IMPROVISATORY MINDS Presents: “Chamber Music by Jazz Composers”

February 10, 2017 at 8pm

Christ & Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church

120 West 69th Street between Columbus & Broadway

New York, New York 10023

Donation: $25 (includes one free download)

Presented by the composers’ collective Improvisatory Minds, “Chamber Music by Jazz Composers” showcases new and recently written chamber works, and will include at least one world premiere.  Featuring works by Bevan Manson, Ed Neumeister, Michael Patterson, Dennis Dreith, with special guest artist Billy Drewes, from the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

Artists performing on the February 10th concert in Christ and St. Stephen’s Church will include Miranda Cuckson, violin; Jennie Hansen, viola; Billy Drewes, clarinet and saxophone; Mark Lopeman, alto sax: Katherine Fink, flute and piccolo; Harry Searing, bassoon; Dominic Derasse, trumpet; Chris Komer, French horn; Ed Neumeister, trombone; John Arrucci, percussion and marimba; Brad Dutz, marimba and percussion; Lee Musiker, piano; and Bevan Manson, piano

Improvisatory Minds, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that actively encourages the creation of new chamber works by composers with a jazz perspective, and promotes this music through concerts, clinics, educational and community outreach.

About the Composers & Artists:

Billy Drewes joined the Mel Lewis (now Vanguard Jazz) Orchestra in 1990.  Drewes  weaves classical music into a wide body of music that he composed and performed.  He continues to record and tour with artists including Herbie Hancock, Bill Frisell, Eddie Gomez, Randy Brecker, John Scofield, Toninho Horta, John Abercrombie, Fred Hersch and Peter Erskine.

Bevan Manson’s Piano Quartet was powerfully polyrhythmic. – The Washington Post

Ed Neumeister is one of the finest of his generation, an underrated giant waiting to be discovered. – All Music Guide

Michael Patterson is a wonderful composer and collaborator – Eddie Daniels

Dreith is influenced by early 20th century classical, with echoes of Copland and Stravinsky. – Music Connection Magazine

Ms. Cuckson brought out the work’s singing quality, soulfulness as deep as anything in Janacek. Her tonal luster and variety of touch enliven everything she plays. – New York Times

 John Arucci has influenced the explosion of Bahian music – Bahia Tribune

Critics laud Lee Musiker as absolutely brilliant, sparkling, and a remarkably empathic and inventive virtuoso.

For more information contact: ImprovisatoryMindsInc@gmail.com – www.ImprovisatoryMinds.org

Bevan Manson (310) 386-8151 – Michael Patterson (917) 887-6921