Julius Eastman Vol. 3: If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Rich is the third entry in Wild Up’s multi-volume anthology celebrating Eastman on New Amsterdam Records.
On Eastman Vol. 3, Wild Up are joined by two luminaries of modern music: Devonté Hynes (known both for their work as Blood Orange; collaborations with Solange, Harry Styles, and Philip Glass; and for soundtrack work on films like Gia Coppola’s Palo Alto and 2019’s acclaimed Queen & Slim) & Adam Tendler (whose music has been deemed “emotionally involving and musically rewarding” by The New York Times). Both appear on the first available selection from Eastman Vol. 3, the confrontational composition “Evil N—,” a cutting political statement and a transformational, near-cacophonous musical experience. The 21-minute performance begins with Hynes and Tendler executing restlessly trilling piano parts, while WIld Up’s string performers contribute a dense, humid atmosphere. It all builds to a head when a voice counts off: “1, 2, 3, 4!” An assertive, devious central refrain hits, before another build begins, with new elements added each time: piercing flutes, placid atmospheres, uncertain resolutions. Rife with sweeping gesture and ominous climax, it’s a masterful interpretation of one of Eastman’s most formidable works.
Wild Up’s Anthology engages with the complex history of Julius Eastman’s legacy and ideas, including the titles of his work. Each person involved in making this Anthology negotiates their position and relationship to the n-word; thus, the word appears in several permutations throughout. We chose to use Eastman’s given titles in the track listing to honor the composer’s intentions. With this seven-volume project, Wild Up aims to be part of the ongoing social, political, and artistic dialogue and the circulation of Eastman’s work.
We are grateful for the deep and nuanced exploration of scholars, historians, artists, and critics internationally. Our collection of resources on titling and more, including Eastman’s own words, is available at: https://eastman.wildup.org/.
Credits
Devonté Hynes, piano / leader
Adam Tendler, piano / leader
Wild Up
Andrew Tholl, violin
Adrianne Pope, violin
Mona Tian, violin
Rachel Iba, violin
Andrew McIntosh, viola
Linnea Powell, viola
Derek Stein, cello
Mia Barcia Colombo, cello
Jonathan Richards, bass
Marlon Martinez, bass
Erin McKibben, flute
Michael Matsuno, flute
Breana Glicher, oboe
Archie Carey, bassoon
Brian Walsh, saxophones / clarinets
M.A. Tiesenga, saxophones
Shelley Washington, saxophones
Pat Posey, saxophones
Patrick Shiroishi, saxophones
Amy Sanchez, horn
Danielle Ondarza, horn
Drew Ninmer, trumpet
Jonah Levy, trumpet
Mattie Barbier, trombone
William Roper, tuba / animal bones
richard valitutto, piano
Matt Cook, percussion
Sidney Hopson, percussion
Jodie Landau, percussion / voice
Anna Schubert, voice
Laurel Irene, voice
Molly Pease, voice
Chloe Vaught, voice
Eliza Bagg, voice
Catherine Brookman, voice
Odeya Nini, voice
Sharon Chohi Kim, voice
Fahad Siadat, voice
Saunder Choi, voice
James Hayden, voice
Scott Graff, voice
Christopher Rountree, conductor / artistic director
Produced, recorded, and mixed by Lewis Pesacov
Engineered by Lewis Pesacov, Clint Welander
Assisted by Harriett Tam
Recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders and United Recording
Mixed at Ahata Sound
Mastered by Reuben Cohen at Lurssen Mastering, Los Angeles, CA
Album Designer: Andrea Hyde
Cover Photo: Christine Rusiniak
Session Photos: Glen Hahn
Executive Producer: Elizabeth Cline
Production Associate: Glenna Adkins