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Musician Terrell X’avion has been influenced by everything from David Bowie and Run-D.M.C. to Saturday morning cartoons.  

“Everything that I could absorb, I used it and channeled it into being able to make sounds and make music,” the 50-year-old artist said.  

He describes himself as an “improvisational jazz human beatboxer” and a “rhythmic storyteller.” X’axion, also known as TERRELL X and Carnage the Executioner, never learned how to read sheet music. Instead, he learned to build beats and melodies by listening to different sounds and artists. 

In November of last year, he released his latest album, “Transformation to Terrell X.” It’s full of beatboxing and sharp lyrics that get deeply personal, with bars like “Maybe Lazy, shady raising made me stronger.”

“It's about my journey to find who I really am, find my true self and carve out my own unique identity,” he said. 

X’avion will be performing the entire album at the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis

 this Saturday, where he is also a teaching artist. His signature beatboxing and charismatic performance style can be expected, as well as interactive storytelling elements.  

“I would say this is my best work to date ... I think people can hear their own stories and some of their own experiences in what I’m going to be talking about at the show.” 

Tickets for the concert are “choose what you pay.” The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 15.  

Jacob Aloi

Author

Musician Terrell X’avion, an improvisational jazz beatboxer and storyteller, brings his deeply personal album “Transformation to Terrell X” to the MacPhail Center for Music, blending rhythm, lyricism and interactive performance.

Breath and beat: Terrell X’avion brings rhythmic fire to MacPhail

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