Artist description "Sitting at a Wurlitzer, the leader's wily tunes and unpredictable runs have a unique new tone. Blended with guitarist Bruce Arnold's sweet rumble, the music boasts a retro-futurist vibe." - The Village Voice. Pianist/composer Roberta Piket, whose recordings with her acoustic trio and quintet have garnered rave reviews, now manifests her unique musical viewpoint via an exciting electric project. Alternating Current represents Roberta's first serious foray into the world of electricity (in music, that is). Described by Piket as "Improvisational alternative music ranging from pan-tonal funk to collective free improvisation to fiery post-modern jazz and blues", the band features Bruce Arnold on guitar, marking the first time Roberta is leading a band which contains another harmony instrument. Comments Piket, "In the past, I've avoided having guitarists play my music because I felt they got in the way of the chords I wanted to play. But Bruce and I have a similar sensibility - we both like weird, chromatic harmonies, and we listen to each other, so instead of clashing, the guitar and piano actually mesh very well."

Music Style Exploring a new sonic palette with a vintage Wurlitzer electric piano and some tastefully chosen effects pedals, Roberta Piket brings her harmonically adventurous sensibility and serpentine lines to a supremely grooving and interactive quartet.

Musical Influences 70's Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, Return To Forever, Steely Dan, Alban Berg

Similar Artists Miles Davis, Return To Forever, Jaco Pastorius, Wayne Shorter, Steely Dan, Alban Berg, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Medeski, Martin & Wood, John Scofield, Stevie Wonder, John McLaughlin, Yes

Artist History Pianist/composer Roberta Piket, whose recordings with her acoustic trio and quintet have garnered rave reviews, now manifests her unique musical viewpoint via an exciting electric project. Alternating Current represents Roberta's first serious foray into the world of electricity (in music, that is). After two years of evolution, the band has finally recorded their first CD, entitled "I'm Back In Therapy And It's All Your Fault".

Group Members Roberta Piket - Wurlitzer electric piano with effects pedals; Bruce Arnold - electric guitar; Cliff Schmitt - electric bass; Kirk Driscoll - drums

Instruments Wurlitzer electric piano with effects pedals, electric guitar, electric bass, drums

Albums I'm Back In Therapy And It's All Your Fault

Press Reviews "Sitting at a Wurlitzer, the leader's wily tunes and unpredictable runs have a unique new tone. Blended with guitarist Bruce Arnold's sweet rumble, the music boasts a retro-futurist vibe." - The Village Voice. "Armed with her retro Wurlitzer electric piano, Roberta Piket enlists her band Alternating Current to perform 11 of her recent compositions. Her punchy melodies and quirky harmonic voicings (many influenced by the modernist classical tradition) are infused with a neurotic funk and lots of energy." -NEWMUSICBOX. At first glance, pianist Roberta Piket may seem like a traditionalist, but her maverick streak actually runs deep. Alternating Current is where she loosens it up." -Time Out New York. "Audiences are starting to discover that Roberta Piket is one of the most accomplished and inventive young jazz pianists currently working on the scene." -Piano & Keyboard. "Those in the know tell us that Roberta Piket is quite the pianist on the verge..." -Time Out New York.

Location New York, NY - USA

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