THIS ROCK WE'RE ON: IMAGINARY LETTERS
The Manhattan School of Music Jazz Orchestra will present a free concert under the direction of composer Mike Holober on TUES JAN 27 AT 7:30 PM. The ensemble, consisting of undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the Jazz Studies program, will perform selections from Holober’s critically acclaimed work “This Rock We’re On: Imaginary Letters.” The concert will also be livestreamed:
LIVE STREAM: https://www.msmnyc.edu/livestream/msm-jazz-orchestra-2026-01-27/
A meditation on the beauty of nature and the fate of the planet, this multi-movement work features art songs set for chamber ensemble that take the form of imaginary letters to or from selected “protagonists” -- naturalist authors, artists, and activists who dedicated their lives to appreciating and protecting the earth we inhabit. Each of the vocal works is paired with an instrumental jazz orchestra piece that reflects upon the text of the letter.
Acclaimed composer/arranger Mike Holober creates an epic masterwork melding jazz, classical and art song for his Grammy-nominated Gotham Jazz Orchestra
Due out June 14, 2024 via Palmetto Records, "This Rock We're On: Imaginary Letters" draws inspiration from the natural world and the insights of environmental authors, artists, and activists such as Ansel Adams, Rachel Carson, Sigurd Olson, Wendell Berry, Terry Tempest Williams, and Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Featuring Holober's GRAMMY-nominated Gotham Jazz Orchestra, soloists include Jason Rigby (tenor saxophone), Ben Kono (alto saxophone), Charles Pillow (alto saxophone), Marvin Stamm (trumpet), Jared Schonig (drums), Nir Felder (guitar), Jody Redhage Ferber (cello) and James Shipp (percussion). The ensemble is joined for the occasion by tenor saxophonist Chris Potter, bassist John Patitucci, and the up-and-coming Brazilian vocalist Jamile Staevie Ayres.
“Holober has brought a profound artistic vision to bear on today's jazz scene and confirmed his standing as one of the finest modern composer/arrangers of our time, in the tradition of Gil Evans, Bob Brookmeyer and Jim McNeely.”
Ed Enright— DownBeat
“Mike Holober's writing is in the expansive and ambitious lineage of Gil Evans, Bob Brookmeyer and Maria Schneider: music of varying moods that merges the thrust of jazz with atmospheric colors closer to the classical world. It can teem with energy or settle into a state of quiet, contemplative beauty.” - Jerome Wilson — All About Jazz
“This Rock We’re On: Imaginary Letters feels like vespers sung for the Anthropocene before night falls.”
— Terry Tempest Williams, environmental author and activist
Greetings from Cologne! I’m here to conduct the wonderful WDR Big Band in a project called “The Flight,” featuring Joe Lovano and Dave Douglas, with arrangements by Mike Abene. Details below (note, the September 16 concert will be livestreamed)
The Flight – The Music of Joe Lovano and Dave Douglas
Friday September 15 l 20.00 Uhr l Eupen, Alter Schlachtof
Saturday September 16 l 20 Uhr l Hochschule für Musik und Tanz, Köln
LIVESTREAM: youtube.com/wdrbigband
July 14: Marvin Stamm/Mike Holober Quartet
Jazz in the Garden at Hopper House Museum and Study Center
82 North Broadway, Nyack, NY
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Marvin Stamm (trumpet/flugelhorn), Mike Holober (piano), Mike McGuirk (bass), Andy Watson (drums)
TICKETS ($15): https://www.edwardhopperhouse.org/jazz-in-the-garden-2022.html
Bring your own lawn chair (or blanket) and refreshments!
Rain location is The Reform Church, 18 S. Broadway, Nyack NY
