Jazz Mandolin Project Makes Rare WNY Appearance
The Buffalo State Performing Arts Center proudly presents one of America's preeminent jam bands, the Jazz Mandolin Project on Friday November 16 for one performance at 8:00pm. Their appearance at the Buffalo State Performing Arts Center is part of the 2001-2002 Great Performers Series. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for general public. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Rockwell Hall Box Office, 1300 Elmwood Ave. or by calling 716-878-3005. Box Office hours are Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm.
The mandolin is as unlikely a jazz instrument as you might imagine, but the Jazz Mandolin Project is obviously not your run-of-the-mill trio. The members push the boundaries of jazz beyond the typical through experimentation, all the while maintaining a sense of the acceptable and accessible.
Project frontman Jamie Masefield began his musical career on tenor banjo at age 11 and later played in a variety of Dixieland bands. During his tenure at the University of Vermont, he picked up the similarly tuned mandolin and began studying composition and world music. After graduating from college, he formed the Jazz Mandolin Project in 1994 and soon landed a no-paying gig at a coffeehouse in Burlington. The Jazz Mandolin Project's shows quickly evolved into events among the Vermont tape-trading scene. That, combined with the Internet, helped launch the trio nationwide, even before the group toured outside of its northeastern home base.
The Jazz Mandolin Project serves as a revolving cast of musicians with Masefield at the center. He is currently joined by drummer Ari Hoenig and bassist Chris Dahlgren, both talented young upstarts from New York's vital downtown jazz scene. The trio are touring in support of their new CD, "Xenoblast," which marks the group's debut on Blue Note Records.
The new album displays their knack for lengthy jazz-based improvisational journeys, which venture into rock, blues and elsewhere. The new album incorporates a little tango, a bit of Irish jig and a hint of classical in an array of Masefield-composed tunes that are avant-garde jazz with percussion and an upright or electric bass. While jazz purists may crave something more familiar and recognizable, the band's sound and concerts have attracted a slew of college-age listeners.
Audience members are welcome to record the Jazz Mandolin Project's performance. For more information about the band log onto www.jazzmandolinproject.com.
The Jazz Mandolin Project's appearance is sponsored by WBFO, Artvoice and Adelphia Media Services.
The mandolin is as unlikely a jazz instrument as you might imagine, but the Jazz Mandolin Project is obviously not your run-of-the-mill trio. The members push the boundaries of jazz beyond the typical through experimentation, all the while maintaining a sense of the acceptable and accessible.
Project frontman Jamie Masefield began his musical career on tenor banjo at age 11 and later played in a variety of Dixieland bands. During his tenure at the University of Vermont, he picked up the similarly tuned mandolin and began studying composition and world music. After graduating from college, he formed the Jazz Mandolin Project in 1994 and soon landed a no-paying gig at a coffeehouse in Burlington. The Jazz Mandolin Project's shows quickly evolved into events among the Vermont tape-trading scene. That, combined with the Internet, helped launch the trio nationwide, even before the group toured outside of its northeastern home base.
The Jazz Mandolin Project serves as a revolving cast of musicians with Masefield at the center. He is currently joined by drummer Ari Hoenig and bassist Chris Dahlgren, both talented young upstarts from New York's vital downtown jazz scene. The trio are touring in support of their new CD, "Xenoblast," which marks the group's debut on Blue Note Records.
The new album displays their knack for lengthy jazz-based improvisational journeys, which venture into rock, blues and elsewhere. The new album incorporates a little tango, a bit of Irish jig and a hint of classical in an array of Masefield-composed tunes that are avant-garde jazz with percussion and an upright or electric bass. While jazz purists may crave something more familiar and recognizable, the band's sound and concerts have attracted a slew of college-age listeners.
Audience members are welcome to record the Jazz Mandolin Project's performance. For more information about the band log onto www.jazzmandolinproject.com.
The Jazz Mandolin Project's appearance is sponsored by WBFO, Artvoice and Adelphia Media Services.
Media Contact:
Jeff Marsha, Director of Operations, Performing Arts Center | 7168783032 | marshajl@buffalostate.edu