Concert to Feature World Premiere of Mark Harvey’s New Piece, Mo-Joe,
Honoring Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone
The legendary Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, one of the longest running large jazz ensembles in the world, will make its debut in Somerville’s Nave Music Series. The band will perform originals by director Mark Harvey, including the world premiere of Mo-Joe, in honor of Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone. Also on tap: Harvey’s 2014 compositionSpaceways, celebrating the Sun Ra Centennial, and his piece Dreaming, feat
uring vocalist Grace Hughes. Rounding out the show: rarely heard selections from the Duke Ellington/Billy StrayhornFar East Suite: the exotic Mount Harissa and the raucous Blue Pepper.
Suggested donation: $10 to $15
Founded in 1973, The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra has been a force in the international jazz scene for more than 40 years. The band has been called “stunning” (Billboard.com), “brilliant” (CultureJazz.France), “beyond category” (Downbeat) and “a genuine musical treasure” (The Boston Globe). Founder and music director Mark Harvey has performed as trumpeter in the U.S., Mexico and Europe; has recorded with George Russell and Baird Hersey; has performed with Gil Evans, Howard McGhee, Sam Rivers, and other notables. He has received awards and commissions from ASCAP, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the 15th Annual John Coltrane Memorial Concert, MIT Wind Ensemble, MIT Festival Jazz Ensemble, and Meet-the-Composer-Lila Wallace/Reader’s Digest Commissioning Program.
Aardvark is: Arni Cheatham, Peter Bloom, Phil Scarff, Chris Rakowski, Dan Zupan/saxes and woodwinds; K.C. Dunbar, Jeanne Snodgrass/trumpets; Bill Lowe, Jeff Marsanskis, Tom Plsek/ trombones, tuba; John Funkhouser/piano; Greg Loughman/string bass; Harry Wellott/drums; Grace Hughes, vocalist; Mark Harvey/trumpet, music director.