‘Maliseet Dreams’ CD-release benefit concert at First Baptist Church

    HOULTON — Barbara London and Rick Kress will present a CD-release concert for London’s latest recording, “Maliseet Dreams”, on Thursday, Aug. 26, at First Baptist Church, 46 Court St., at 7 p.m.
    The concert is a benefit for the Maliseet Elders and Maliseet Childrens’ Fund. Free-will donations will be accepted and London’s recordings and artwork will be for sale. The concert will be a departure from London’s usual jazz performances. Maliseet Dreams is a collection of original acoustic instrumental pieces inspired by world music, jazz, classical, and Native American music. Flute and drum duets are interspersed with meditative piano pieces.
    The project is dedicated to London’s late brother, John, who served in Vietnam and to his Native American daughters who are members of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. Several of the pieces are based on Aroostook County landmarks or traditions. London’s grand niece, Alexis Ireland, and Four Winds, a Maliseet drum group, will also perform at the event.
    London is an award-winning musician and composer. She is a watercolor artist, educator, and writer as well. She received three National Endowment for the Arts jazz performance grants as a flutist, vocalist, and pianist and has appeared in festivals, schools, and clubs across the country. Her credits include the Newport Jazz Festival (in NYC) and Kansas City Women’s Jazz Festival. She taught nearly 20 years at Berklee College of Music where she became the first female chair in 1994. Visit London’s Web site at www.wildaster.com.
    Kress is a drummer, composer, and educator. He is currently an associate professor at Berklee College of Music where he teaches theory, advanced modal harmony, and arranging. His new composition for soprano and piano premiered at the Berklee Performance Center last year. Kress’ drumming style illustrates his belief that the drums can be approached in a lyrical and melodic sense as well as rhythmic.
    For more information, Barbara London, bmlondon15@mac.com or call (603) 926-2029. Her Web site is www.wildaster.com. For venue information, call First Baptist Church, at 532-3196 or visit  www.fbchoulton.com.