Elassomorph and Hermannin Riili

Both of tonight's featured works combine traditional world elements with American influences. Written by Finnish composer/accordionist Maria Kalaniemi, "Hermannin Riili" (Reel Of Hermanni) colors its Middle-Eastern rhythms and melodies with a tinge of American funk. "Elassomorph," the title of which comes from combining two Greek words — with an extra "s" thrown in for "lasso" — comes from eccentric guitarist/composer Stephen Funk Pearson, who uses a sort of fugal minimalism to evoke the American West.