The celebration they wanted – a weekend of music on the site of the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair – continued following Arlo Guthrie’s opening performance to commemorate 50 years since the festival occurred.
Many alumni from the 1969 festival returned to Bethel Woods over the course of the four days to breathe life into their memories, joined by younger generations looking to enjoy music and learn about a piece of 1960’s history.
Each of the three nights brought back performers from the 1969 festival. The Beatles never played Woodstock as they were busy working on their album, Abbey Road. However, Ringo Starr and his All Star Band brought Santana’s keyboardist back to the stage to jam on a couple of Santana’s early works and paid tribute to other performances from 1969, with a medley of tunes later in the set. Saturday brought Carlos Santana back to the stage, with a little help from The Doobie Brothers. Closing out the weekend was a powerful set by Creedance Clearwater Revival’s John Fogerty who, at age 74, rocked with the stage presence and humor of someone 30 years younger. Other 1969 performers to hit the stage included Blood, Sweat & Tears (new lineup) and Edgar Winter, who sat in with his brother Johnny for part of his Woodstock set.
John Fogerty (photo by Kevin Ferguson/Bethel Woods)
Scenes from the 1970 Woodstock documentary immortalized the weather that mired parts of the festival. Somewhat true to that form, some threats of weather and a short but heavy rain hindered the festivities a little bit. Spirits were kept up; some recreating the “no rain!” chants and others taking the opportunity to chat and share stories while activities were on hold.
The weekend was a perfect pace to celebrate the history, and anniversary, of the Woodstock Music & Art Fair. Although the 50th anniversary weekend is behind us, the conversation will keep going. The Museum at Bethel Woods has done an excellent job at preserving and documenting the history of Woodstock with their permanent exhibit and their special exhibit, “We Are Golden: Reflections on the 50th Anniversary of the Woodstock Festival and Aspirations for a Peaceful Future” which remains open through October.
Stay tuned to NYS Music as we bring you parts three and four of our coverage, featuring stories from people who were there, including Nick & Bobbie Ercoline, Duke Devlin, and photographer/Hog Farm member, Lisa Law.
Photos by Steve Malinski.
Main stage photos below by Kevin Ferugson/Bethel Woods:
Chameleonize, a six-piece acid-jazz / funk-fusion band based in New York City have recently released their latest single Day Job, and have been tapped to perform at Brooklyn Bowl for the first time on Monday, September 16 with Funk You and Bencoolen.
Chameleonize draw influences from Erykah Badu, Snarky Puppy, and Hiatus Kaiyote. They combine complex musical sequences with attractive pop melodies and hip-hop grooves, and exhibit a unique twist on contemporary music.
For their Brooklyn Bowl premiere on Monday, September 16th, Chameleonize will open the night with Funk You and Bencoolen following. Listen to Chameleonize “Day Job” below.
Hailing from the East Side Georgia town of Augusta, Funk You is an outgoing burst of energy that is continually climbing their way to the top of the music scene. This “funk” oriented outfit projects multiple musical styles focusing mainly on dance driven grooves with powerful clean vocals. Incorporating intriguing musical composition, tasteful lyrics, and crowd captivating live performances, Funk You is surely to make an imprint on your musical taste.
Bencoolen, a maximalist rock band that includes blues, funk, and soul influences in their sound. The band features soaring vocals, swift sax lines, and huge guitar tones. Bencoolen grabbed a hometown sell out show in Washington DC in September 2018. They have also supported Marcus King, Mihali of Twiddle, Spafford, Mungion, Atlas Road Crew, Mondo Cozmo, and Big Something. The band landed major festival slots 2017-2019 around the East Coast, including at Firefly, Musikfest, the Big What, and Savannah Stopover.
On Wednesday, September 25, The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY will host “There’s A Reward,” a musical tribute to Neal Casal, who tragically passed away on August 26. Casal’s former bandmates and musical friends will join together to remember his friendship and music in a career-spanning musical biography.
Artists scheduled to appear include:
Beachwood Sparks, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Circles Around the Sun, Joe Russo, Dave Dreiwitz, Tom Hamilton & Scott Metzger, Hazeldine, Mapache, Dave Schools, Citizen Cope, Jeff Hill, Bob Glaub, Dan Fadel, Davis Jaynes, Don Heffington, Dori Freeman, Jesse Aycock, John Ginty, Jon Graboff, John Lee Shannon, Kenny Roby, Leslie Mendelson, Rickey Medlocke, Robbi Robb, and Zephaniah Ohora. Additional special guests to be announced soon.
Tickets for There’s A Reward: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Neal Casal go on-sale this Friday, September 13 at Noon ET with all net proceeds to be donated to MusiCares®. A special pre-sale begins today from 1pm to 10pm ET with passcode: moonlight.
Circles Around The Sun had completed recording a new studio album the week prior to his passing. The album’s producer Jim Scott will see the recording through to its completion with plans being made for its release in early 2020. CATS had also collaborated with drummer Joe Russo on an EP entitled ‘Circles Around The Sun Meets Joe Russo’ that was already set to be released October 18 on limited edition vinyl and digital formats.
CATS had previously announced tour dates in October and December, while plans were in the works for the band’s busiest year yet in 2020. Casal left behind specific wishes for Circles Around The Sun to continue in his absence. The surviving members, keyboardist Adam MacDougall, bassist Dan Horne and drummer Mark Levy, have decided to honor that request and move forward together. A new guitar player will be announced shortly and all 2019 tour dates will go on as scheduled.
Circles Around the Sun Tour Dates
October 16 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile October 17 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom October 18 – San Francisco, CA – The Chapel October 19 – Sacramento, CA – Harlow’s October 20 – Los Angeles, CA – Zebulon October 24 – Live Oak, FL – Hulaween December 27 – Denver, CO – The Gothic Theatre December 29 – Fort Collins, CO – Aggie Theater December 31 – Buena Vista, CO – Ivy Ballroom January 7-12 – Miami, FL – Jam Cruise
Philadelphia’s electro-rock powerhouse Tweed has announced a run of dates for fall 2019. This weekend, Tweed will be at Blue Point Brewery in Patchogue for a free show, and on October 4 they’ll be aboard The Lucille for an NYC Rocks Off boat cruise with New Jersey’s Waiting On Mongo. The band brings their electrifying “Tweed Goes Disco” tunes to the boat cruise and will be welcoming horn-section sit-ins throughout the night. Additionally, Tweed has also added a new member in multi-instrumentalist, Charles Field, to their permanent lineup.
This announcement comes after Tweed’s recent Camp Bisco debut and August co-headline with El Ten Eleven and TOBACCO at Philly’s SENSORiUM Festival. If you missed the recent release of their single, Moves, whichincluded a homemade music video, go and check out the band’s new sound. The official music video will be released in October and their sonically-charged full-length album, Moves, is due to release in November.
Drummer, Joe Vela explains, “We couldn’t be more excited to add Charlie to the band. Chaz is an incredibly talented musician and has been sitting in as a special guest with us for years. It’s been long overdue to get him on tour with us. Charlie will be leveling-up these songs with his violin, guitar, percussion, and vocals and has already contributed to our soon-to-be-released album.”
Sep 14 Blue Point Brewery – Patchogue, NY
Oct 4 Rocks Off Boat Cruise – New York, NY
Oct 5 Beauty in the Backyard – Darlington, MD
Oct 18 Electric Halloween Festival – Millville, NJ
Oct 31 Deer Park Tavern – Newark, DE
November 2 TBA – Philadelphia, PA
November 27 Sprout Music Collective West Chester, PA
The Band of Rustlers gave listeners goosebumps on September 5 at the Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant in Galway, New York with their iconic sound and perfect pitch harmonies. Singing a tribute to the Sons of the Pioneers’ songs, the trio brought alive the traditional country-western sounds of Roy Rogers, Bob Nolan, and Tim Spencer.
Band of Rustlers features three incredible musicians: JP Biondi (Cabinet) and brothers Roy and Kevin Williams. JP demonstrated tremendous range with his sweet tenor voice and had a fun whistle to add to the traditional cowboy songs. Roy, a frequent performer this summer at the Cock ‘n Bull, delighted with his fast-paced and technical guitar playing, as well as his fun bass range voice that he used both to sing and speak with through the archetypal western tunes. Brother Kevin Williams on bass was consistent, playful and a well-rounded third to complement the other two.
The trio joked with one another like brothers and shared a familiar ease that fit in well with their show. JP pointed out that the songs romanticized the cowboy lifestyle, and chuckled as he reflected on how challenging that lifestyle really was to live. The songs drew on nature metaphors to idealize love, friendship, and even the isolation of American cowboy culture.
As usual, the Cock ‘n Bull provided a perfect setting, providing acoustics that offered ideal circumstances for listening to such exact harmonies and precise playing. The men’s voices combined like honey and tea, melding to soothe and bring smiles around the room.
Rick Sleeper, the restaurant’s owner, took the stage to proudly introduce the band. Welcoming the audience or “buckaroos,” Sleeper maintained the western theme with the kitchen’s offering of a cowboy special. The plate included BBQ ribs, beef brisket, baked calico beans, and a lovely corn muffin spiced with jalapeno. The fun dessert stayed with the theme, offering a S’mores brownie complete with graham cracker crust and toasted marshmallow topping.
For folks unfamiliar with the Sons of the Pioneers, the music was still instantly recognizable as these songs have been a staple of American country-western music since the 1930s. For those who love the Sons’ music, this concert was a delightful and goosebump-raising event that almost perfectly replicated the quintessential and iconic sound.
The Band of Rustlers have created an experience for audiences that echoes memories in their exemplary performance. Next time they mosey through town, make sure you catch their show.
For one of SPAC‘s final concerts of the 2019 season, the Outlaw Music Festival brought a full afternoon and evening of music and vendors to the park.
This year’s Outlaw Music Festival tour began in Maine back in June and has featured a rotating roster of performers throughout the summer with Willie Nelson & Family as the anchor for each show.
Joining Willie Nelson at SPAC were Pernikoff Brothers, Brothers Osborne, Alison Krauss, and Bonnie Raitt. Deadheads had been looking forward to Phil Lesh & Friends as part of the bill, but instead found themselves wishing Lesh a speedy recovery from a minor back surgery done earlier in the summer.
Check out a few photos from the Brothers Osborne and Alison Krauss sets below.
Marco Benevento has released “Send It On A Rocket,” his self-proclaimed “end of summer anthem” and third single ahead of new album Let It Slide, due out September 20th on Royal Potato Family. In between references to reefer and Topo Chico, deep pockets of bass and spaced-out synths, the cascading composition reveals that behind Marco the bandleader – who covers his piano strings in gaffers tape and enjoys walking his pet goats and peacocks through the Catskill woods – there are patches of sorrow he’s now ready to contemplate more seriously than ever.
The sounds of “Send It On A Rocket” preview the new territory charted between Benevento and Let It Slide producer Leon Michels, a partnership marking the first time Benevento relinquished studio control of his own music. As evident on the new single, that surrender led to his deepest inward exploration, and spontaneous impulses like taping those piano strings. Read Benevento’s introduction to the song via Talkhouse.
Introduced via dear friend Richard Swift (who was set to mix the LP before passing), Marco made Let It Slide with Michels (Sharon Jones, Adele, Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga) and an unexpected, Upstate NY bromance ensued, and Marco’s trust in Leon ultimately informed the album’s core: free yourself to be yourself. Citing influence in Can, ESG, Childish Gambino, and Mulatu Astatke, he dug deep into his lyrics, exploring acceptance, desire, and regret, while embracing the moment – an impulse to cover piano strings in gaffers tape created the LP’s main muted sound (along with the Binson Echorec, the tape machine behind 1970s Pink Floyd).
This fall, Marco Benevento and his band – including Karina Rykman (bass) and Andy Borger (drums) will make 30 stops from coast to coast, with 5 shows in New York over two weeks in October.
MARCO BENVENTO Tour Dates
10/10 – Buffalo, NY – Iron Works 10/11 – Ithaca, NY – The Haunt 10/12 – Albany, NY – Cohoes Music Hall ** 10/13 – Woodstock, NY – The Colony * 10/17 – Portland, ME – Port City Music Hall ^ 10/19 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground ^ 10/20 – Holyoke, MA – Gateway City Arts ^ 10/23 – Fairfield, CT – FTC StageOne ^ 10/24 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg ^ 10/25 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts ^ 10/26 – Washington, DC – Pearl Street Warehouse ^ 11/2 – Shizuoka, Japan – Frue Festival 11/6 – Pittsburgh, PA – Club Cafe ^ 11/7 – Grand Rapids, MI – Founders Brewing ^ 11/8 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall ^ 11/9 – St. Paul, MN – Turf Club ^ 11/10 – Milwaukee, WI – The Back Room @ Colectivo ^ 11/11 – Davenport, IA – Raccoon Motel ^ 11/12 – Indianapolis, IN – HiFi ^ 11/13 – St. Louis, MO – Old Rock House ^ 11/14 – Nashville, TN – Basement East ^ 11/15 – Louisville, KY – Zanzabar ^ 11/16 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Tavern ^ 12/5 – San Diego, CA – Casbah San Diego 12/6 – Los Angeles, CA – The Teragram Ballroom ^ 12/7 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent ^ 12/8 – Felton, CA – Felton Music Hall 12/9 – Mill Valley, CA – Sweetwater Music Hall ^ 12/10 – Arcata, CA – Humbrews / Humboldt Brews ^ 12/11 – Eugene, OR – WildCraft Cider Works ^ 12/12 – Bend, OR – Volcanic Theatre Pub ^ 12/13 – Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge ^ 12/14 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile ^
On September 7, the Greenwich Village event space (Le) Poisson Rouge was set for an intimate evening with SPAGA, a quasi-jazz project from the mind and fingers of Disco Biscuits keyboard player Aron Magner. Tables were draped with black cloths, lit by candles, and set with other accoutrements while on stage waited a baby grand piano, an upright bass on its side, and a full drum kit. Upon entering before the army of Bisco fans, the mood and setting were surprisingly sophisticated.
As The Disco Biscuits are generally known for their dance-inducing electronic music and laser beams, an open floor plan with room to move was the expectation. Alas, the performance did circumvent most expectations but lacked the confidence, or boldness, of traditional jazz stylings.
What is most interesting about SPAGA is the clear intersection between the old-fashioned and the new-age. It’s a classic trio set up with modern gadgetry intact. A synthesizer sat atop the grand piano with an assortment of foot pedals beneath, and a laptop computer was situated right next to the bench. The upright bass ran through a full effects pedalboard beside a rock drum kit. Throughout the course of the 90-minute set, all of the above were put to good use.
While the bulk of the night’s music was pulled from the recently released album (SPAGA, out now via AM Records) the opener was a non-album number, appropriately titled “For The Table.” This set the tone for the rest of the night’s offerings as it featured a tantalizing hook to anchor the more loosely fastened sections of improvisation. A major highlight right off the bat was drummer Matt Scaranos’ incredible ownership of the kit. As the keys and bassist Jason Fratacelli repeated the songs melodic content, Scarano displayed an impressive command over every little detail on top of, inside, and outside the beat. The songs that followed like the albums opener “Creed” and “Resurrection” both find their strength in their composition, giving the listener moments to mellow in ambiance and elate with blistering rhythms.
SPAGA did cover a wide spectrum on Saturday. “Resurrection” sits on a hip-hop beat, while a totally unique take on Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” seemed to be just a tease at first, eventually playing out as the full song. Improvisation was there, but it didn’t feel so much like it was in a jazzy conversationalist sense. Instead, it seems SPAGA has taken to sticking with the jam-band formula of creating a pocket, building a steady groove to fill it, and elevating the energy to a peak.
Magner took to the microphone to comment that SPAGA is a project grown from wanting to reconnect with and explore an instrument that he was properly trained on but spent a long time away from, the acoustic piano. While there isn’t much comparison between SPAGA’s piano-laden presentations and The Disco Biscuits electronically driven material, they certainly feel like they could have been made in the same kitchen. There’s different ingredients, but similar flavors.
All in all, SPAGA is a unique interpretation through a time-tested setup. There are moments of familiarity laced throughout a set that is, for the most part, completely separated from what you normally would hear from Magner and Co. SPAGA will be at Resonance Music Festival in Slippery Rock, PA ON September 19 and can be heard on all streaming platforms now.
Setlist: For The Table, Creed, Resurrection, Black Dog, Dig*, Colors, Four Angels, Good Old Days, Bird
*Temporary song name. Magner stated that it’s currently untitled and being decided on social media by fans.
New England Conservatory (NEC)’s internationally renowned Jazz Studies Department, the first fully accredited jazz studies program at a music conservatory, celebrates its 50th anniversary by showcasing the department’s vibrant legacy and its place as one of the top jazz education programs in the world. A year-long celebration of Jazz50 will include concerts and events in Boston and NYC featuring many of the school’s distinguished jazz alumni, faculty, students and special guests.
Boston events will include the NEC Jazz Orchestra with Alan Pasqua (alum) and Antonio Sanchez (alum) led by the department’s first chair Carl Atkins and current chair Ken Schaphorst; Jazz Advance: The Legacy of Cecil Taylor (alum) featuring an all-star line-up including Matthew Shipp (former student), Bruce Brubaker (faculty), Dan Tepfer (alum), plus faculty members Ran Blake, Ethan Iverson and Joe Morris; a weeklong residency and concert by Luciana Souza (alum); and The Music of Gunther Schuller featuring the NEC Jazz Orchestra; Cosmosis: The Music of Dave Holland featuring Jim McNeely with the NEC Jazz Orchestra; The Invisible Choir, The Music of Ken Schaphorst and many more.
NYC events will include an NEC Faculty All-Star Group featuring Fred Hersch (alum, former faculty), and current faculty members Donny McCaslin, Billy Hart and Cecil McBee at the Jazz Standard; Dominique Eade (alum, faculty) and Fred Hersch (alum, former faculty) at the Jazz Standard; and Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society (alum) as well as the NEC Alumni Big Band at the Sheen Center. A full list of celebratory events is below.
“I’m very grateful for Gunther Schuller’s farsightedness and efforts in establishing the Jazz department in 1969,” says current Jazz Studies Chair Ken Schaphorst. “I’m also grateful to the faculty and students who have established NEC as a leader in the world of jazz education over the past 50 years. It’s been deeply humbling to share the responsibility of shepherding this noble mission for the past 18 years, educating students in the transformational art form of jazz, developing communication between unique individual human voices. I’m excited to have this opportunity with Jazz50 to celebrate the achievements of NEC’s past and present, while looking forward to our future.”
NEC’s Jazz Studies Department was the brainchild of Gunther Schuller, who moved quickly to incorporate jazz into the curriculum when he became president of the Conservatory in 1967. He soon hired saxophonist Carl Atkins as the first department chair, as well as other greats including NEA Jazz Master George Russell, pianist Jaki Byard and Ran Blake. The foundation of its teaching and success begins with the mentor relationship developed in lessons between students and the prominent faculty artists. In addition to its two jazz orchestras, faculty-coached small ensembles reflect NEC’s inclusive approach to music making, with ensembles focused on free jazz, early jazz, gospel music, Brazilian music, and songwriting, as well as more traditional approaches to jazz performance.
Students are encouraged to find their own musical voices while making connections and collaborating with a vibrant community of creative musicians, and ultimately to transform the world through the power of music. The program has spawned numerous Grammy winning composers and performers and has an alumni list that reads like a who’s who of jazz, while the faculty has included six MacArthur “genius” grant recipients (three currently teaching) and four NEA Jazz Masters.
“This anniversary provides us the opportunity to reflect on half a century of leadership in jazz education at New England Conservatory, and to celebrate the importance of jazz in both the history and future of American music,” says NEC President Andrea Kalyn.
2019-2020 Season: Jazz50 Celebration
FALL 2019
Wednesday, August 28 | Jazz Jam Session
7:30 p.m. Brown Hall
Tuesday, September 17 | Dave Holland Small Combo Master Class
1:30 p.m. Williams Hall
Thursday, September 19 | Dave Holland Master Class
1 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Friday, September 20 | Music of Dave Holland Residency Concert
7:30 p.m. Brown Hall
Dave Holland will perform his original compositions with NEC student ensembles.
Wednesday, October 2 | A Discussion with Tyshawn Sorey
12-1:50 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Thursday, October 3 | Concert Featuring Tyshawn Sorey
7:30 p.m. Jordan Hall
Composer and multi-instrumentalist Tyshawn Sorey is celebrated for his incomparable virtuosity, effortless mastery and memorization of highly complex scores, and an extraordinary ability to blend composition and improvisation in his work. A MacArthur Fellow, he’s been praised by The New Yorker as being “among the most formidable denizens of the in-between zone…An extraordinary talent who can see across the entire musical landscape.”
The concert will include Sorey’s recent orchestral piece, “For Bill Dixon and A. Spencer Barefield,” his chamber pieces “Inner Spectrum of Variables (Movement III)” and “For Fred Lerdahl,” his piano piece “Movement,” his noise project “LOUD” featuring faculty member Joe Morris, and an NEC student ensemble playing his “Autoschediasms.” It will also feature Sorey in an improvisational duo performance with NEC faculty member Anthony Coleman and excerpts from a Yiddish Theatre project featuring Sorey’s arrangements and orchestrations.
Wednesday, October 16 | Antonio Sanchez Master Class
1 p.m. Brown Hall
Thursday, October 17, 2019 | NEC Jazz Orchestra featuring Carl Atkins, Alan Pasqua, and Antonio Sanchez
7:30 p.m. Concert, Jordan Hall
9:30 p.m. Post-concert Jam Session, Brown Hall
The NEC Jazz Orchestra will celebrate the anniversary of NEC’s Jazz Studies Department by playing music drawn from throughout its 50-year history, including George Russell’s “All About Rosie” and Jaki Byard’s “Two Five One.” Featured guests will include alums Alan Pasqua and Antonio Sanchez. The department’s first chair, Carl Atkins, will assist current chair Ken Schaphorst in conducting.
Friday, October 18, 2019 | Jazz Advance: The Legacy of Cecil Taylor
5 p.m. Pre-concert panel discussion, Brown Hall
7:30 p.m. Concert, Jordan Hall
Among NEC’s many prominent alums, Cecil Taylor stands out for his influence over the history of jazz. Taylor’s significant legacy will be recognized with a series of piano solos featuring NEC faculty and alums: Ran Blake, Bruce Brubaker, Ethan Iverson, Matthew Shipp and Dan Tepfer. Ensemble performances will include Steve Lacy’s “Rain” as well as an ensemble led by NEC faculty member Joe Morris.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019 | NEC Philharmonia & Jazz Orchestra + Hugh Wolff
7:30 p.m. Jordan Hall
The NEC Philharmonia and Jazz Orchestra combine to perform Gunter Schuller’s Encounters, written in 2003 for the 100th anniversary of the opening of Jordan Hall.
Monday, November 4 | Grow Your Art Residency with Luciana Souza
1 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room – Master Class
6 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room – Workshop
Tuesday, November 5 | Grow Your Art Residency with Luciana Souza: Business Panel
6 p.m. Burnes Hall
Wednesday, November 6 | Grow Your Art Residency with Luciana Souza
1 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room – Workshop
6 p.m. Black Box Theater – Pitch Night
Thursday, November 7, 2019 | Luciana Souza: Grow Your Art Residency Concert
7:30 pm, Brown Hall
Grammy-winning NEC alum Luciana Souza is one of jazz’s leading singers and interpreters. She returns to her alma mater for a week-long collaborative residency with NEC’s Entrepreneurial Musicianship Department. From November 3 – 7, Souza will work with students, discuss lessons learned in the music business, ways to take charge of one’s career in the rapidly changing world and more, culminating in this performance with NEC students.
Wednesday, November 13 | Joe Morris Instantiation
8 p.m. Brown Hall
Guitarist and Jazz/CI Faculty Member Joe Morris will perform selections from his multi-part piece Instantiation for improvising musicians with ensembles featuring Brad Barrett on bass, Elinor Speirs on violin, Dan O-Brien on reeds, Ben Hall on percussion, Andrea Nicodemou on vibes and others.
Thursday, November 14 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: Nieske
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Monday, November 18 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: McNeil and Carlberg
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Tuesday, November 19 | NEC Gospel Ensemble & NEC Jazz Composers Ensemble
8 p.m. Brown Hall
Wednesday, November 20 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: Seager and Lockwood
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Thursday, November 21 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: Reichman and Eisenmann
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Tuesday, November 26 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: Bergonzi and Morris
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Tuesday, December 3 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: Eade
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Thursday, December 5, 2019 | The Music of Gunther Schuller
7:30 pm, Jordan Hall
One of Gunther Schuller’s first orders of business as president of NEC was to create the first fully accredited jazz program in a music conservatory in 1969. To honor his musical vision, Schuller’s compositions and arrangements will be performed by the NEC Jazz Orchestra, with the help of his son and NEC alum George Schuller and faculty member Ran Blake.
Monday, December 9 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: Coleman, McBee and Morris
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Tuesday, December 10 | Jazz Composers Workshop Orchestra Concert
7;30 p.m. Brown Hall
Wednesday, December 11 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: Levy, Leake and Moses
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Thursday, December 12 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: Zaleski and Moran
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
SPRING 2020
Wednesday, January 15 | Ran Blake Concert with Bruce Brubaker and Frank Carlberg
7:30 p.m. Jordan Hall
Monday, January 27 | Jazz and CI Faculty Spotlight
7:30 p.m. Jordan Hall
Tuesday, February 25 | NEC Symphonic Winds, William Drury Conductor
7:30 p.m. Jordan Hall
NEC’s Symphonic Winds will perform Grammy nominated composer Chris Brubeck’s Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra featuring acclaimed trombone soloist James Markey (Boston Symphony Orchestra and chair of NEC’s Brass and Percussion Department). The ensemble will also perform Brubeck’s D-Day, March to Freedom, as well as other works.
Thursday, February 27 | Cosmosis: The Music of Dave Holland featuring NEC Jazz Orchestra with Jim McNeely
7:30 p.m. Jordan Hall
New York City
Thursday, March 19, 2020 | NEC Jazz50 Faculty All-Stars
7:30 and 9:30 pm, Jazz Standard, NYC
NEC has always boasted an impressive faculty. But this quartet, featuring NEC alum and former faculty member Fred Hersch, with current faculty members Donny McCaslin, Billy Hart and Cecil McBee, sets a new standard—each member a leader in the world of jazz, in addition to being a dedicated teacher.
Friday, March 20, 2020 | Dominique Eade and Fred Hersch
7:30 and 9:30 pm, Jazz Standard, NYC
NEC faculty member Dominique Eade was not only the first jazz artist to receive NEC’s prestigious Artist Diploma, but she is also the teacher of many of the most prominent jazz vocalists working today including Sofia Koutsovitis, Jo Lawry, Michael Mayo, Rachael Price, Luciana Souza and Sara Serpa. She joins with the legendary NEC alum and former faculty member, Fred Hersch, for the night.
Saturday, March 21, 2020 | Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society and NEC Alumni Big Band
8 pm, Sheen Center for Thought and Culture
Darcy James Argue is one of many prominent jazz composers to have studied at NEC, working with the legendary Bob Brookmeyer. Darcy’s ensemble will be joined by an all-star group of NEC alums, including Dominique Eade, Marty Ehrlich, Brian Landrus, Tony Kadleck, Michael Thomas, Noah Preminger, Chris Washburne, Curtis Hasselbring, Josh Roseman, Jennifer Wharton, Frank Carlberg, Jerome Harris, and Kim Cass.
Boston
Tuesday, March 31 | Jazz and Wildcard Honors Ensemble Concert
7:30 p.m. Jordan Hall
Thursday, April 2 | NEC Gospel Ensemble & NEC Composers Ensemble
7:30 p.m. Brown Hall
Thursday, April 9 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: Niekse and Lockwood
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Monday, April 13 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: McNeil and Carlberg Ensembles
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Tuesday, April 14 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: Reichman
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Wednesday, April 15 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: Eade
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Thursday, April 16 | NEC Jazz Orchestra Concert: Invisible Choir: The Music of Ken Schaphorst
7:30 p.m. Jordan Hall
Monday, April 20| Jazz Ensemble Concerts: Seager and Morris
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Tuesday, April 21 | Jazz Composers Workshop Orchestra Concert
7:30 p.m. Jordan Hall
Wednesday, April 22 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: Moses and Levy
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Thursday, April 23 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: McBee and Moran
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Thursday, April 30 | The Future: a 50th Premiere
Featuring the world-premiere of a new work by Grammy nominated musician Chris Brubeck and excerpts from Ellington’s Sacred Concert with guest pianist Helen Sung.
7:30 p.m. Jordan Hall
In honor of 50th anniversaries of NEC’s Wind Ensemble and Jazz Department, this concert features the world premiere of a new work by esteemed jazz artist and multi-genre composer Chris Brubeck, commissioned and performed by the NEC Wind Ensemble conducted by William Drury. Brubeck will attend the concert, which will also feature excerpts from Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert, performed by NEC’s Symphonic Winds and Chamber Singers with special guest jazz pianist Helen Sung.
Monday, April 27 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: Bergonzi and Coleman
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Tuesday, April 28 | Jazz Ensemble Concerts: Zaleski, Eisenmann and Leake Ensembles
7-10 p.m. Eben Jordan Ensemble Room
Thursday, April 30 | International Jazz Day Celebration
This Fall, Goose flies West after a run of shows along the east coast, starting with a show at Parish Public House in Albany on Friday, October 18. The eight week run finds the band in New York City on Halloween and also makes return visits to familiar haunts in Buffalo and Boston, and will be supporting The Disco Biscuits in Pittsburgh and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong in New Haven, CT.
Goose’s fall will culminate with their sixth annual holiday celebration, Goosemas VI, on December 21. For the first time, Goosemas will be held at the historic Wall Street Theater in South Norwalk, CT. Surprises are always in store for Goosemas attendees, as the band regularly surprises attendees with a theme, special guests, and a healthy mix of new covers and well-known songs.
The quartet, based in Norwalk, CT, is comprised of Rick Mitarotonda (vocals, guitar), Peter Anspach (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Trevor Bass (bass), and Ben Atkind (drums).
The band returned to the studio in 2019 for the first time since the 2016 debut LP, Moon Cabin, releasing two singles, “All I Need” and “Time to Flee.” Mastered by Grammy Award winner, Emily Lazar, the singles exhibit a developed live band showcasing their studio voice.
In August, Goose played two nights at an intimate music festival in Kentucky, Birds of a Feather Music Festival. Goose premiered just this week the entire multi-cam 80 minute set from night two. Watch here, and check out their buzzworthy set from Peach Fest in July below.
Goose Fall 2019 Tour Dates
OCT 18 – Albany, NY, Parish Public House
OCT 19 – Cambridge, MA, Middle East Upstairs
OCT 25 – Wilkes-Barre, PA, River Street Jazz Cafe
OCT 31 – New York, NY, Mercury Lounge
NOV 02 – New Haven, CT, College Street (supporting Pigeons Playing Ping Pong)
NOV 07 – Harrisburg, PA, Club XL
NOV 08 – Washington, DC, 9:30 Club (supporting Sunsqabi)
NOV 10 – Richmond, VA, The Camel
NOV 14 – Pittsburgh, PA, The Roxian (supporting The Disco Biscuits)
NOV 15 – Columbus, OH, The Summit
NOV 16 – Buffalo, NY, Nietzche’s
DEC 05 – Fort Collins, CO, Aggie Theatre
DEC 06 – Denver, CO, Cervantes Other Side
DEC 07 – Steamboat Springs, CO, Old Town Pub
DEC 08 – Steamboat Springs, CO, Old Town Pub
DEC 11 – St. Louis, MO, The Bootleg
DEC 12 – Chicago, IL, Schubas
DEC 13 – Cincinnati, OH, Top Cats
DEC 14 – Indianapolis, IN, The Mousetrap
DEC 21 – Goosemas VI – South Norwalk, CT, Wall Street Theatre
