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The Sonic Tapestry of Bob Telson

Exploring the multifaceted career of a distinguished American composer, songwriter, and pianist, renowned for his contributions to musical theater, film, and world music.

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Biography

Personal Details

Born: May 14, 1949 (age 76) in Cannes, France.
Resided: Grew up in Brooklyn, New York.

Musical Foundations

Early Training: Began piano studies at age five. Performed Mozart and his own compositions by age nine. Studied organ, counterpoint, and harmony in France with Nadia Boulanger at age 16 and 17.
Education: Earned a degree in music from Harvard University in 1970.

Early Career & Collaborations

Genres:
  • World music
  • Theatrical
  • Classical
Occupations:
  • Composer
  • Musician
Instrument: Piano
Years Active: 1968–present

Influential Associations

Early Bands: Played organ and composed for rock band The Bristols. Formed Groundspeed at Harvard, recording demo tracks. Later formed Revolutionary Music Collective with Bonnie Raitt.
Ensembles: Member of the Philip Glass Ensemble (1972–1974). Pianist for salsa bandleaders Tito Puente and Machito. Organist and composer for the gospel group Five Blind Boys of Alabama.
"Calling You"
An instrumental rendition of "Calling You" from Bagdad Café.

Accolades and Recognition

Bob Telson is celebrated for his significant contributions to the arts, earning critical acclaim and prestigious nominations. His work has been recognized with nominations for the:

  • Academy Award for his song "Calling You" from the film Bagdad Café.
  • Pulitzer Prize, a highly esteemed award recognizing excellence in journalism, literature, and musical composition.
  • Grammy Award, acknowledging outstanding achievements in the music industry.
  • Tony Award, honoring excellence in Broadway theatre productions.

His musical The Gospel at Colonus, an innovative adaptation of Sophocles's Oedipus tale, was lauded by Newsweek as a masterful capture of black music's essence, drawing parallels to George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess.

Current Projects

Recent Releases

Telson continues to be an active and prolific artist. His latest musical endeavors include the release of two new CDs in December 2024:

  • "Bantú"
  • "Desafiando las Distancias, Part II"

New Musical Premiere

His new musical, titled "Bantú", featuring a libretto and lyrics by Graciela Corso, has seen significant development and presentation. It was showcased in a concert version in New York in October 2023 and subsequently presented in Uruguay in November 2024, marking a continued exploration of global musical narratives.

Musical Theater

Notable Productions

Bob Telson's career in musical theater is marked by significant collaborations and critically acclaimed works that blend diverse cultural influences with compelling narratives. His key contributions include:

  • Sister Suzie Cinema (1980): Premiered at the NY Public Theater, a collaboration with Lee Breuer.
  • The Gospel at Colonus (1983): Premiered at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, later transferred to Broadway in 1988 and continues international touring. This work is celebrated for its innovative fusion of Greek tragedy and gospel music.
  • The Warrior Ant (1988): Presented at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, another collaboration with Lee Breuer.
  • Chronicle of a Death Foretold (1995): A Broadway production produced by Lincoln Center, adapted from Gabriel García Márquez's novel.
  • Bagdad Cafe the Musical: Toured extensively in Europe from 2004–2006, a collaboration with Percy Adlon and Lee Breuer.
  • Bantú: Developed with libretto and lyrics by Graciela Corso, presented in concert in New York (October 2023) and Uruguay (November 2024).

Discography

Selected Works

Telson's discography spans various genres and collaborations, showcasing his versatility as a composer and musician. Key releases include:

  • The Gospel at Colonus (Original Cast Recording) (Nonesuch, 1988)
  • Bagdad Cafe (Soundtrack) (Island Records, 1989)
  • Calling You (Warner Bros., 1992)
  • An Ant Alone: Songs from the Warrior Ant (Rykodisk, 1991)
  • La Vida Según Muriel (Soundtrack) (Polygram, 1997)
  • Trip (Isabel de Sebastian & Bob Telson) (Acqua, 2008)
  • Old LP (Acqua/Naxos, 2012)
  • American Dreamers (CD Baby, 2016)
  • Defying the Distances (2019)
  • Bantú (2024)
  • Desafiando las Distancias Part II (2024)

References

  • Gerard, Jeremy (October 16, 1988). "THE DIFFERENT DRUMS OF BOB TELSON". The New York Times.
  • Sullivan, Dan (December 6, 1985). "Stage Review Greek Tragedy, Gospel Singing Mix in 'Colonus'". Los Angeles Times.
  • Gerard, Jeremy (February 23, 1989). "TV Notes: Small Screen Cafe". NY Times.
  • IMDB. "Telson Nominated for Pulitzer Prize".
  • Holden, Stephen (June 4, 1989). "POP VIEW; Why Rock Hasn't Rescued Broadway". NY Times.
  • Holden, Stephen (September 24, 1993). "Critic's Notebook; Adult Sounds from (Way) Off The Charts". The New York Times.

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Bob Telson Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and has been refined to meet academic standards. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, the information may not be entirely exhaustive or up-to-date.

This is not professional artistic or musical advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding music composition, performance, or career guidance. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific artistic needs and career development.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.