• Genre :: Jazz
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Jed Levy Quartet (New York, New York) explores a wide variety of approaches to the modern jazz idiom based on each band member’s unique professional experiences. The quartet was formed two years ago in New York City as four friends with a common musical aesthetic, and it developed a colorful, melodic, rhythmically compelling, and uniquely American perspective on music.  The group exhibits a historically-informed contemporary sound which focuses on the leaders’ diverse repertoire of over 300 original compositions as well as their arrangements of standards from jazz literature.

Jed Levy (Saxophone and Flute) has been a mainstay on the New York jazz scene for over 20 years.  Citing diversity as his key to success, Levy has performed with various groups including the Cab Calloway Orchestra, Mike Clark/ Charlie Hunter Group, Jaki Byard, and Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Orchestra.  While his sound encompasses music of earlier generations as well as bebop and hard-bop styles, Levy’s original compositions look toward the future.  Levy’s new release, One Night at the Kitano, his sixth for the Steeplechase label, has garnered critical acclaim.  As a composer, Levy’s music has been recorded by Ron McClure, The Headhunters, Eddie Henderson, Don Friedman, and Mike Clark.

Alvester Garnett (Drums) creates music that is joyful and spiritual.  Garnett, a native of Richmond, Virginia, learned the craft of percussion from his mentor Ellis Marsalis.  After moving to New York City, Garnett worked with various legendary artists including Betty Carter and Abbey Lincoln.  As one of the most in-demand and versatile drummers in New York, Garnett has covered a broad spectrum of styles and approaches in modern jazz.  He is also an active jazz educator at various clinics and festivals around the country and is involved with the mentoring program “Allstars.”

Thomson Kneeland (Bass) has established himself as a sideman and leader after moving to New York City in 2003. Though primarily rooted in the jazz tradition, Kneeland’s unique sound and rhythmic voice is drawn from a variety of musical interests, from the European classical tradition to Indian Karnatic music. In the past decade, Kneeland has released five albums, composed music for jazz and classical ensembles, and performed at numerous international venues.

Misha Tsiganov (Piano) was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and moved to Boston after receiving an invitation to study at the Berklee College of Music.  After graduating in 1993, he moved to New York where he currently resides.  Tsiganov's familiarity with jazz, Brazilian, and Afro-Cuban music makes him an asset to many projects.  He has recorded an album with his brother as well as two additional albums on his own.  Tsiganov is the featured pianist on the television cartoon series “Little Bill” and has taught jazz at the St. Petersburg Music College and continues to be an active educator.