Last night, seminal New York musician Laurie Anderson kicked off a five-night run at New York’s Lincoln Center. Anderson offered material from her new, politically-charged work Homeland, with the aid of an all-star band featuring Greg Cohen (bass), Joey Baron (drums), Rob Burger (keyboards) and  Kang (viola). Both Cohen and Baron are known for their work with avant-garde composer John Zorn.

The foundations of Homeland were created on the road through a series of performances and improvisations at venues ranging from small clubs to an ancient theatre on the Acropolis in Athens. The piece draws on an array of influences collected along the way—Tuvan throat singers, jazz improvisers and New York experimental artists contribute voices to what has become one of Anderson’s most political works to date. Her recent sonic experiments with the violin, along with groove-oriented electronics and traditional instruments such as the Chinese erhu, shape the piece as well.

According to a statement, “the themes Anderson explores with Homeland cover a breadth of contemporary issues, from the war and the media to America’s growing surveillance culture and the environment.” Anderson’s husband Lou Reed is expected to sit in at various points throughout the residency, which will run through July 26. Reed will also participate in a Q&A at New York’s Film Forum this Monday focusing on his multi-media Berlin project.

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