Terry Riley Drops Off River to River Festival

Amidst a slew of River to River Festival shows this week -- including Rufus Wainwright debuting pieces of his opera tonight at the World Financial Center Winter Garden, Chrisette Michele crooning at Rockefeller Park tomorrow, and the fantastic avant-pop of Laurie Anderson Thursday at Castle Clinton -- a bit of sad news emerges.

Minimalist lynchpin Terry Riley is withdrawing from his July 5 slot, due to illness. Whatever that may mean for the 76-year-old, we wish the composer nothing but the best.

However, it was announced today that his replacement will be legendary guitarist Larry Coryell. As much as Riley's had to do with radicalizing composition techniques, Coryell's done something comparable for the fusion of jazz and rock.

His nimble hands will join Bombay Jazz for further sonic fusions. If Vijay Iyer was right up your alley last week, the Bombay/Coryell pairing will be just as exciting.

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