Center Of The River: Americana Art Music From Mississippi
CotR, 2026
9/10
Listen to Center Of The River: Americana Art Music From Mississippi
Center Of The River is comprised of David Buchbinder, Mark Rubin and Michael Ward-Bergeman, who take influence from river’s cultural currents, where Black American music, folk song, and improvisation meet with much creativity.
“Camp Meeting” opens with the bright horn, frisky accordion and playfully plucked bass making for an upbeat start, and “Mississippi” follows with warm banjo being complemented by the soulful singing and much sincerity.
Entering the middle, “White Horse” is strong on percussion amid the harmonizing voices that unfold with much authenticity, while “Little Milton” is piano focused and allows for Ward-Bergeman’s expressive pipes to shine alongside the rich brass.
“Stranger” arrives late and is a powerful moment that pairs Ward-Bergeman’s sturdy voice with mature keys and some gospel spirit, and “Darkness Light” exits with intimacy and grace via the poetic piano playing.
The trio utilize trumpet, accordion, guitar, banjo, bass, alto horn, flugelhorn, tuba, percussion and some other noise makers, as they embrace the sounds cultivated around the banks (blues, gospel, early jazz, country song, riverboat calliopes) with a truly timeless appeal.
Travels well with: Triad- Triad; Pierre Lacocque’s Mississippi Heat- Don’t Look Back