Ben Holmes & Patrick Farrell
Ben Holmes & Patrick Farrell are a one-of-a-kind trumpet & accordion duo whose performances range from klezmer, original concert music and improvisation to interpretations of Romantic-era composers and more. In concert appearances from Vancouver to Vienna, accordionist Farrell and trumpeter Holmes bring together a unique array of experiences to present a truly original program of music ranging from the 19th-21st Centuries and beyond.
Referring to themselves as “New York City’s Premiere Klezmer/Spaghetti-Western/Improv/ Pop/Waltz/Freak-Out Trumpet and Accordion Duo,” Holmes and Farrell play original compositions, folk melodies, and music by Satie, Shostakovich, Chopin, the Beach Boys, and Ornette Coleman. |
"The duo... harnessed a dazzling array of colors, moods, and stylistic references... their collaborative work on The Conqueror Worm was an alchemical concoction..." (New Haven Independent)
"...the two play seamlessly, and beautifully together." (Klezmer Shack)
"...the two play seamlessly, and beautifully together." (Klezmer Shack)
And introducing:
Ben Holmes & Patrick Farrell are delighted to announce "The Conqueror Worm Suite", a 6-part suite of music, words and images based on Edgar Allan Poe’s 1843 poem "The Conqueror Worm".
The duo present their original compositions, including a reading of the poem, in conjunction with a projected set of animated illustrations by visual artist Natalie C. Sousa. Using Igor Stravinsky’s "The Soldier’s Tale" as a reference point, "The Conqueror Worm Suite" consists of a reading of the poem surrounded by music inspired by it. The visuals by Sousa are projected on a screen adjacent to the performers, further drawing the audience into the landscape of Poe’s vision. |
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“… the most irresistibly yet understatedly macabre Halloween music played on any stage in this city …” (New York Music Daily)
“The Conqueror Worm is an entrancing piece of multimedia theatre by masterful artists. Audience feedback was electric, and Ben and Patrick were a treat to work with. We were very lucky to have them perform at our festival.” (Kathryn Peterson, Artistic Director Accordion Noir Festival)
“The Conqueror Worm is an entrancing piece of multimedia theatre by masterful artists. Audience feedback was electric, and Ben and Patrick were a treat to work with. We were very lucky to have them perform at our festival.” (Kathryn Peterson, Artistic Director Accordion Noir Festival)
Ben Holmes is a trumpet player and composer based in Brooklyn, NY whose current projects include the Ben Holmes Quartet, Trio Blastphemy and Tarras Band. His studies have included jazz & classical performance and composition, as well as folk music from Eastern Europe. Holmes' two albums as a leader have garnered significant critical praise, including four-star reviews for both records in DownBeat Magazine.
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First full-length release:
"A pensive, often haunting album" (Lucid Culture) Click on the image above to go to the Holmes and Farrell Bandcamp page to listen to or purchase "Gold Dust" |
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