| World Premiere of Lou Reed's Berlin to Feature Berklee Professor Tony "Thunder" Smith
December 6, 2006
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Tony "Thunder" Smith |
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Arts at St. Ann's and the Sydney Festival present the world premiere of Lou Reed's Berlin, December 14-17, 8:00 p.m., at St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn, NY. The live debut of Reed's 1973 landmark album will feature Boston resident Tony "Thunder" Smith, Berklee associate professor of percussion, on drums. Performers include Reed, Antony, Sharon Jones, Rupert Christie, Steve Hunter, Fernando Saunders, Rob Wasserman, and others, with musical direction by Bob Erzin and Hal Willner, direction and design by Julian Schnabel, and lighting by Jennifer Tipton.
Tony "Thunder" Smith, renowned drummer, producer, and vocalist, has been playing with Lou Reed live and on record since 1995, when he was hired to play on the album Set the Twilight Reeling. He has also appeared on Reed's albums Raven, Ecstasy, Perfect Night, Live in Spain, Live at Montreux, and Live at the White House. Says Smith, "We've been working together about three times a year. After this last tour in September, I was asked if I was available [for the Berlin project], and I was." Smith admits it takes a bit of work to balance his rehearsal and playing schedule with his classes at Berklee though. "Juggling is a little difficult. My main concern is for my students and making sure they're taken care of. I work with great faculty members. We sub for each other, making it easier."
When Lou Reed's Berlin was released in 1973, the dark concept album was a shock to critics and fans. Over time, Berlin has come to be known not just as a cult favorite, but as an influential masterwork and essential album in a career that has included countless surprises and landmark artistic endeavors. Reed has never performed Berlin live, until now. A theatrical concert version of the entire Berlin recording will be performed, incorporating five additional songs by Reed that enhance the song cycle. Says Smith, "This is actually going to be fantastic! It's quite a production. I've always enjoyed playing with Lou. It's a fantastic ride, the best of challenges."
In addition to releases with his own Tony "Thunder" Smith Funk Fusion Ensemble, he has also appeared on albums by Deepak Chopra, Marianne Faithfull, Jeff Beck, Jan Hammer, Carlos Santana, and others, and has toured with Nina Hagen, David Sanborn, and the Jacksons. Smith has had the honor of performing for President Clinton, Czech President Vaclav Havel, and Pope John Paul II.
For tickets and information, please call the St. Ann's Warehouse Box Office at 718.254.8779, or visit www.stannswarehouse.org. Tickets are also available online at www.Ticketweb.com. St. Ann's Warehouse is located at 38 Water Street between Main and Dock Streets in DUMBO, Brooklyn. The Berlin show will also be performed in Sydney, Australia, January 18-20, 2007.
For editorial information or digital photos, the media may contact:
Margot Edwards
Office of Public Information
(617) 747-2004
medwards@berklee.edu
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