Bill Banfield's "Imagine Orchestra" Premier Recording Now Available

"...The imagination from which this ensemble’s music springs belongs to Bill Banfield. It knows no borders, be they stylistic, historic, ethnic or age-related. It views music as the common ground upon which all of us can meet, and celebrate... Banfield’s original compositions and arrangements of well-chosen standards is nothing short of alchemical, as he tends the shared roots of jazz... While his perspective rarely stands still, there is no feeling of mash-up. Everything and everyone flows... That is what happens when music tests our imagination. Listen and hear where the Imagine Orchestra leads you.. "

- Bob Blumenthal

Known for his eclectic mixes of modern composition with being fluent in merging styles, Banfield’s decade + in Boston, has broadened his already expansive horizons and thickened with this international and inter-generational mix. The dynamic Imagination Orchestra is the result. Banfield’s original compositions and arrangements of well-chosen standards shows up here as friendly and engaging radio performance tracks. Noted by the great Geri Allen, Billy Childs and Maria Schneider as “..a gifted composer, who excels at moving freely between classical and popular forms..”,  “..one of the most versatile and prolific composers of our generation..”, “..represents a lovely blend of Bill’s beautiful voice as a composer, arranger, orchestrator.. one who searches for new colors and sounds..”,  Imagine That emerges as a jazz composition/ ensemble preforming record.

As Blumenthal writes from the liner notes, “While his perspective rarely stands still, there is no feeling of mash-up.  Everything and everyone flows.”

The incredible featured guest artist, jazz great Sean Jones, one of the music’s pace-setting trumpet voices, demonstrates as Blumenthal points out, how to be both “fundamental and abstract without courting incoherence”. Vocalists Gabrielle Goodman and Joey Blake each treat standards in the most arresting and path setting ways. All the reason why this recording is a must do.

Jazz Urbane Records presents, Live at Scullers in Boston, Bill Banfield’s Imagine Orchestra.