PAST SHOWS

Presenting a saxophone clinic at WCSU and working with ensembles.

The John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble is paving the way for big bands in the contemporary jazz world. Known for their audacious examples of the power of big- band jazz to express emotions well beyond swing-era clichés, the group uses its traditional instrumentation to allow it to successfully branch into new and nontraditional music. Guggenheim Award-winning composer and bandleader John Hollenbeck creates music for the 18-piece ensemble that is influenced by jazz great Bob Brookmeyer and inspired by Hollenbeck’s study of Schoenberg, Ligeti and human movement.

... featuring Legendary Frank Zappa Band Member Mike Keneally

Trombonist/composer/conductor JC Sanford is a musician of rare breadth, deeply rooted in the traditions of Jazz and Classical music, yet constantly pushing at their boundaries. His collaboration with fellow composer David Schumacher and their jazz orchestra Sound Assembly yielded the CD Edge of the Mind, which received many accolades including CD Baby’s Top 10 Jazz Records of 2009. JC also conducts the twice-Grammy-nominated John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble, the Alan Ferber Nonet with Strings, and the Alice Coltrane Orchestra featuring Ravi Coltrane and Jack DeJohnette. His large ensemble compositions push the limits of what is "expected" in a specific musical setting without totally abandoning the tradition of the genre, sounding adventurouswhile remaining “accessible.” This iteration of his ever-evolving ensemble features his unique blend of modern jazz and chamber music, employing several colors rarely seen in the traditional “big band” instrumentation including orchestral strings, vibraphone, F horn, double-reeds, and accordion.
http://www.jcsanford.com

Ed’s interpretation of the music of iconoclastic composer Frank Zappa has brought him wide recognition. His first CD of this material, “the ed palermo big band plays the music of frank zappa”, garnered rave reviews. Downbeat magazine gave the CD a 4-star review. Palermo’s second CD of Zappa material, entitled “Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance”, has been received with equal enthusiasm from publications all over the world, including another rave from Downbeat.

Joel Harrison Large Ensemble

The Joel Harrison Large Ensemble is: Marty Ehrlich, Donny McCaslin, Ben Kono, Rob Scheps (saxophones), Michel Gentile (flute), Shane Endsley, Jeff Hermanson, Taylor Haskins, Justin Mullens (trumpets), Jacob Garchik, Curtis Fowlkes, Alan Ferber, Jose DaVila (trombones), Joel Harrison (guitar), Daniel Kelly (piano), Kermit Driscoll (bass), Rob Garcia (drums)

Part of size-matters series

http://www.musica.gulbenkian.pt/jazz/

Part of size-matters series

Part of size-matters series

Part of size matters series

Ed Palermo is not a “business as usual” musician. After all, when most people think of “big bands” they think of Duke and Dorsey. But go to see Ed Palermo’s Big Band and you might hear Zappa, Hendrix, the blues of Paul Butterfield & Mike Bloomfield or one of Ed’s own compositions, loaded with lush turns and unexpected twists. Gil Evans wonderfully articulated Palermo’s unusual approach to traditional instrumentation:

“I first heard Ed Palermo’s music in a small club in the SoHo section of Manhattan. He was using the instrumentation of a traditional big band yet his arrangements and songs were anything but that. When I thought the music was going a certain direction, it would suddenly turn a corner. Ed has the ability to keep that important balance between cohesiveness and unpredictability. Ed Palermo’s music is alive and represents now.”

Ed’s interpretation of the music of iconoclastic composer Frank Zappa has brought him wide recognition. His first CD of this material, “the ed palermo big band plays the music of frank zappa”, garnered rave reviews. Downbeat magazine gave the CD a 4-star review. Palermo’s second CD of Zappa material, entitled “Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance”, has been received with equal enthusiasm from publications all over the world, including another rave from Downbeat.

Performers

* Deborah Voigt, Soprano
* Special Guest: Paulo Szot, Baritone
* The Collegiate Chorale
* American Symphony Orchestra
* Ted Sperling, Conductor

Joel Harrison Large Ensemble
Presenting a new work commissioned by Connection Works with assistance from Meet The Composer! 
   
The Joel Harrison Large Ensemble is: Marty Ehrlich, Donny McCaslin, Ben Kono, Rob Scheps (saxophones), Michel Gentile (flute), Shane Endsley, Jeff Hermanson, Taylor Haskins, Justin Mullens (trumpets), Jacob Garchik, Curtis Fowlkes, Alan Ferber, Jose DaVila (trombones), Joel Harrison (guitar), Daniel Kelly (piano), Kermit Driscoll (bass), Rob Garcia (drums)

GARY MORGAN & PANAMERICANA!
...a 21 piece Latin Jazz Orchestra playing Contemporary music from the New World at the
TEA LOUNGE

featuring...

TRUMPETS: John Walsh, Brian Pareschi, Steve Smyth. TBA;
TROMBONES: Mike Boscarino, Matt McDonald, Chris Stover, Chris Olness;
FRENCH HORNS: Eric Reed, Shelagh Abate;
SAXOPHONES/WOODWINDS: Norbert Stachel, Matt Hong, Ben Kono, 
Quinsin Nachoff, Terry Goss
PIANO: Bob Quaranta; BASS: Gustavo Amarante; DRUMS: Ray Marchica;
PERCUSSION: Tony deVivo; Carlos Maldonado;
VOCALS & PERCUSSION: Richard Boukas

$15
Undead Jazz presents:
Orchestre National de Jazz with Daniel Yvinec and John Hollenbeck's Large Ensemble
w/ special guests Theo Bleckmann , Kate McGarry and Uri Caine
Mon., April 25, 2011 / 6:30 PM

Fundraiser for victims of Japan earthquake and tsunami featuring Dr.Randy Weston, Frank Wess, Billy Harper, Junior Mance, Harold Mabern, Chip Shelton, Hide Tanaka, Okaru Lovelace, WBGO-FM Rob Crocker Host

The Gershwin Hotel
April 7th, 2011 | 8pm
New York
Japan Charity Concert+ Pottery Market at the Gershwin Hotel
Cost: $10 admission
Date: Thursday, April 7th
Time: 7:30p-10:00p Pottery Market
8:00p-10:00p Live Music
Place: The Gershwin Hotel
(7 East 27th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue)

Japanese-born composer Asuka Kakitani’s Jazz Orchestra will collaborate with the NY Togei Kyositsu pottery studio for a charity event for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
The 18-piece Jazz Orchestra, AKJO, will play Asuka’s original compositions and arrangements of Japanese children songs. In addition, Togei Kyositsu members’ pottery works will also be available for purchase.
All the profits from pottery sales and donations plus a majority of ticket sales will be donated to Japan through the Japan Society.
Please come to hear great music and buy beautiful pottery to help Japan!

http://www.gershwinhotel.com/
http://www.nytogei.com/

andrew rathbun
woodwinds: john o’gallag her ben kono dan pratt quinsin nachoff carl maraghi
trumpets: taylor haskins dav id smith matt holman john carlson
trombones: josh roseman j.c. sanford rodney lancaster frank cohen
rhy th m: nate radley mike holober dav id ambrosio owen howard
voice: julie hardy

part of 'size matters' series

21 PIECE LATIN JAZZ ORCHESTRA playing
Contemporary Latin Music with a cast of great players

featuring:
TRUMPETS: John Walsh, Seneca Black, Andy Gravish, John Bailey;
TROMBONES: Noah Bless, Matt McDonald, Josh Brown, Chris Olness;
FRENCH HORNS: Chris Komer, Eric Reed;
SAXOPHONES: Norbert Stachel, Matt Hong,
Ben Kono, Dave Riekenberg, Terry Goss;
PIANO: Bob Quaranta; BASS: Gustavo Amarante;
DRUMS: Ray Marchica; PERCUSSION: Tony deVivo, Carlos Maldonado;
Vocals & Percussion, Richard Boukas.

On this day, Bach's birthday, Numinous will perform again at the Tea Lounge as part of JC Sanford's Size Matters Large Ensemble Series. We will be previewing music for a new large scaled project/composition.

Ensemble

Originally founded by Tom Nazziola and John Florio, The BQE Project is an accomplished chamber ensemble that has quickly developed a loyal following for its original music scores and live performances to both silent and classic film. Tom Nazziola, musical director and composer, prides himself on creating new film experiences by varying BQE’s instrumentation along with its film selections. As a result, audiences have come to expect from BQE a range of orchestral flavors as well as a wide palette of films from silent cartoons to early classics with dialog.

The ensemble, which is usually seven or eight pieces, is comprised entirely of successful classical and jazz musicians. Each BQE instrumentalist also performs regularly with other classical orchestras (New York Philharmonic, American Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestra of St. Luke’s), as well as jazz artists (Ornette Coleman, Ravi Coltrane), popular artists (Paul Simon, Don Henley), and Broadway orchestras.

JHLE west coast tour

JHLE west coast tour

JHLE west coast tour

JHLE west coast tour

JHLE west coast tour

“The drummer and composer John Hollenbeck inhabits a world of gleaming modernity, and “Eternal Interlude” (Sunnyside) — the most recent album by his Large Ensemble, one of last year’s standout jazz releases — reflects the clarity and brightness of his vision. Timbre is his forte as much as rhythm: his strategies for the band often involve an autumnal rustle of woodwinds and a billowing swirl of brass.” –Nate Chinen of The New York Times
John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble

* Ben Kono, flute, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone
* Jeremy Viner, clarinet
* Tony Malaby, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
* Dan Willis, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, English horn
* Bohdan Hilash baritone saxophone, bass clarinet
* Rob Hudson, trombone
* Mike Christianson, trombone
* Jacob Garchik, trombone
* Alan Ferber, bass trombone
* Jon Owens, trumpet
* Tony Kadleck, trumpet
* Dave Ballou, trumpet
* Laurie Frink, trumpet
* Kermit Driscoll, bass
* John Hollenbeck, drums
* Gary Versace, piano
* Matt Moran, mallets
* Theo Bleckmann, voice
* JC Sanford, conductor

The eight-piece, high-powered electric chamber ensemble Newspeak premieres The Sleep Room, Part 1, the first-ever commissioned work for an ensemble other than his own by Grammy nominee Darcy James Argue, director of Darcy James Argue's Secret Society . Argue is winner of the 2010 Downbeat Critics Poll in the categories of Big Band Rising Star, Composer Rising Star and Arranger Rising Star. Argue’s 18-piece big band Secret Society, called "a wholly original take on big band's past, present and future" (Newsweek), will perform new works by highly-acclaimed pianist/composer Vijay Iyer , winner of the 2010 Jazz Journalists Association Artist of the Year Award, the Montreal-based composer Nicole Lizée and Newspeak founder David T. Little.

Tonight celebrates the release of the Ben Kono Group debut recording "Crossing" on 19/8 Records, featuring original compositions for multiple woodwinds, and a band of colleagues sharing decades of musical fellowship:

Ben Kono: oboe/english horn, flutes, clarinets, tenor saxophone, compositions
Pete McCann: guitar
Henry Hey: piano
John Hebert: bass
John Hollenbeck: drums and percussion
Heather Laws: voice and french horn
$10

Catch BKG for our CD 'pre-release' gig at this unique performance space in Brooklyn, featuring the incredible artistry of Henry Hey (pno), Pete McCann (gtr), John Hebert (bass), Heather Laws (fr.horn, voice), and featuring special guest Satoshi Takeishi on percussion. We will be premiering some new works--hope to see you there!

GARY MORGAN AND PANAMERICANA!
Is a 20 piece latin jazz orchestra led by Gary Morgan
devoted to contemporary music from Brazil, Cuba
and the great musical melting pot of New York...

part of 'Size Matters' series

Trumpet Masters: Music of Miles, Pops and Dizzy

Saturday, December 4, 8 PM -- snow date Sun, Dec 5, 2 PM
The music of Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie – and fellow trumpeters Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Dorham and Woody Shaw—represents the very essence of jazz. Please join us as we perform new arrangements of masterpieces by these artists.

Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main Street, Irvington, NY
Reserved Seating: $35 adults / $30 seniors / $10 students

Free Concert Series

Ted Kooshian - piano
Ben Kono – saxophones
Tom Hubbard – bass
Warren Odze – drums

Noriko Ueda Big Band

GWS Tactical Land Strike Force: REEDS: Allen Won, Ben Kono, Jason Rigby, Scott Shachter, Kenny Berger TRUMPETS: Tony Kadleck, Dave Ballou, Bud Burridge, Dave Spier TROMBONES: Bruce Eidem, Mark Patterson TUBAS: Morris Kainuma, Matt Ingman HORN: Leise Ballou GUITAR: James Chirillo PIANO: Mike Holober VIBES: Kory Grossman BASS: Dave Phillips DRUMS: John Meyers CONDUCTOR Mike Christianson

Pulse will be presenting our long-awaited collaboration with Take Dance called The Distance of the Moon. The moon and its various phases and cycles are the inspiration behind each composer's piece, which will be performed live by the 6-person Pulse Ensemble (woodwind, violin, cello, guitar, bass, percussion):
Joseph C. Phillips Jr. The Distance of the Moon (choreographed by Takehiro Ueyama)
Joshua Shneider And Dance By the Light of the Moon (choreographed by Takehiro Ueyama)
Jamie Begian   Moonshine  (choreographed by Jill Echo)
Yumiko Sunami   TBA (choreographed by Jill Echo)
JC Sanford     Lunar Cycles (choreographed by Julie Tice)
Darcy James Argue  Imperfect Syzygy (choreographed by Kile Hotchkiss)
Here are the deets:
Thursday, October 14th & Friday, October 15th @ 8:00PM
Judson Memorial Church, 55 Washington Square Park, NYC.
Train A/B/C/D/E/F/M to West 4th Street

$20 General/$15 Seniors & Students. 

To purchase tickets, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/126175

John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble!; plus WORKS with special guest, Tony Malaby (2 sets at 8 & 9:30 PM – John Hollenbeck LE, 11:00 PM – WORKS with Tony Malaby)
Ben Kono-flute, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone; Jeremy Viner-clarinet; Tony Malaby-tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone; Dan Willis-tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, English horn; Bohdan Hilash-baritone saxophone, bass clarinet; Rob Hudson-trombone; Mike Christianson-trombone; Jacob Garchik-trombone; Jeff Nelson-bass trombone; Jon Owens-trumpet; Tony Kadleck-trumpet; Dave Ballou-trumpet; Laurie Frink-trumpet; Kermit Driscoll-bass; John Hollenbeck-drums; Gary Versace-piano; Matt Moran-mallets; Theo Bleckmann & Kate McGarry-voice; and J.C. Sanford-conductor

GARY MORGAN AND PANAMERICANA!
Is a 20 piece latin jazz orchestra led by Gary Morgan
devoted to contemporary music from Brazil, Cuba
and the great musical melting pot of New York...

w/Jamie Begian Big Band

w/John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble

w/Numinous

w/JC Sanford Big Band

W/Ed Palermo Big Band

W/Noriko Ueda Jazz Orchestra

ANDREW RATHBUN LARGE ENSEMBLE
woodwinds: john o’gallagher ben kono adam kolker quinsin nachoff carl maraghi
tpts: taylor haskins david smith russ johnson john carlson
tbns: alan ferber j.c. sanford rodney lancaster chris olness
rhythm: pete mccan george colligan david ambrosio owen howard
voice: julie hardy

NewYorkestra

Ed Palermo Big Band play Frank Zappa and others

BMI’S ACCLAIMED JAZZ COMPOSER WORKSHOP
TO SHOWCASE NEW WORKS AT
22ND ANNUAL SHOWCASE CONCERT

Dan Morgenstern, John Fedchock & Steve Wilson to Judge 11th Annual Charlie Parker Jazz Composition; previous winners include Rufus Reid & Darcy J. Argue

WHAT: The BMI Jazz Composers Workshop, a noted creative forum for musical exploration and development, will highlight the best new jazz compositions created during the last year at its 22nd Annual Showcase Concert. The evening will feature a competition to choose the winner of the BMI Foundation’s tenth annual Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize, which will be given to the writer of the best new work composed in the Workshop.

WHO: The concert will feature the BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece modern repertory ensemble made up of leading New York musicians. This year’s judges include noted jazz authority Dan Morgenstern; world-class trombonist John Fedchock, and noted saxophonist and bandleader Steve Wilson.

WHEN: Thursday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is FREE! Seating is first-come, first served; doors open at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Christ and St. Stephen’s Church (120 West 69th Street)

The BMI Jazz Composers Workshop is led by internationally renowned composer Jim McNeely and offers a unique collaborative environment for professional jazz musicians with an emphasis on composition for the large jazz (big band) ensemble. The Workshop is a well-known forum for creative excellence that provides an environment where composers are free to explore new avenues in the creative process, while at the same time honing their skills. McNeely has performed with and written for Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Joe Henderson and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, among others; a six-time Grammy Award nominee, The New York Times has called his writing “exhilarating.”

SUNDAY JUNE 27TH

The JOHN HOLLENBECK LARGE ENSEMBLE will kick off the Bang on a Can Marathon at NOON with “Perseverance”
at the World Financial Center Winter Garden

Woodwinds
Ben Kono flute/sopranosaxophone/alto saxophone
Jeremy Viner clarinet/tenor saxophone
Tony Malaby, Ellery Eskelin tenor saxophone
Bohdan Hilash bass clarinet/contra-alto clarinet/clarinet

Trombone
Mark Patterson, Mike Christianson, Jacob Garchik, Alan Ferber

Trumpets/Flugelhorns
Tony Kadleck, Jon Owens, Dave Ballou, Laurie Frink

Bass-Matt Clohesy
Drums/Composition-John Hollenbeck
Piano/Organ-Gary Versace
Vibraphone-Matt Moran
Voice-Theo Bleckmann
Conductor-JC Sanford

ED PALERMO BIG BAND plays music of Frank Zappa and others!

w/CHRIS JENTSCH ENSEMBLE LARGE

part of SIZE MATTERS series

BEN KONO GROUP at Miles Cafe

with Pete McCann (guitar), Mike Holober (piano), Ted Poor (drums), John Hebert (bass), Heather Laws (vocals, french horn), and Ben Kono (sax,clarinets, flutes, oboe, english horn, compositions)

SUNDAY JUNE 13TH

The JOHN HOLLENBECK LARGE ENSEMBLE
will perform at the Undead Jazz Festival
at LPR at 10:20pm in NYC

Woodwinds
Ben Kono flute/sopranosaxophone/alto saxophone
Jeremy Viner clarinet/tenor saxophone
Ellery Eskelin tenor saxophone
Dan Willis tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
Bohdan Hilash bass clarinet/contra-alto clarinet/clarinet

Trombone
Rob Hudson, Mike Christianson, Jacob Garchik, Alan Ferber

Trumpets/Flugelhorns
Jon Owens, Peter Evans, Dave Ballou, Laurie Frink

Bass-Matt Clohesy
Drums/Composition-John Hollenbeck
Piano-Matt Mitchell
Vibraphone-Matt Moran
Voice-Theo Bleckmann
Conductor-JC Sanford

with Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf in "not a cello recital" playing the music of Sondheim, Guettel, Rosenblum, Heart, O'Conner, Wonder

and featuring:

Sara Caswell, violin
Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf, cello
Marc Phaneuf, woodwind/reeds
Ben Kono, more woodwind/reeds
Joshua Rosenblum, piano
John Putnam, guitar
Randy Landau, bass
Bruce Doctor, drums
Dave Roth, percussion

w/ Special Guest, Heather Laws.

Wine to follow.

Monday, June 7th, 8pm
Koscuisko Hall
15 E. 65th Street
New York

Tickets $20 at the door. Seating is limited, so please come early

Numinous performs with Edisa Weeks and her Delirious Dance Company music based on the writings of Thomas Paine.

JAMIE BEGIAN BIG BAND CD RELEASE

Chris Tarry Group

I'm very excited to be playing with this great bass player/composer at one of my favorite hangs in the city! Chris has won three Juno awards (Canadian Grammy) and garnered high praise for his CD "Almost Certainly Dreaming". If you get a chance check out this great band: Ben Kono (saxophone); Henry Hey (keys); Pete McCann (guitar); Jordan Perlson (drums); Chris Tarry (bass/composition).

Gary Morgan's Panamericana!

A 20 piece latin jazz orchestra led by Gary Morgan
devoted to contemporary music from Brazil, Cuba
and the great musical melting pot of New York...

w/NUMINOUS

part of SIZE MATTERS series

"Musically, this quartet of stylish and provocative pieces stands somewhere between the style of Steve Reich and contemporary jazz... [a] blend that succeeds in being the sum of its parts and to illustrate his program, which is an unusual one: part symphonic, part spiritual exegesis... Vipassana is never less than likeable, is sincere in intent, and is greatly enjoyable to listen to; Joseph C. Phillips Jr. is a young composer to watch." --allmusic guide

w/DARCY ARGUE'S SECRET SOCIETY

double bill with Todd Sickafoose's Tiny Resistors
Doors: 10:00 PM
Tickets: $15/$12

Size Matters Series

w/GARY MORGAN AND PANAMERICANA

Lincoln Center Gala w/John Pizzarelli, Martha Plimpton, Leslie Uggams, Liza Minelli and others

Ed Palermo Big Band and Chris Parker

Darcy James Argue's SECRET SOCIETY

JOHN FEDCHOCK NEW YORK BIG BAND
leader, arranger, trombone: John Fedchock

saxes:
Mark Vinci
Ben Kono
Rich Perry
Tom Christensen
Scott Robinson

trumpets:
Craig Johnson
Jon Owens
John Bailey
Kerry MacKillop

trombones:
John Fedchock
Rock Ciccarone
Clark Gayton
George Flynn

piano: Allen Farnham
bass: Dick Sarpola
drums: Dave Ratajczak

JOHN FEDCHOCK NEW YORK BIG BAND
Biography:
Over the course of the past twenty years, virtuoso trombonist/arranger/ composer, John Fedchock has risen through the musical ranks to emerge as leader of one of the freshest, most exciting big bands in jazz. His 16-piece John Fedchock New York Big Band is comprised of alumni from major big bands, along with many of New York's finest soloists in the 'modernist tradition'. One of the elite big bands on NYC's jazz scene for two decades, the group delights in performing many of Fedchock's own dynamic compositions and arrangements as well as more well-known standards, creating a sound that not only honors, but expands the tradition of the American big band.

DARCY JAMES ARGUE'S SECRET SOCIETY

"The music was full of large-scale, intricate designs [...] built on some of the best lessons of Charles Mingus and Bob Brookmeyer, not only in harmony and structure but also in momentum, in moving a piece forward. [...]. A big, broad musical vocabulary came together easily, without jump-cutting or wrenching shifts of style. Mr. Argue made all these elements belong together naturally."
— Ben Ratliff, New York Times.

GARY MORGAN AND PANAMERICANA!
Is a 20 piece latin jazz orchestra led by Gary Morgan
devoted to contemporary music from Brazil, Cuba
and the great musical melting pot of New York...

$10

ANDREW RATHBUN LARGE ENSEMBLE

Reeds: Ben Kono, Craig Yaremko, Adam Kolker, Dan Pratt, Carl Maraghi
Tpts: Taylor Haskins, John Carlson, Dave Smith, Russ Johnson
Tbns: Alan Ferber, Isrea Butler, JC Sanford, Chris Olness
Rhy: Nate Radley, Ben Waltzer, David Ambrosio, Owen Howard
Voice: Julie Hardy

PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA OF THE AMERICAS

Please join us for the annual public celebration of our Niños education program in New York City schools, featuring world premiere performances of compositions developed in classrooms by Niños students during a five-month teaching residency by POA artists. Conducted by Alondra de la Parra and featuring the POA with student composers from New York City schools.

Toussaint Danzas de la Ciudad
Piazzolla Otono and Invierno Porteno
Revueltas Homenaje a Gracia Lorca
Marquez Danzon No. 4
TBA World Premiere Niños Composition/s

GOTHAM WIND SYMPHONY

CBDNA 2010 Eastern Regional Conference Opening Night performance

John Fedchock New York Big Band

ED PALERMO BIG BAND PLAYS FZ

Ed and his amazing 16 piece band (+ guests) return with his third album of his distinctive, big-band interpretations of the great 20th century composer, Frank Zappa. This body of work has won them huge acclaim from both new and old fans of the music and they even appeared on NPR's Weekend Edition for a short feature which was heard by millions of listeners in 2006. For those not already familiar with Ed's colorful, jazz-based arrangements of Zappa's compositions, Ed has led a big band for 30 years (!) and has had his band performing the music of Frank Zappa for 15 years. Many years of playing these pieces in front of hugely enthusiastic crowds have honed the band’s skills interpreting Zappa's beautiful but notoriously difficult material to where they are able to perform these challenging charts with apparent ease. All of these musicians are high caliber, hugely talented NYC professional players, and most of them have been playing this music for a decade and a half with this group, not because it is a good paying gig (it isn't) but because they all admire and appreciate the genius of Zappa's work and they love having the opportunity to be able to perform these terrifically exciting charts.

Jamie Begian Big Band

"I think of 'em as the little big band that could. Begian's charts are unpredictable yet logical. His ensemble's unity is tight enough to clarify all sorts of odd voicings. And on infectious tunes like "Big Fat Grin" (which seems a nod to Oliver Nelson), they put their swing front and center." (Jim Macnie, Village Voice. April 2004)

Feb. 14th (Sun) 7-10pm
Seung-Hee, voice + Andrew Green, guitar + Ben Kono, sax./cl.
@ MOIM
206 Garfield Pl.(@ 7th Ave.) Park Slope/ Brooklyn
For reservations, 718-499-8092
www.MOIMRestaurant.com
MOIM has been selected by the government of South Korea for its Korean Cuisine to the World Campaign.

Seung-Hee, Jazz vocalist/Composer

"Her voice ricochets off the snapping bop beat like light bouncing off of a prism... She uses her native language to aural effect on the brooding 'Snow Day', while her take of Stevie Wonder's 'Blame it on the Sun'...has folk nuances, like gentle shades allowing sun to gleam through." by George Harris [All About Jazz, Bay Area/Chicago]
"A unique voice' by Richard Dyer [Boston Globe]
"On the title track, where the singer's voice is a finely tuned instrument,
singing a stunning wordless melody followed by verses in Korean, as her
quintet performs sumptuous music..." by Mark F. Turner [All About Jazz NY]

Mike Berkowitz Big Band w/Billy Stritch

Ben Kono Group

Ben Kono: clarinet, bass clarinet, flutes, oboe, english horn, tenor sax, laptop, composition
Heather Laws: vocals, french horn
Henry Hey: piano
Pete McCann: guitars
John Hebert: bass
Owen Howard: drums

The Group performs music from their recently recorded CD “The Crossing”. Kono uses live looping computer technology to create layered woodwind orchestral structures out of which the compositions grow, marrying improvisation with composition and chance.

BEN KONO GROUP

Catch this great group before we go into the studios! Featuring:

Ben Kono--flute, alto flute, tenor sax, oboe, english horn, bass clarinet, laptop, composition
Henry Hey, keyboards
Pete McCann, guitars
Kermit Driscoll, bass
John Hollenbeck, drums and percussion
and featuring Heather Laws, vocals and french horn

Ed Palermo Big Band plays FZ

GARY MORGAN AND PANAMERICANA!
Is a 20 piece latin jazz orchestra led by Gary Morgan
devoted to contemporary music from Brazil, Cuba
and the great musical melting pot of New York...

GARY MORGAN AND PANAMERICANA!
Is a 20 piece latin jazz orchestra led by Gary Morgan
devoted to contemporary music from Brazil, Cuba
and the great musical melting pot of New York...

Asuka Kakitani Jazz Orchestra

“[Joe Lovano, Robin Eubanks] and I quickly zeroed in on Asuka’s ‘Dance 1’. It stood out for its elegant orchestration, rhythmic vitality and command of jazz vocabulary.”
-Dan Morgenstern (jazz historian, author, former editor of DownBeat, Director of the Institute of Jazz at Rutgers University)

“Her music is rhythmically engaging and harmonically advanced.”
-Jim McNeely (composer, arranger and pianist for Village Vanguard Orchestra, musical director of BMI Jazz Workshop)

Schumacher/Sanford SOUND ASSEMBLY

The Schumacher / Sanford Sound Assembly is a 17-piece collective of New York's finest players featuring the original compositions of David Schumacher and JC Sanford. Schumacher and Sanford strive for organic structures, extended forms, and motivic development through a colorful palette of orchestration. They intertwine improvised and composed elements in their work to create a natural, seamless evolution of material. It is a combination full of excitement and intrigue that will fulfill the most critical and demanding jazz audience.

Sound Assembly members, including drummer John Hollenbeck, pianist Deanna Witkowski, trumpeter John Bailey, trombonists Mark Patterson and Alan Ferber, and reedmen Chris Bacas, Ben Kono, and Dan Willis bring a vast range of experience to the group. The talents of these members showcase the unmistakable sound, style, and nuance of co-leaders Schumacher and Sanford.

JOHN HOLLENBECK LARGE ENSEMBLE

Sunnyside CD Release Performance for "eternal interlude"
with...
Woodwinds
Ben Kono flute/soprano/alto saxophone
Jeremy Viner clarinet / tenor saxophone
Tony Malaby tenor saxophone /soprano saxophone
Ellery Eskelin tenor saxophone (perseverance)
Dan Willis tenor saxophone/soprano saxophone/flute/english horn
Bohdan Hilash bass clarinet/baritone saxophone/contrabass clarinet

Trombones:
Rob Hudson
Mike Christianson
Jacob Garchik-(tenor horn on eternal interlude)
Alan Ferber

Trumpets/Flugelhorns:
Tony Kadleck
Jon Owens
Dave Ballou
Laurie Frink

Acoustic and Electric Bass-Kermit Driscoll
Drums (keyboard-The Cloud)-John Hollenbeck
Piano/Organ/Keyboard-Gary Versace
Marimba, Vibraphone, Glockenspiel, Crotales-John Ferrari (eternal interlude, Perseverance, no boat)
Vibraphone (Foreign One, Guarana, The Cloud) Matt Moran
Voice-Theo Bleckmann Conductor-JC Sanford
Artist Website

Darcy James Argue's Secret Society