Mon Feb 17
Stephen Philip Harvey - "Recording Release" - Emerging Aritst Mondays
7PM / $25 | $7 Fees Get Tickets
Stephen Philip Harvey
Experience the electrifying fusion of jazz innovation and elemental inspiration as saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Stephen Philip Harvey takes the stage with his acclaimed ensemble, the Stephen Philip Harvey Octet (SPH8). Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music, as we celebrate the release of their latest albums, Elemental (Live) and Live at Radio Artifact, originally recorded in Cincinnati, OH in the summer of 2023.
Elemental (Live) and Live at Radio Artifact are the sixth and seventh releases (respectively) of the emerging saxophonist, composer, and educator Stephen Philip Harvey. Active in the Mid-Atlantic regions, Harvey boasts his octet as one of several ensembles under his name. This mid-sized ensemble is one of his several explorations in the varying instrumentations and traditions of jazz music.
Composed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Elemental (Live) is a collection of music inspired by the classical elements: fire, air, water, and earth. This album takes the ideations of classical philosophy and represents them through Harvey’s distinct voice. To further add to this voice, Live at Radio Artifact features arrangements, new originals, and re-arrangements of previously recorded pieces for other ensembles. Within its track list are tunes from Wayne Shorter, Tim Green, and familiar melodies from Harvey’s large ensemble and electronic quintet.
This octet showcases the musicianship of colleagues from throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic region; this performance features prominent musicians of the DMV region. These musicians bring the vibrance of their diverse music scenes to form this formidable unit. The band breathes vitality into these nature-influenced pieces under Harvey’s leadership for an impactful double live release.
"Maryland-based tenor saxophonist Stephen Philip Harvey is a straightahead band room swinger with an ear for making four horns sound like a kicking big band. He has two new live octet albums drawn from the last stop of a 2023 tour . . . The opener, 'Witch Hunt,' is a spar-kler, with a quietly secretive intro that gives way to snappy repartee between horns and creamy Rhodes (Ben Tweedt). 'Jay Tee' has bedroom eyes, with a sexy tenor solo from Harvey himself." - Paul DeBarros, DownBeat Magazine
"Stephen is an exceptional musician with a very bright future.” - NEA Jazz Master, Roscoe Mitchell
?“Sophisticated accessibility! When I listen to Stephen Harvey’s music, that’s what hear. Thoughtful construction of complex structures and orchestrations that take the listener on a beautiful sonic ride without speaking over their heads. A beautiful pairing of the complex and the elementary.” - Trumpeter/Composer/Bandleader/Educator Sean Jones
"Harvey’s arrangements emphasize riffs and melodies over improvisation, though he certainly leaves room for his crew to express themselves when called upon. But his focus on tunes keeps the songs effervescent and accessible” - Michael Toland, The Big Takeover
"There's a fine indiscipline to Harvey's big band writing. Ominous horror-film riffs sit comfortably alongside soaring album-rock guitar solos, urgent, cop-show horn fanfares and creamy unison sax-section passages straight out of the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra's book. It's a fridge-raid omelette of sounds held together by the audaciousness of Harvey's conception and the joy with which his players bring it to life.” - John Chacona, All About Jazz
7PM / $25 | $7 Fees Get Tickets
1. Final sale, no refunds, not transferable.
2. $15 food/beverage minimum per person not included in ticket price.
3. Seating first come at the door. Doors open 6 PM & 8:45 PM respectively.
4. Photography or Recording of any kind is prohibited during the performance.
5. Keep conversation to a minimum during the performance.