GUELPH/ERAMOSA – Ignatius Jesuit Centre is slated to host Jeff Bird, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer, for an evening celebrating the release of his latest recording: Ordo Virtutum: Jeff Bird Plays Hildegard von Bingen, Volume 2.
The release will take place on May 29 at 7pm at Loyola House Chapel at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre at 5420, Highway 6 North, Guelph/Eramosa.
“Join Jeff in the serene setting of the Loyola House Chapel as he presents luminous solo arrangements of 12th-century mystic Hildegard von Bingen’s transcendent music,” officials invite.
Drawing from Ordo Virtutum, one of the earliest known musical dramas in Western history, Bird’s interpretations feature harmonica, electric guitar, and the shruti box – an East Indian drone instrument—evoking a meditative and spiritual soundscape.
“Using breath as a rhythmic guide, each piece unfolds like an ocean swell, inviting the listener into a deep and moving encounter with Hildegard’s divinely inspired works,” officials state.
Critics have praised Bird’s Hildegard explorations for their daring originality:
“Bird’s perfect breath control on harmonica emulates the original vocal lines… a brilliant sound mix of medieval and modern arrangements.” – Tiina Kiik, The Whole Note
“Hildegard von Bingen on harmonica? Absolutely! Jeff Bird’s new album… is a stunner.” – CBC Music
“Bird has always been about subverting expectations and blowing your musical mind. This is no different.” — Michael Barclay, radio free canuckistan
Bird has realized 18 recordings of his own as a soloist and collaborator, and has scored music for film, television and dance.
He is an experimental filmmaker and performance artist whose work has been showcased at festivals around the world.
In 2019 Jeff was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame with Cowboy Junkies.
For more information abou Bird visit jeffbird.com.
To purchase tickets for the release event visit ignatiusguelph.ca/event/jeff-bird-cd-release-party.
