The Hands Free is an acoustic quartet that brings together the creative voices of composer/performers James Moore (guitar & banjo), Caroline Shaw, Nathan Koci (accordion), and Eleonore Oppenheim. Drawing from an eclectic array of influences in classical, jazz, and folk traditions, the group produces a unique and evocative blend of joyful melodies, lush sonic textures and explosive improvisations. James Moore writes: "The music for The Hands Free began with sketches inspired by a 1937 collaboration in which the surrealist writer Paul Eluard poetically illustrated line drawings by Man Ray. They assembled their work in a 1937 book Les Mains Libres, or Hands Free, a term they used to describe the free play of the imagination. I sought to illustrate these beautiful and eccentric pieces further with music, enlisting a trusted group of friends with whom I had enjoyed many a late-night session. The Hands Free and our repertoire evolved as we developed these pieces together, each bringing new ideas and songs to the table. The music has taken on a life of it's own through the hearts and minds of these players. Thank you deeply to Nathan, Eleonore and Caroline for your talents and dedication."
The Hands Free is an acoustic quartet that brings together the creative voices of composer/performers James Moore (guitar & banjo), Caroline Shaw, Nathan Koci (accordion), and Eleonore Oppenheim. Drawing from an eclectic array of influences in classical, jazz, and folk traditions, the group produces a unique and evocative blend of joyful melodies, lush sonic textures and explosive improvisations. James Moore writes: "The music for The Hands Free began with sketches inspired by a 1937 collaboration in which the surrealist writer Paul Eluard poetically illustrated line drawings by Man Ray. They assembled their work in a 1937 book Les Mains Libres, or Hands Free, a term they used to describe the free play of the imagination. I sought to illustrate these beautiful and eccentric pieces further with music, enlisting a trusted group of friends with whom I had enjoyed many a late-night session. The Hands Free and our repertoire evolved as we developed these pieces together, each bringing new ideas and songs to the table. The music has taken on a life of it's own through the hearts and minds of these players. Thank you deeply to Nathan, Eleonore and Caroline for your talents and dedication."