Studio Summer Jazz: Ken Karsh Trio

Jazz is often oversimplified. The music itself is a complex combination of rhythms, dynamics and articulations. It’s far from just one thing. It involves musicians working independently, and yet simultaneously together, to create one complete song. Ken Karsh, guitarist for the Ken Krash Trio, would tell you that’s how it’s meant to be, as jazz involves musicians “playing off each other (because) there’s no other way to do it.” Music is a language; it requires the performers to be in touch with each other throughout a piece. It’s a two-way street between each musician and audience member. Everyone participates in a jazz concert, sometimes by listening and sometimes by performing. This communication is required and it “makes the music exciting.” 

This exciting music isn’t about covers or original works; jazz is a fluid blend between the two. Oftentimes jazz musicians are influenced by the performers of the past, so many jazz pieces can be traced to what are now “jazz standards.” This is true for the Ken Karsh Trio who mostly perform “jazz standards approached from a different stylistic perspective.” Their set will combine the best of both vintage and contemporary jazz. 

We’re excited to host the Ken Karsh Trio in the Studio as the fourth installment in our Studio Summer Jazz Series. Our Studio is the best space for a summertime concert. It’s spacious and cool with perfect acoustics. If you have yet to see it, you’re not the only one! This is the Trio’s first time performing here, and they’re eager to play in our historic venue.   

The Ken Karsh Trio features Ken Karsh on guitar, Subha Das on drums and Kurt Lorence on bass. The group has known each other for over a decade and they “love playing together.” Individually, they have extensive knowledge of their instruments, as a unit they combine their knowledge to create the best show possible. 

Check out their YouTube channels for a taste of the music!  

Ken Karsh: https://www.youtube.com/kenkarsh 

Subha Das: https://www.youtube.com/user/skdasdrums 

For more information about Studio Summer Jazz, and to purchase tickets, check our website (carnegiecarnegie.org) or contact Music Hall Director, Heidi Matthews at 412-276-3456×6.