Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet feat Elvin Sharp & Jeff Haas
Event Details
Recognised in the Jazz Times Critic’s Poll, the Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet presents a transformative sound born from an authentic conversation between global traditions and the spontaneity of jazz. Their
Event Details
Recognised in the Jazz Times Critic’s Poll, the Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet presents a transformative sound born from an authentic conversation between global traditions and the spontaneity of jazz. Their music is an eclectic synthesis — a daring musicological journey that critics have called “a sturdy gateway between the East and West.”
The quartet’s compositions are not mere fusions, but deeply integrated dialogues resulting in a sound described as a “kaleidoscope of undulating gypsy, klezmer, Persian, and North African music, interspersed with jazz variations.” Whether navigating hypnotic 5/4 grooves or reimagining jazz melodies through Hungarian modes, the group’s music reflects both technical precision and fearless creativity. Rather than offering a superficial survey of styles, Worlds Quartet takes a deep musicological dive, weaving together the microtonal nuances of Middle Eastern maqams, the complex rhythmic cycles of Indian tal, and the raw emotive spirit of Hungarian Roma and Armenian folk traditions.
Musical influences include: Middle Eastern maqam melodies and the authentic timbre of the oud; Indian raga-inspired improvisation and complex tabla-driven rhythmic cycles; Bulgarian, Ukrainian, and Hungarian Roma traditions; Armenian folk melodies informed by Romani roots; West African polyrhythms and djembe textures; Brazilian rhythmic sensibilities and tango undertones; along with additional influences from Greek, Turkish, and Egyptian musical traditions.
Festival & venue appearances include: JazzAscona Festival (Switzerland), Detroit International Jazz Festival, Lansing Jazz Fest, Concert of Colors (Detroit), Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Bach Music Festival (Kalamazoo), Lansing Harmony Celebration, Rasa Indian Arts Festival (Ann Arbor), Alluvion (Traverse City), Kerrytown Concert House (Ann Arbor), Music Hall Jazz Café (Detroit), Blue LLama Jazz Club (Ann Arbor), UrbanBeat Events Center (Lansing), North Star Lounge (Ann Arbor), and the Riverfolk Music & Arts Blacksmith Shop Concert Series in Manchester.
