Marc Ribot is universally recognized as being one of the most creative and original guitarists of the latest jazz generations, and not only that (he really is much more). A multi-sided artistic personality, Ribot is capable of passing from Tom Waits’ most surreal songs to the jazz standards of Diana Krall and Cassandra Wilson, from his avant-rock trio Ceramic Dog to the Latin music (played his way) of his Cubanos Postizos, from Albert Ayler’s free-form jazz music to the electric bands (Electric Masada) or “Filmworks” by John Zorn, from the blues to the dissonances of Giacinto Scelsi. He can also perform a surprising soundtrack written for a film like Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid” or a collaboration with T Bone Burnette, Elvis Costello or the Lounge Lizards.
Ribot is a master of absolute improvisation, a fearless experimenter who makes diversity in his work a creativity tool. He is an ever-changing artist who is always consistent in his vision of music.
The 50th anniversary of Umbria Jazz means a return for Marc Ribot. The guitarist from Newark has performed multiple times in Umbria: a superb guitar solo recital and a collaboration with Medeski Martin & Wood in Orvieto, concerts with Los Cubanos Postizos, the Mystery Trio and a performance with Vinicio Capossela’s band as a special guest in Perugia. Five years ago, in Orvieto, he was the resident artist with two different projects, the trio and the Young Philadelphians.