Lotéte ft: E’lon JD, Melchi Kpade, John Daniel Ray, and Jonathan Collin Greene

Lotéte (pronounced low-TET) is a new improvisational ensemble built around deep listening, open form, and intimate musical conversation. The name reflects the spirit of the project: lo for low frequencies, and tête-à-tête for the close, responsive dialogue at the heart of the music.

Featuring John Daniel Ray and world-renowned bassist E’Lon JD on dual basses, Jonathan Greene on drums, and Melchi Kpade on keys, Lotéte explores spontaneous composition through groove, texture, melody, and rhythm. With two bassists on stage, the group continually reshapes the low end—trading traditional bass roles, melodic lead lines, and harmonic support in real time.

Ray and E’Lon bring contrasting but complementary approaches: E’Lon is a deeply rhythmic player known for innovative right-hand techniques, while Ray plays more freely and melodically, often using extended harmony and sonic textures on six-string bass. Their different styles create a dynamic push-and-pull that fuels the group’s improvisations. Greene’s elastic, conversational drumming and Kpade’s expansive harmonic language complete a quartet of exceptional improvisers.

This concert marks the debut of Lotéte, following years of collaboration between Ray, E’Lon, and Greene, with the addition of Kpade opening new expressive territory. Each performance is largely improvised, making every night a singular, unrepeatable experience—rooted in groove, risk, and collective exploration.