The New Jazz Composers Octet

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The New Jazz Composers Octet
OriginNew York, New York[1]
GenresJazz, Hard Bop
Years active1997 (1997)–present
LabelsMotéma Music
Associated actsFreddie Hubbard
MembersDavid Weiss
Myron Walden
Jimmy Greene
Steve Davis

Xavier Davis
Dwayne Burno
Nasheet Waits
Past members
Craig Handy
Danny Grissett
Gregory Tardy



Joe Chambers

The New Jazz Composers Octet is an all-acoustic jazz ensemble founded by trumpeter/arranger David Weiss in 1996. NPR's described them as "part New York hustle and part writer's workshop, all of it redolent with the aroma of newness."[2] The title track of The Turning Gate won the group a grant.[3][4]

History[]

After meeting some of the musicians in 1996—pianist Xavier Davis, bassist Dwayne Burno, and drummer Nasheet Waits—David Weiss, who was working on arrangements for Freddie Hubbard, decided to form a self-determining cooperative ensemble, eventually deciding on an octet, leading to a search for wind players. The first musicians added to the group were Gregory Tardy, Myron Walden, and . Farnsworth died after the release of their first recording, and the chair of baritone saxophone has been revolving — three others have filled the position since. Jimmy Greene who was a guest artist on the first album was a full member by the second, as were Steve Davis and . The second album featured guest appearances by Craig Handy and Joe Chambers. Their third and most recent album, The Turning Gate added on baritone sax.

Members[]

David Weiss (trumpet and fluglehorn)
Myron Walden (alto sax, flute)
Jimmy Greene (tenor sax, soprano sax, flute)
Steve Davis (trombone)
(baritone sax, bass clarinet)
Xavier Davis (piano)
Dwayne Burno (bass)
Nasheet Waits (drums)

Past members[]

(trombone)
Danny Grissett (piano)
Gregory Tardy (tenor saxophone)
(baritone sax)
(baritone sax)
(baritone sax)

Honorary members[]

Craig Handy (saxophone)
Joe Chambers (drums)

Discography[]

  • First Steps into Realty (Fresh Sound New Talent, 1998)
  • Walkin' the Line (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2003)
  • The Turning Gate (Motéma Music, 2008)
with Freddie Hubbard

References[]

  1. ^ Michael G. Nastos. The New Jazz Composers Octet biography at AllMusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-new-jazz-composers-octet-p430800
  2. ^ Jackson, Josh. "New Jazz Composers Octet: The Elite Eight." National Public Radio. December 11, 2008. https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101372203
  3. ^ https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101372203
  4. ^ NewMusicBox Staff. "CMA Announces Recipients of First-Ever Jazz Grants." October 1, 2000. http://www.newmusicbox.org/articles/CMA-Announces-Recipients-of-FirstEver-Jazz-Grants/

External links[]

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