Turtle Island

2 p.m. Sunday, May 6

Franco American Heritage Center, 46 Cedar St., Lewiston

Adults $20; Students and Seniors $15

For tickets 782-7228 or www.laarts.org

By Emily Tuttle

It’s hard to imagine 18th-century “father of the string quartet” Joseph Hayden composing for and playing with cats who improvise and groove.

But the segue from classical to jazz seemed obvious to Turtle Island Quartet founding member and violinist David Balakrishnan.

“David had this idea based on his love of the string quartet,” said Mark Summer, the other original of the quartet established in 1985. “It begins with Joseph Haydn’s ‘Creation’ and takes it to a contemporary place and groove.”

Summer, who plays cello and serves as the quartet’s rhythm section, talks a lot about groove. “It’s a rhythm, it’s a swing, it’s a feeling,” he said.

Turtle Island Quartet will bring its innovative brand of chamber music to Lewiston when they play at the Franco American Heritage Center on May 6. Staged by LAARTS, the concert begins at 2 p.m. and tickets are available by phone or online.

Normally, Turtle Island Quartet will play pieces as the mood strikes when on stage, said Summer. For this particular show, the group will feature music from its Grammy winning album, “A Love Supreme: The Legacy of John Coltrane,” released in 2007.

“Coltrane’s music was incredibly influential,” said Summer. “When I first heard ‘A Moment’s Notice’ on ‘Blue Train,’ I loved the groove.”

Coltrane holds an iconic spot in the jazz world. Most recognized for his standards, “’Round Midnight,” and “Lush Life,” Coltrane professed to have had a religious experience after years of alcoholism and heroin addition. From that epiphany, he composed the four-part suite “A Love Supreme,” released in 1965.

“David is our composer in residence, and he had this idea,” said Summer.

The quartet recorded and continues to perform “Acknowledgement,” “Resolution,” “Pursuance,” and “Psalm” paying humble respect to the whole of the opus while still allowing Balakrishnan’s bold arrangements talents and individual improvisational creativity to seep through.

“It’s a singular moment,” said Summer. “It’s very spiritual. W love playing it.”

In addition to this profound composition, Turtle Island included on its album Coltrane’s signature songs and tributes “Song to John,” and “Model Trane.” The string quartet delivers an eloquent version of “Naima,” and a swing redition of “My Favorite Things.”

Hard to imagine, but two violins, a viola, and a cello can give chamber music an entirely different vibe. “The immediate message is that strings can swing,” said Summer.

Turtle Island recently went off on a completely tangent, which is what they naturally do, and recorded a collection of Jimi Hendrix music and released in 2010 “Have You Ever Been…?” To hear “Hey Joe” played by a classical combo is proof that there is no other group like Turtle Island.

“The deeper message is that chamber music can be relevant to what’s happening now,” said Summer. “It can cross boundaries and many different generations.”

Besides Summer and Balakrishnan, the quartet still includes Mads Tolling on violin and Jeremy Kittel on viola. Both of the musicians will soon be pursuing other ventures while two new ones will join the 27-year strong Turtle Island.

“Turtle Island is constantly shifting,” said Summer. “We always wish the best for our member. As new musicians come, it kind of feeds us and keeps us fresh.”