Hands Free

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."