The energetic, forward driving compositions of Ken Thomson hold you in their grip, whether they’re played by a string quartet, an ensemble or a jazz band. His new sextet plays presents them as an impressive sort of chamber music with improvised solos. The band consists of renowned New York jazz musicians, including drummer Daniel Dor (Avishai Cohen Trio).
Alto sax and (bass) clarinet player Ken Thomson made name in the punk/jazz combo Gutbucket and in the internationally renowned ensemble Bang on a Can All-Stars. He made an album with the JACK Quartet and founded the 12-piece avant-garde marching band Asphalt Orchestra, that plays everything from Björk to Mingus and metal. With the ensemble Slow/Fast he released two critically acclaimed albums.
‘Few musicians travel as assuredly and meaningfully between jazz and new music as saxophonist Ken Thomson. Thomson’s pieces breathe and emanate an infectious energy, with every wend and wind hurtling the music forward’ (Chicago Reader).
‘One never encounters a dull or less than engaging moment in their mixture of jazz, modern classical, and rock elements, thanks to the writing and the creativity and commitment of the musicians involved’ (JazzTimes).
Ken Thomson alto saxophone/compositions, Anna Webber tenor saxophone, Russ Johnson trumpet, Nick Finzer (replaces Alan Ferber) trombone trombone, Adam Armstrong bass, Daniel Dor drums