Nexus is a Canadian percussion group that marches to the beat of a different drum. Or different drums — which is to say three thousand different percussion instruments the group has collected from all over the world.
Nexus began thirty years ago as five classically trained, frustrated percussionists tired of keeping time in their local symphony; tired of waiting for the random call for the cowbell or the occasional bang or gong. They formed a band around the idea of expanding the definition of percussion beyond the rhythm section. They’re the first violin. And the trumpet solo. And the woodwind section and the vocals too.
Nexus connects symphonic music, jazz, ragtime and chamber music with African dance songs, Mexican folk music and the music of Bali, Java, China and Japan. It’s music that can go out with a bang or with a whisper. The high priests of percussion are next, this hour on the Connection.
(Hosted by Christopher Lydon)
Guests:
Nexus percussion ensemble: John Wyre, Russell Hartenberger, Bill Cahn, Bob Becker and Robin Engelman