Bernard Lubat

An astounding and rich figure, Bernard Lubat is certainly more than a virtuoso musician covered in academic degrees. As a classical percussionist he was next to Berio and Globokar; as a unique drummer he played with Eddy Louiss and Rene Thomas for a while as the European trio of Stan Getz in the early seventies. During this time he also frequented performances by master drummer Kenny Clarke. Lubat is also a highly talented pianist, accordionist and singer; actually, this artist, born in the southwest crossroads province of Gascony, ranges freely through the entire spectrum of music. And that's not all! This word-lover - an "improet" as he sometimes describes himself - heads a festival, "Hestejada de las Arts," established nearly thirty years ago in his hometown and a place where everything is possible. Finally, Lubat is the creator of the "Compagnie Lubat de Gasconha," a joyful combination of musicians which carried Andre Minvieille, another thinking fool, as well as the saxophonist Francois Corneloup.

Lubat says that what he likes in music and in life is "to find myself not at the right place: I know that I don't know how to begin." His creative flow, in whatever forms, has not skipped a beat since first quickening his blood. As he would say, "It's only a struggle, let's keep the beginning going." This evening will prove to be an exciting program for a musician, on his first journey to the USA.