The formation of Vijay Iyer’s current trio started with a feeling.
“From that first down beat, I felt something electrifying,” the New York city-based composer and pianist said in a recent interview. “Right after that was over, I ran up to them. I said, ‘You guys want to make a record?’”
Since then, the spark has only grown. In six years, the group has released two ECM albums, toured globally and earned praise from critics, including The New York Times.
Although each member has performed at Spoleto Festival USA before, the trio’s June 3 show at College of Charleston Sottile Theater will mark its collective debut. With deep trust, shared knowledge and a sort of musical telepathy, the musicians don’t even need a setlist.
“It’s in this continual process of shifting,” said Iyer. “It’ll coalesce on something, it’ll develop that something, and then it’ll morph into something else, and it’ll develop that, and then it’ll change again.”
Spontaneity, trust shape every performance
Drummer Tyshawn Sorey has worked with Iyer for a quarter century.
“We’ve had this deep bond, almost like family,” said Iyer, adding that Sorey’s critical listening skills elevate the music. “He’s one of the greatest artists of all time. I’m not exaggerating, and the world knows this, too.”
Bassist Linda May Han Oh is the newest addition — and so far, a perfect fit with the others. All three members are composers and multi-instrumentalists. While Iyer brings the raw materials to every composition, the outcome is never certain.
“There’s this sense of excitement that each gig is going to be totally different and going to have its own wild energy,” said Oh. “I always find it incredibly exciting.”
That spontaneity defines the trio.
“Every set is its own journey,” Iyer said. “It doesn’t start from a plan. It starts from a set of possibilities.”
They often play without pause. Rather than stop and explain each composition, Iyer said the best way to communicate with the audience is by staying in the flow. Still, their performances fluctuate.
“The music provides its own moments of rest and activity,” Iyer said.
With Iyer steering the intuitive trio, the group feels limitless, and their relationship extends well beyond music.
“Ultimately, with the musical relationship comes a personal relationship,” said Oh. “You’re playing nights in a row on tour, you’re traveling with these people, you’re eating together, you’re in very close quarters.”
At this year’s Spoleto performance, audiences can experience the dynamic firsthand.
IF YOU WANT TO GO: “The Vijay Iyer Trio featuring Linda May Han Oh and Tyshawn Sorey,” 7 p.m. June 3, College of Charleston Sottile Theater. Tickets are $48 to $88.
Olivia Meier is a magazine, news, and digital journalism graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
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