Zodiac Ensemble (NYC/WI) – June 11th at The Project Lodge

Zodiac Ensemble (NYC/Wisconsin) and Glacier (Madison)

NOTE THE LOCATION CHANGE. The concert will now be at the Memorial Union Play Circle.

Saturday, June 11th
10:00 pm
at MEMORIAL UNION PLAY CIRCLE
800 Langdon Street (2nd floor)
$10

Zodiac Ensemble

Aaron Kruziki – saxophones
Mike Bjella – saxophones
Karl McComas-Reichl – bass
Colin Stranahan – drums

The Zodiac Ensemble believes in an ancient idea that they put into practice sonically and personally.  They are intertwined with each other through a geocentric alignment of cultures and thought-forms.  They connect people through their music, and wish to create awareness, curiosity and enthusiasm.  Their desire is to learn more about themselves and others through these shared experiences.

In 2008, three Wisconsin natives living in New York City founded the Zodiac Ensemble. Prior to this, their individual music careers flung them far from their hometown of Stevens Point.  When their paths converged again in New York they jumped at the chance to collaborate.  Since then, they’ve been composing and performing imaginative works for audiences across the globe.

The founding members are reedsmen Aaron Kruziki (Andy Milne and Dapp Theory, Fred Hersch, John Hollenbeck, Randy Brecker) and Mike Bjella (John Pattituci, Jimmy Heath) and bassist Karl McComas-Reichl (Peter Evans, Peter Schlamb).  The group is completed by drummers Colin Stranahan (Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ron Miles, David Binney) and Devin Drobka (Jerry Bergonzi, Joe Lavano, Greg Osby).  They’ve given concerts across the United States, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia.

The Zodiac’s unique style is based around strong melody and group improvisation informed by the New York jazz scene, Armenian folk music, honesty, American top 40, sacred music and their collective classical background.

Glacier

Glacier is a brand new free jazz trio featuring Madison mainstays Luke Polipnick (guitar), Ben Willis (bass), and Geoff Brady (percussion).

~ by Surrounded by Reality Jazz on June 5, 2011.