Patricia Brennan has been voted by critics as best vibraphonist in jazz, and she’s equally admired as a composer. Her septet sounds like a full orchestra, not only because of her layered music, but also because of the qualities of the band members, all noted players in improvised music. Their album Breaking Stretch was voted album of the year by the authoritative magazine Downbeat. With this group Brennan aims to defy expectations and challenge the musicians to push their boundaries.

Patricia Brennan, born in Mexico and established in Brooklyn, has previously performed on our stage in the bands of Mary Halvorson and Ben Wendel. She grew up playing piano and percussion, and by the age of fifteen she was studying advanced compositional mechanics. On the album Breaking Stretch she pays tribute to some of her favourite bands growing up, from salsa bands such as Fania All-Stars to wind and brass rock groups like Earth Wind & Fire en Blood, Sweat & Tears.

‘Even though there’s a lot going on, the music never seems busy or cluttered. Instead, the interaction somehow spotlights the individual genius of each player, a feat that makes this album feel unusually magical. *****’ (Downbeat on Breaking Stretch).

Adam O’Farrill trumpet, Jon Irabagon alto sax/sopranino sax, Mark Shim tenor sax, Patricia Brennan vibraphone, Kim Cass bass, Dan Weiss drums, Mauricio Herrera percussion