2000 when they formed the Wind Trio of Alphaville with shakuhachi master Philip Gelb. They have recorded and performed in the FPR Trio with fellow saxophonist Frank Gratkowski and curated the 2+2 concert series in 2006 and 2007, which allowed them frequent collaborations with pairings of other like instruments. In addition to performing duo, they are currently assembling a compilation recording from the 2+2 concert series for release on CD.