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Event
The PEM Tiny Band comes to Jazz at the Spring
Jazz at the Spring is presenting the premier performance of PEM Tiny Band a mystical blend of trombone, cello, and guitar. PEM Tiny Band is a new ensemble formed at the beginning of 2019 as an opportunity for its three members to explore the sonic possibilities of this unusual trios instrumentation: Valve Trombone by Phil Allen, Cello by Ed Green and Guitar by Mark Kleinhaut.
The three share a passion for creating beauty thats borne out of taking risks and experimenting with open improvisation and employing a performance framework thats conducive to challenging the conventional. Still, the warm embrace of swing, that pervasive forward propulsion unmistakable in all of jazzs many forms, informs all of PEMs music, and the group has selected a repertoire of jazz standards to complement their original compositions and arrangements.
Each member of PEM brings a musical maturity and thoughtfulness that has been developed over a lifetime of playing, preforming and thinking about music. To call their endeavors chamber jazz, is to acknowledge their deep dive into the introspective nature of their music and personalities, but PEM also has a mischievous side as what these three friends have learned over the years is not to take themselves to seriously.
The members of PEM:
Valve Trombonist Phil Allen has been a vital member of the Capital Region Jazz scene since taking up residence here in 2014. He is widely known for his big band work as a leader, arranger and composer and all-round driving force behind The Concert Jazz Band, a 14-piece group that has performed regularly in the capital region over the past 4 years at venues including the Savoy Taproom, Lark Tavern, Troy Kitchen and most recently the Renaissance in Schenectady. While advancing the art of the big band is a natural given Phils background; hes been constantly involved with composing and arranging during his years living in Indianapolis, San Francisco and Colorado Springs, some of Phils most remarkable performances occur at the other end of the musical spectrum, such as the micro-ensemble PEM Tiny Band, where spontaneous arranging and collective improvisation are fundamental. Kindred in spirit with such great valve-bone artists before him as Bob Brookmeyer and Rob McConnell, Phil Allen is a lyrical soloist with an adventurousness thats bent on exploring the subtle melodic nooks and harmonic crannies of each performance.
Cellist Ed Green has the soul of poet, contemplative and humble, he is finely attuned to creating the right sound for the right place. For the last ten years Ed has been bringing the voice of the cello into jazz settings, using his mastery of his instruments tonal palette to create lush ensemble textures, vocal-like melody or swinging pizzicato. Eds musicianship has evolved over the years since his beginnings in New York City as a section player freelancing on trombone in Broadway pit orchestras, with the Les Elgart Band, and jazz groups such as the Kai Winding Septet. Ed began doubling on the string bass when he played in the Airmen of Note, Air Force Band during the Vietnam war. In 1970 after accepting a teaching job in Cambridge, NY Ed, for the next 25 years, was an active bass player in the Capital District including a six-year association with the pianist Lee Shaw, before turning his attention to the cello.
Jazz guitarist Mark Kleinhaut is known for his elegant melodic improvisations, striking technical execution and responsive accompaniment. Mark feels that improvising, exploring sound and group dynamics with like-minded musicians is one of the most inspiring and magical experiences in jazz. Since moving to the Capital Region in 2012, he has enjoyed collaborating with the many fine musicians in the region and has been utilizing this ever-widening network to curate the eclectic Jazz at the Spring series. Mark has recorded over 60 compositions, released seven albums including a Jazzweek Top 20 disc with saxophonist Bobby Watson, and an album with trumpeter Tiger Okoshi. JazzTimes writer and author Bill Milkowski calls Kleinhaut, one of the truly brilliant guitarists on the jazz scene today.
Jazz at the Spring is held the last Thursday of each month at the Spring Street Gallery, Saratoga Springs, and is sponsored by Capital District Jazz, Ltd. (CDJ) a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization formed by practitioners and fans who love jazz music. American in origin, jazz reaches and draws from millions of performers and listeners around the globe who are inspired by its rich history, excited by its technical complexity, and moved by its emotional depth. The members of CDJ want to share their love of jazz with current and potential performers and enthusiasts throughout the "Capital District". CDJ's mission is to build and serve a wider audience for jazz through education; to create performance opportunities for jazz musicians; and to develop venues for these pursuits. CDJ supports All Ears: Jazz and Improvised Music Workshop, which is a fun hands-on way for students of all ages to learn about jazz.
CDJ is offering a number of free tickets for youth age 17 and under. If you are interested in obtaining a free ticket please inquire via email info@cdjazz.org.
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LocationSpring Street Gallery (View)
110 Spring Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
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