The pulse of politics and culture is the theme of the music, with
selections like DeEvolution Blues, Through the Looking Glass Blues, and Keepin'
On, from the band's latest CD Impressions (Leo Records). Social consciousness runs through the jazz tradition,
from Duke Ellington and Charlie Mingus to Charlie Haden and Archie Shepp.
Founded in 1973, Aardvark is one of the longest-running jazz
ensembles in the world. The band has
premiered more than 150 works for jazz orchestra, performs widely, and appears
on 12 CDs, including the latest disc, Impressions (Leo Records).
The orchestra was founded by Dr. Mark Harvey, who teaches
jazz studies and composition at MIT. Harvey
is also the band’s music direction and principal composer & arranger.
Aardvark is: Arni Cheatham, Phil Scarff, Chris Rakowski,
Michael Heller, Dan Zupan/saxes and woodwinds; K.C. Dunbar, Jeanne
Snodgrass/trumpets; Bob Pilkington, Jay Keyser, Anita-Ann Jerosch /trombones;
Bill Lowe/bass trombones, tuba; Richard Nelson/guitar; John Funkhouser/string
bass; Harry Wellott/drums; Mark Harvey/trumpet, music director.
Find year round details on live jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.