Welcome Notes from the Producer
Greetings and welcome to this special program of original music inspired by the art of my dear old friend Nomi Asghar.  When my best buddy from high school liked the idea of collaborating on an audiovisual project in 2019 after wrapping up Shvvvr, we came up with Rhythm Space; a larger graphic novel project.  He came up with the idea of Lanterns as a muse for several visual mixed art pieces he created and are featured on the three total volumes of the Lanterns.  Most of the music I composed was written to lay out different themes for fictional characters and planets for the musical soundtrack.  The most recent piece that I wrote specifically for this volume is The Lanterns Suite.

I’ve always wanted to write big band music and I’ve always been very inspired by one of my favorite music jazz and experimental giants, the late Sam Rivers.  In 2000, Gordon Lee explained to me that I had to listen to Sams music and the first music I found at the library was his band material in the 90’s with his Rivera Orchestra based in Orlando,Florida.  Serendipitously my family had moved down to Florida in the Orlando area and every time I would visit I would go watch Sam’s band and I was able to meet him several times.  He was very friendly, encouraging and about fifteen years later a trombonist in his band by the name of Terry Baber, moved to the Portland area and has also been able to give me insight as to how Sam operated the band.  
The recordings on Lanterns Vol. I, II and III (to be released in 2026) were recorded at Big Red Studios in Corbett, Oregon with Billy Oskay with the help of Nicholas Dekker, mixed by Billy with the help of Matt Thomson and mastered by Dana White at Specialized Mastering.  I also want to thank all the musicians for recording on these albums and special thanks in particular to Marshall Petterson for arranging The Lanterns Suite and putting up with my Sam Rivers obsession.  
Big thanks to the help of Nicholas Matta for helping to organize all of the sound engineering logistics for this performance and also to Nick Hanslin and Akash Gaman who have been a very big help over the last few years in the context of logistics, sound, stage and events set up.  Lastly, much appreciation for the entire team and staff from the Alberta Abbey.  I truly hope you enjoy this new music and leave inspired to make more new music of the spheres.  

Peace/Salaam/Shalom/Ase/Amen
Adam Carpinelli
AC Music Productions

Statement from Artists 
We are exploring the idea of lanterns conceptually from an audiovisual perspective using music and light as an inspiration to unlock spiritual consciousness, a recursive sense of self reference and self awareness.   The main thread between the music and art are tied to ideas of the lantern as a point of illumination on a path of darkness.  This is often the path of the musician, artist and seeker who uses but is not limited to different scientific, spiritual, philosophical, artistic modes to illuminate their way towards a greater understanding of themselves and their place relative to the cosmic ocean.  We are reflecting on these ideas in a series of 2-D mixed media pieces which, along with the musical interpretations, act as an insight or “lantern” and reflection of the spaces between.

—–Nomi Asghar and Adam Carpinelli (2024)

Program
The Lanterns Suite (Dedicated to Sam Rivers) 

1. Main Theme
2. North Pole 
3. South Pole 
4. Magnets
5. Signal
6. Reprise

—-Intermission—-

Main Theme (Rhythm Space)–  This main theme or melody for Rhythm Space comprises the cosmic tones that will take our characters on a special journey to save the universe.

Father of Swords- One of the earth based characters in Rhythm Space realizes his special role and destiny at the cosmic library planet as the Father of Swords.  Similar to the tarot, they like the owl are creatures of the night and have great vision, hence his keen decision making in tight places.  

Broken Button Holes in Outer Space– In the story of Rhythm Space, the team of cosmic musicians has to traverse through a tricky spot in outer space.  Some have heard of Orions belt however there is also a cosmic vest that is comprised of broken button holes.  

Awaazz–  He is one of the main six characters who lives on a webbed planet of a multi-armed race of arachnid or spider type people.  Their favorite instrument is a webbed harp-lute that is also hybrid with electronics including several of the robotic arm replacements that Awaazz has.  He is highly revered in his culture for saving his entire race several centuries ago. 

To the Library– Also in the Rhythm Space story, the cosmic crew has to visit a small planet which is an outer space type of library or museum and the team needs to consult the dragon librarian.  

Biographical Profiles

Sam Rivers (September, 25th 1923-December, 26th 2011)
Raised in Chicago and Little Rock, Rivers attended the Boston Conservatory from 1947 to 1953. He moved to New York in the 1960s and joined the Miles Davis Quintet, appearing on the album Miles in Tokyo (1964). After signing with Blue Note, he released his first album as bandleader, Fuchsia Swing Song (1964), which includes the ballad “Beatrice,” his best-known tune. Rivers followed his debut album with Contours (1965) and A New Conception (1966), also released on Blue Note.
Increasingly interested in experimental music, Rivers signed with the avant-garde label Impulse!, which released Streams (1973), Hues (1974), Crystals (1974), and Sizzle (1976). Around this time, he and his wife, Beatrice, transformed a loft in NoHo into one of the most important studios in New York’s loft jazz scene. A rehearsal, performance, and recording space, Studio Rivbea provided a venue for experimental music and younger musicians, including William Parker, Anthony Braxton, Dave Burrell, David Murray, Jemeel Moondoc, and many others.
Rivers performed at Rivbea in big bands, wind ensembles, and small combos. In the years after Rivbea closed in 1978, he continued to perform and record with various ensembles, including groups led by Dizzy Gillespie. In 1991, Rivers moved to Orlando, Florida, where he began performing with local musicians. He continued to tour and frequently returned to New York to perform until shortly before his death.

Nomi Asghar
Nomi Asghar is a visual artist based in New York City.   He grew up in Northern Virginia from a Pakistani family where art and music has always been the cornerstone of his life. After receiving his BFA from Radford University in South Western Virginia he moved to NYC to make art and seek new opportunities. His work is influenced by dreams, science, philosophy, music, the great mystery and anything that generally bewilders the spirit.  He works mainly in 2-D mixed media (painting, drawing and collage) and occasionally works digitally as well. His work reflects an internal puzzle and dialogue that is interpreted and and answered through his work; as an exploration of ideas as a layered visual language.  Nomi made the art work for the first, second and third Lanterns album covers were produced and also came up with the Lantern’s concept.  

Terry Baber
He/Him | English/Irish | Leo
Terry Baber multi-instrumentalist who plays trombone, conch shells, harmonica, percussion and many kinds of steel pan.  Since moving to the Northwest in 2008 Terry has performed with the Reggae Rockers, Bel Mizik, The Lightning Kings, Israelites and his own group Tropical Storm. He is a nationally recognized steel pannist and performs as a soloist all over the Northwest.  Terry also performed with the Landsharks, Caribbean Chillers, Kingpins, Sam Rivers, The Blues Brothers Tribute and countless other acts. Currently he performs and records with Wamba, Shvvvr and now the Lanterns project.

Hans Barklis
He/Him | Norwegian/Greek | Scorpio
Hans’ musical garden has been tended by a formal education featuring fertilization from world-famous classical and jazz instrumentalists, landscaped by international musical cooperation from NE Brazil to Mexico’s gulf coast, and amended by experience with special needs populations and participation in centuries-deep afro-latin dance and martial art forms. Hans’ musical toolshed boasts a host of string instruments (guitar/requinto jarocho/cavaquinho…) and afro-latin percussion instruments, primed to till, sow, irrigate, and harvest a variegated musical ground. Hans’ top priority is to sow the seeds which sprout lives lived in love with music.

Adrian Baxter
He/Him | Pisces
Adrian P. Baxter, self-taught until college, learned the entrance for U of O from Carl Woideck, author of “Charlie Parker: His Music and Life”, at Lane Community College. He then attended the University of Oregon. He dropped out of college to join “The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies”, unable to attend school with a heavy touring schedule, and remained with the band through their “Big City Muscle Car”, and “Kids on the Street” albums later compiled into the platinum “Zuit Suit Riot” Album. He returned to school, played in local bands, worked part time, and earned a Bachelor of Music (BM) in Jazz Studies.
Now based in Portland, OR, transcribing, arranging, and performing with several local artists, and teaches for M.U.S.E., and Ethos Music Center. Featured in the 2024 Portland Jazz Festival with his Trio; he has enjoyed performing with Les McCann, Tito Puente Jr., Melcochita, Yolanda Del Rio, Ramsey Embick, Damien Erskine, Andre St. James, Dr. Freddy Vilches, Mariachi Viva Mexico, Son de Cuba, Conjunto Alegre, Adam Carpinelli, and many local Portland artists.  Adapted Reeds for FUSE Theatre in “Assassins”, and Tenor Sax in Rocky Horror Picture Show @ Funhouse Lounge 2025 for Sarah King, and Mac Kallistic;  Nominated for Drammy “Best Original Music in a Play”, 2016 for Sygnet Productions “The Set-Up”.

Adam Carpinelli 
He/Him |Italian, Sicilian, Belarus Jewish | Libra
Adam Carpinelli is a multifaceted artist, composer, producer, community organizer, and multi-instrumentalist. His studies of world music started with Ghanaian drumming, having performed and recorded for Obo Addy, the late Master Drummer. Carpinelli also has been influenced by working with Indian, Afro Cuban and Senegalese artists.

Levis Dragulin
Romanian
Levis was born in Romania and moved to New York when he was ten.  He’s been active in the Portland music scene for 25 years and has been involved with a wide variety of musical genres including jazz, classical, Afrobeat, salsa, and electronic. He worked on Royal Caribbean cruise ships as a musician for four years, traveling the world. Levis has also been prolific in the theater scene as well, having been part of 35 musical productions in the last decade, including Cats, Ain’t Misbehavin’ West Side Story, Gypsy, Oklahoma, and 9 to 5.  

Owen Evans
Saxophonist Owen Evans is a versatile player whose artistry spans many styles. A Seattle native, he recently moved to Portland to pursue his master’s degree in jazz at Portland State University where he studies with jazz icons George Colligan, Darell Grant, and Tim Wilcox. He has toured with Seattle jazz and funk guru Peter Daniel and his 45th St. Brass Band, and can be heard on Tinkham Road’s latest release ‘Tomorrow Brings Another,’ as well as the soon-to-be released album ‘Live from the Skylark’ with Seattle mainstays Battlestar Kalakala.
You can also hear him playing local shows with Christopher Martin’s indie-pop band Bikini Drone. Owen’s other main role is music educator. He taught middle school band for several years in Snohomish, WA before making the move to Portland to continue his studies, and maintains a busy schedule as a clinician and private teacher in the Portland area.

Michael Galen
He/Him | Jewish and mixed European Ancestry | Leo
Michael Galen is a dancer, choreographer, musician, and educator known for his dynamic fusion of rhythm, physical theater, and global movement traditions. He is an original member of Rejoice! Diaspora Dance Theater, with work featured on Comedy Central, IFC’s Portlandia, and TedX Mt. Hood. As a musician and composer, he has studied and performed worldwide, collaborating with artists from Cuba, Brazil, and Senegal, and directing ensembles like POPgoji.
His teaching approach integrates dance, music, and movement practices, fostering expression and body awareness for students of all abilities. Michael has developed arts curricula for schools, afterschool programs, and institutions like Portland Community College and PHAME. With a background in gymnastics, breakdance, and capoeira, his work continues to bridge disciplines, cultures, and communities through performance and education.

Toni Hill
She/Her | Afro Indigenous | Capricorn
Toni Hill is an Afro-Indigenous multidisciplinary artist, educator, and activist whose work bridges hip hop, spoken word, and visual art. Known for her soulful lyricism and fearless storytelling, Toni first made waves with Hungry Mob, later gaining acclaim as half of the pioneering duo Sirens Echo. She’s shared stages with legends including Gil Scott-Heron, KRS-One, Common, The Roots, and Saul Williams.

Santiago LaRochelle
He/Him | Puerto Rican and Cuban heritage
Santiago LaRochelle is a pianist and composer based in Portland, OR. The Las Vegas native combines his love for jazz and improvised music with a wide array of influences rooted in soul, R&B, and folk. Santiago also draws from his Puerto Rican and Cuban heritage. These influences have led him to many different stages, such as Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, Vanport Jazz festival, Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, Newport Beach Jazz Party, and more. He has shared the stage with local Portland legends such as Andy Stokes, Tahirah Memory, Farnell Newton, Tyrone Hendrix, and Hailey Niswanger. , African 

Marshall Peterson
He/Him | Virgo
Marshall Peterson is a Portland-based professional bassist. He grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada and holds both Bachelors and Masters degrees in music. Since moving to Portland in 2021, Marshall has performed with many different projects, and played many different genres of music. He can be found playing both electric and upright bass, exploring jazz, fusion, alternative, singer-songwriter or world music. In 2024, Marshall attended the Roberto Venn School of Luthery, and continues to build and repair instruments. His latest creative endeavor is a project entitled PRISM, where he plays and performs his own original compositions. 

Diego “Bakudan” Rivera
He/Him | Puerto Rican
Diego “bakudan” Rivera is a drummer and composer from Orlando, Florida. He performs all types of music around the Central Florida area, from Latin Jazz to Progressive Metal with his projects Origen and Jupiter Storm. 

Neil Teller
He/Him | Italian | Ashkenazi Jewish | Cancer
Neil Teller is a Portland-based saxophonist and educator. He has received his BM in Music Performance from the University of West Florida as well as an MM in Jazz Studies from Portland State University. Neil is the founder and Program Director for the youth music nonprofit organization Swingin’ Sounds and is a current member of the band No Soap, Radio. 

Orion White
He/Him | Nimiipuu/Nez Perce and Ottawa of Oklahoma | Sagittarius
Orion White is an Indigenous (Nimiipuu and Ottawa of Oklahoma) Baritone Saxophone specialist and music educator based in Portland, OR bringing together jazz, rock, house, and funk sensibilities to create a style of playing all his own. Orion’s career may just be starting but it has already taken him to massive stages, including the Kennedy Center and the Washington Center for the Performing Arts and festivals such as the Monterey Jazz Festival and Juneau Blues and Classics.
These experiences have allowed him the chance to rub elbows with masters of the craft, recording with Marc Cary and performing with Esperanza Spalding. Orion earned his undergraduate degree at the Lionel Hampton School of Music at the University of Idaho and soon became a founding member of the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band, joined No Soap, Radio, a jazz-funk-metal-whatever-feels-right-fusion group, and recently founded Wen’ípt, an Indigenous focused jazz combo.

Alan Wood
He/Him | Scottish American | Aries
Alan Wood is a musician with a passion for groove and improvisation. He’s played everything from samba to salsa, swing to funk, hip-hop to yacht rock and beyond… He currently teaches with the non-profit jazz education organization Swingin Sounds and performs regularly with Eugene Oregon’s most powerful funk unit Soul Vibrator. Peep him with his trombone at your local jazz jam or groove session! 

Thank you to all of our great community partners and co-sponsors!
Alberta Abbey,  Afro-World Music PDX, Amplifyr, Northwest Alliance for Alternative Media and Education, AC Music Productions, Keys, Beats, Bars