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"Dissolve" Album Release Concert - Makrokosmos Orchestra
Join us as the Makrokosmos Orchestra celebrates the release of our first album, Dissolve (Adhyâropa Records). Called "modern jazz at its highest level" (All About Jazz), Makrokosmos co-leader Richard Nelson's symphonic-length triptych takes a big picture, broad-spectrum view of contemporary creative music, maneuvering deftly between ambitious compositions and adventurous improvisation. Featuring some of New York’s finest players, Makrokosmos will bring fresh and dynamic interpretations to all three of the suite's evocatively titled movements—Dissolve, Float, and Cohere, music in which improvisation and composition intertwine in highly imaginative and surprising ways.
We'll also spotlight Makrokosmos co-leader Tim O'Dell's compositions with the premiere of of Ellis Quincy, the constantly shifting colors of Kaleidoscope, and the aspirational, hard-swinging Selfless.
Venue link and tickets here:
https://shapeshifterplus.org/event/makrokosmos-may-3/
Featuring Erica Seguine (conductor), Michel Gentile (flutes), Alan Brady (clarinets), Tim O’Dell (alto & soprano saxes), Adam Kolker (tenor saxophone, clarinet), Justin Mullins (French horn), John Carlson (trumpet), Jacob Varmus (trumpet, cornet), David Chamberlain (euphonium), Dale Turk (bass trombone), Frank Carlberg (piano), Richard Nelson (guitar), Ken Filiano (bass), Rob Garcia (drums), Todd Isler (percussion).
About Richard Nelson and Dissolve:
"Nelson's followers can count on being surprised at how nimbly he can satisfy their appetites: he takes new directions while also satisfying their affection for thoughtfully conceived music that bridges jazz, classical, and other forms."—Steve Feeney, The Arts Fuse (Boston)
“… the title track [is] a kaleidoscope of contrapuntal themes that weave in and out of the brass and woodwind sections, shifting in and out of time and spatial sensibilities in a mysterious narrative, its peaking followed by a scattering into the ether.” – Gary Fukushima, DownBeat
About Tim O'Dell:
"O'Dell designs hypnotic concepts that capture the imagination" - All About Jazz
“. . . a perfect album (from O'Dell) . . . great blend of composition and improvisation and it swings! . . . a uniqueness of vision.” - Beyond Coltrane
“This (O'Dell) is the sound of expanding American art.” - All About Jazz
Aardvark Jazz Orchestra Christmas Concert
Delighted to be part of this concert!
Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 7:30 pm
Aardvark Jazz Orchestra: 51st Annual Christmas Benefit Concert
Featuring the premiere of Mark Harvey’s piece, The Gift, dedicated to the memory of Arni Cheatham
Church of the Covenant, 67 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
Proceeds to benefit Rosie’s Place
Admission: $20 at the door. Information: 617-776-8778
Makrokosmos Orchestra
If you'll be in or around New York on Friday, Nov. 3, hope you can join us at ShapeShifter in Brooklyn as we get the Makrokosmos Orchestra back into action for an evening of genre-defying large-ensemble compositions by Richard Nelson and Tim O'Dell, featuring some of New York’s finest players. Works on this adventurous program include the premiere of O'Dell's Gratitude (for Wayne Shorter) and a preview of Dissolve and Cohere from Nelson's upcoming album on Adhyâropa Records.
Makrokosmos Orchestra
Friday, Nov. 3 8:00pm $20.00
ShapeShifter Lab 837 Union St. Brooklyn, NY
Featuring Erica Seguine (conductor), Michel Gentile (flutes), Alan Brady (bass/Bb clarinets), Tim O’Dell (alto/soprano saxes), Adam Kolker (tenor sax/Bb clarinet), Marshall Sealy (French horn), John Carlson (trumpet), Jacob Varmus (cornet/trumpet), David Chamberlain (euphonium), Dale Turk (bass trombone), Frank Carlberg (piano), Richard Nelson (guitar), Ken Filiano (bass), Rob Garcia (drums), Rex Benincasa (percussion).
"O'Dell designs hypnotic concepts that capture the imagination" - All About Jazz
“. . . a perfect album (from O'Dell) . . . great blend of composition and improvisation and it swings! . . . a uniqueness of vision.” - Beyond Coltrane
"(Nelson's) writing is complex but emotionally engaging, dense yet clean and resonant. . . .The colors of the orchestra are spellbinding, evocative and powerful." - New York City Jazz Record
“This (O'Dell) is the sound of expanding American art.” - All About Jazz
“(Nelson is) an ambitious and daring composer” who has “come up with a distinctive synthesis of modern jazz, and contemporary orchestral music" - All About Jazz
Imaginary Ensemble at Blue - Portland, Maine
The Richard Nelson Imaginary Ensemble presents their distinctive mix of original contemporary jazz explorations, jazz standards, South African jazz, and jazz-tinged takes on blues and Americana classics. Guitarist Nelson is joined by vocalist Marcia Gallagher; flutist Peter H. Bloom; guitarist Peter Herman; bassist Scott Kiefner; and drummer John Mettam.
with Aardvark Jazz Orchestra
Excited to have a concert with the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra coming up in Boston on Saturday, April 29th.
Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 7:30 pm
Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, 50th Annual Spring Concert
Celebrating the Duke, Trane, and Mary Lou
Church of the Covenant, 67 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116
Tickets: $20, available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-aardvark-jazz-orchestra-50th-season-spring-concert-tickets-475711153867
Presented by Mandorla Music and The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra
Stunningly beautiful and adventurous - New York City Jazz Record
One of the best jazz ensembles in the world - Jazz Podium, Germany
Mark Harvey and his Aardvark Jazz Orchestra continue their historic 50th season with joyful music by Duke Ellington on his birthday (April 29), including “Come Sunday” featuring Aardvark vocalist Grace Hughes, and “Chinoiserie” from the Afro-Eurasian Eclipse. Exuberant originals by Mark Harvey will include “Soul on Soul” (2010 for Mary Lou Williams) and his composition “The Seeker” (1994 for John Coltrane). A special highlight will be the premiere of Harvey’s latest work, “Prayer for Ukraine.”
Aardvark is: Arni Cheatham, Peter H. Bloom, Daniel Ian-Smith, Phil Scarff, Chris Rakowski, Dan Zupan/saxes and woodwinds; Mike Peipman, KC Dunbar, Jeanne Snodgrass/trumpets; Bob Pilkington, Jay Keyser/trombones; Bill Lowe/bass trombone, tuba; Richard Nelson/guitar; Jesse Williams/string bass; Harry Wellott/drums; Grace Hughes, vocalist; Mark Harvey, music director.
Read: ‘Aardvark Jazz Orchestra: 50 Years, a Special Calling’ - DownBeat, March 2023
Aardvark Jazz Orchestra - 50th Annual Christmas Concert - Church of the covenant, boston
It’s happening - the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra’s 50th Annual Christmas Concert!
Congratulations to our esteemed bandleader Mark Harvey - talk about dedication and endurance! I’m so happy to be a member of this band and to be playing in this concert.
Details: Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 7:30 pm
Church of the Covenant
67 Newbury St. - Boston, MA 02116
Admission: $20
For information: 617-776-8778
Some words about the concert: The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra gave its inaugural concert December 23, 1973 at the Church of the Covenant in Boston as a benefit for the Chelsea Fire Fund. Aardvark will return to the church five decades later, to celebrate its 50th Annual Christmas Concert. As always, this Boston holiday tradition will feature joyful music, from jazz-infused carols to spirituals to Mark Harvey originals, including his Afro-Jazz Benedictus and his high energy arrangement of Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, a staple of the Christmas concerts since the very first performance in 1973. Proceeds will support the Poor People’s United Fund, an organization that works to alleviate the suffering of poor and homeless people in Greater Boston.
Richard Nelson Imaginary Ensemble
The Imaginary Ensemble is delighted to be performing in Portland on Friday, June 10 on the terrific Dimensions in Jazz series at the Portland Conservatory of Music. We'll be bringing our own distinctive mix of original contemporary jazz explorations, South African jazz, music by Bud Powell and other jazz masters, and jazz-tinged takes on blues and Americana classics featuring vocalist Marcia Gallagher. Grateful to have the stellar bandmates Frank Mauceri, saxophones; Peter Herman, guitar; Scott Kiefner, bass; and Brian Shankar Adler, drums on board. And many thanks to the esteemed Paul Lichter of DIJ for making this happen!
Doors open at 7:30 pm, shows start at 8:00 pm.
Tickets: $5 students, $15 Seniors, $20 in advance, $25 at the door
Venue/presenter info here:
The Richard Nelson Imaginary Ensemble - LIVE in-person and streaming
Guitarist Richard Nelson is known from New York to Maine for his compositional prowess. For this event he is bringing his Imaginary Ensemble for an evening of his own exploratory contemporary jazz compositions, elements of South African jazz, music by Bud Powell and other jazz masters, and jazz-tinged takes on blues and Americana classics featuring Maine’s outstanding jazz vocalist Marcia Gallagher. With Frank Mauceri, saxophones; Peter Herman, guitar; Scott Kiefner, bass; and Brian Shankar Adler, drums.
This event is presented by the Olin Concert Series.
This event is FREE, but reservations required.
Link for in-person reservations and live streaming:
https://www.bates.edu/music/events/the-richard-nelson-imaginary-ensemble-original-jazz-compositions/
Aardvark Jazz Orchestra: Salute to Duke
The internationally acclaimed Aardvark Jazz Orchestra brings its Salute to Duke to our stage. In a broad spectrum of sounds and styles in the inimitable Duke Ellington manner, the band will perform jazz classics as well as delve into the sonorous and exotic. Brilliant musicianship meets a pure love of performing with pitch-perfect solos and finely tuned, full band swings.
Aardvark Jazz Orchestra: Salute to Duke
St. John’s Concert Series Presents:
The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, Mark Harvey Music Director
A Duke Ellington Celebration – Live Concert!
Suggested donations: $15, $10
“A Forest of Glass, a Kaleidoscope, a Dream” video performance
The wonderful Resinosa Ensemble will present two songs from my recent work “A Forest of Glass, a Kaleidoscope, a Dream” in a streaming concert from Bates College. Available to stream throughout the day from noon on; live Q&A with the composers at 7:30.
Find the event here:
Resinosa at Bates Thursday March 11
With much appreciation to poet Ellen Taylor, the members of Resinosa: mezzo-soprano Joelle Morris, cellist Eliza Meyer, pianist Bridget Convey, and Stu Gurley at Bates. The concert additionally includes works by Maine composers Nancy Gunn, John Newell, and Daniel Sonenberg.
The Worlds of Jazz
The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, led by founder/music director Mark Harvey, will kick off its historic 45th season with a high-energy show at the Silver Center called The Worlds of Jazz—classics by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis. Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 7:00 pm, Hanaway Theatre, Silver Center for the Arts, 114 Main Street. Plymouth, New Hampshire 03264. Premium $30, Adult $25, Senior $20, Youth/College ID $15, Groups $15. Tickets, 603-535-2787.
Richard Nelson Imaginary Ensemble
Creative contemporary jazz meets jazz-tinged blues and Americana, featuring vocalist Marcia Gallagher. Alongside guitarist Nelson’s dynamic and exploratory contemporary jazz compositions, expect South African jazz, music by Thelonious Monk, and jazz-tinged takes on blues and Americana classics featuring Maine's outstanding jazz vocalist Marcia Gallagher. The program will include titles from Nelson's latest CD Deep River, on which Gallagher is a featured vocalist.
Featuring: Richard Nelson, guitar Marcia Gallagher, vocals Frank Mauceri, tenor saxophone Peter Herman, guitar Asher Barreras, bass RJ Miller, drums
"Thirst for experimentation . . . pushing of known boundaries . . . appreciation for the time-tested sounds of the tradition. Not your typical guitar date." --Cadence
"('Deep River' is) a masterful suite by composer/guitarist Richard Nelson that merges jazz and American folk music." --Boston Globe
“Our Big Band” - Music of Steve Grover, arr. by Nelson and several others
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
“Our Big Band” - Music of Steve Grover, arr. by Nelson and several others
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Resinosa Ensemble performs new RN work, others
The Resinosa Ensemble performs A Forest of Glass, a Kaleidoscope, a Dream, my new set of art songs for mezzo-soprano, cello, and piano. Settings of poems by Maine-based poet Ellen Taylor. The Resinosa Ensemble is Joelle Morris, mezzo-soprano; Eliza Meyer, cello; and Bridget Convey, piano. Additionally featuring new works by Maine composers: Daniel Sonenberg and Nancy Gunn. And works by Andre Previn, Bunita Marcus and Lukas Foss.
Richard Nelson Imaginary Ensemble
Creative contemporary jazz meets jazz-tinged blues and Americana, featuring vocalist Marcia Gallagher. Alongside guitarist Nelson’s dynamic and exploratory contemporary jazz compositions, expect South African jazz, music by Thelonious Monk, and jazz-tinged takes on blues and Americana classics featuring Maine's outstanding jazz vocalist Marcia Gallagher. The program will include titles from Nelson's latest CD Deep River, on which Gallagher is a featured vocalist.
Featuring: Richard Nelson, guitar Marcia Gallagher, vocals Frank Mauceri, tenor saxophone Peter Herman, guitar Asher Barreras, bass RJ Miller, drums
"Thirst for experimentation . . . pushing of known boundaries . . . appreciation for the time-tested sounds of the tradition. Not your typical guitar date." --Cadence
"('Deep River' is) a masterful suite by composer/guitarist Richard Nelson that merges jazz and American folk music." --Boston Globe
Makrokosmos Orchestra w/Band of Bones
Makrokosmos Orchestra: Featuring new, genre-defying compositions by co-leaders Richard Nelson and Tim O'Dell, with a 15-player ensemble drawing on outstanding New York creative contributors. With Christine Correa, voice; Peter Bloom, flutes; Tim O'Dell, saxophones; Adam Kolker, tenor saxophone, clarinet; Alan Brady, bass clarinet, clarinet; Marshall Sealy, French horn; John Carlson, trumpet; Jacob Varmus, trumpet; David Chamberlain, euphonium; Dale Turk, bass trombone; Arcoiris Sandoval, keyboards, sound design; Richard Nelson, guitar; Ken Filiano, bass; Rex Benincasa, hand percussion; and Scott Neumann, drums.
Resinosa Ensemble performs new RN work, others
The Resinosa Ensemble performs A Forest of Glass, a Kaleidoscope, a Dream, my new set of art songs for mezzo-soprano, cello, and piano. Settings of poems by Maine-based poet Ellen Taylor. The Resinosa Ensemble is Joelle Morris, mezzo-soprano; Eliza Meyer, cello; and Bridget Convey, piano. Additionally featuring new works by Maine composers: Daniel Sonenberg and Nancy Gunn. And works by Andre Previn, Bunita Marcus and Lukas Foss.
Resinosa Ensemble performs new RN work, others
The Resinosa Ensemble performs A Forest of Glass, a Kaleidoscope, a Dream, my new set of art songs for mezzo-soprano, cello, and piano. Settings of poems by Maine-based poet Ellen Taylor. The Resinosa Ensemble is Joelle Morris, mezzo-soprano; Eliza Meyer, cello; and Bridget Convey, piano. Additionally featuring new works by Maine composers: Daniel Sonenberg and Nancy Gunn. And works by Andre Previn, Bunita Marcus and Lukas Foss.
Richard Nelson With Aardvark Jazz Orchestra
The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra with Guest Artist Ricky Ford Music by Duke Ellington and Mark Harvey Aardvark celebrates the 120th birthday of Duke Ellington (1899-1974) with music by the maestro including Chinoiserie and Praise God and Dance (from the Second Sacred Concert). Also: the premiere of Mark Harvey’s latest work Of the People, together with other Mark Harvey originals, including No Walls, Aardvark’s anthem of hope and inclusivity. Acclaimed tenor saxophonist Ricky Ford joins the band as guest artist.
Richard Nelson Imaginary Ensemble
"Live in the Lounge" series -- Creative takes on jazz standards and more. Frank Mauceri, tenor saxophone Ross Gallagher, bass RJ Miller, drums Richard Nelson, guitar
Richard Nelson With Aardvark Jazz Orchestra
The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra 46th Annual Christmas Concert - Joyful music in the spirit of the season. Intriguing jazz arrangements of favorite carols and exuberant music by Mark Harvey, including the premiere of Healers of the Universe, a tribute to legendary social activist Kip Tiernan. Proceeds to benefit The Poor People’s United Fund. www.aardvarkjazz.com
Richard Nelson Imaginary Ensemble
"Live in the Lounge" series -- Creative takes on jazz standards and more. Frank Mauceri, tenor saxophone Ross Gallagher, bass RJ Miller, drums Richard Nelson, guitar
Richard Nelson With Aardvark Jazz Orchestra
A punchy, sure-to-be-lively pre-election concert with this always engaging band.
Makrokosmos Orchestra
Featuring new, genre-defying compositions by co-leaders Richard Nelson and Tim O'Dell, with a 15-player ensemble drawing on outstanding New York creative contributors. With Christine Correa, voice; Michel Gentile flutes; Tim O'Dell, saxophones; special guest, tenor saxophone, clarinet; Alan Brady, bass clarinet, clarinet; Marshall Sealy, French horn; John Carlson, trumpet; Jacob Varmus, trumpet; David Chamberlain, euphonium; Dale Turk, bass trombone; Rick Bassett, keyboards, sound design; Richard Nelson, guitar; Ken Filiano, bass; Rex Benincasa, hand percussion; and Scott Neumann, drums.
Richard Nelson Imaginary Ensemble
"Live in the Lounge" series -- Creative takes on jazz standards and more. Frank Mauceri, tenor saxophone Ross Gallagher, bass RJ Miller, drums Richard Nelson, guitar
Richard Nelson Imaginary Ensemble
"Live in the Lounge" series -- Creative takes on jazz standards and more. Frank Mauceri, tenor saxophone Ross Gallagher, bass RJ Miller, drums Richard Nelson, guitar
Performance of trio "Ascent", Back Cove Contemporary Music Festival
Big weekend for contemporary classical music in Maine! I’m excited to have my composition “Ascent” (for violin, cello, and piano) on the program Friday night at Mechanics Hall in Portland, performed by the amazing Portland Piano Trio. Part of the remarkable Back Cove Contemporary Music Festival, a full weekend of concerts showcasing the depth and breadth of creativity of Maine composers and their intrepid performing interpreters.
New Music for Jazz Orchestra
Premiere of my "Ascent" for violin, cello, and piano
Portland Piano Trio: Tracey Jasas-Hardel, violin; Ben Noyes, cello; Annie Antonacos, piano “The acclaimed Portland Piano Trio makes the trip to Augusta, Maine for a rich and intriguing program of works spanning the centuries and classical styles. The late 19th- and early 20th-centuries are represented by two unique figures and works: first, the lush, impressionistic Piano Trio, Op. 150 by the pioneering female American composer Amy Beach, and second, settings of evocative African-American spirituals by the black British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Richard Nelson's "Ascent" conjures images of a cryptic remote mountain trek and an energetic, ritualistic celebratory dance at the end of the journey. Anchoring the program is Beethoven's celebrated Trio for Piano and Strings Op. 70, No. 1, nicknamed the "Ghost" because of the haunting character of its second movement.”