DCImprovisers
Collective
Press Release: Jazz Noise Post Art Rock Smackdown: Saxophonist Steve Lehman in a rare DC solo appearance AND DC Improvisers Collective (DCIC) CD release event
Named a Rising Star on the alto saxophone in 2006 and 2007 by the Downbeat Magazine International Critics Poll, Steve Lehman is a saxophonist and composer whose work resides on the cutting-edge of contemporary music.
Who: Steve Lehman and DC Improvisers Collective
When: Saturday, March 22, 2008, 9:30pm, $10
Where: The Velvet Lounge, 915 U Street NW, Washington DC 20001


Steve Lehman will present a set of cutting-edge music for solo saxophone and live electronics, including selected compositions from his new quintet record "On Meaning" (Pi, 2007) which have been meticulously re-arranged for an electro-acoustic format. Incorporating detailed programming and real-time processing, Lehman creates computer-driven environments for improvisation that the New York Times describes as "an extensive language."

Named a Rising Star on the alto saxophone in 2006 and 2007 by the Downbeat Magazine International Critics Poll, Steve Lehman is a saxophonist and composer whose work resides on the cutting-edge of contemporary music. He has been recognized as one of today's truly original creative voices by The Wire, The New York Times, The Village Voice, and Downbeat Magazine, as well as by National Public Radio. A former student of both Jackie McLean and Anthony Braxton, he has performed and recorded throughout the United States and Europe with his own ensembles, and with those led by Anthony Braxton, Dave Burrell, Mark Dresser, Vijay Iyer, Oliver Lake, and Meshell Ndegeocello.

An award-winning composer, Lehman's pieces for large orchestra and chamber ensembles have been performed by the Janacek Philharmonic, members of Ensemble 21 and Ensemble Sospeso, and by the pianist Marilyn Nonken. His music has received performances at the MusikTriennale Festival in Koln, the Ostrava New Music Days, The Kaleidophon Festival in Ulrichsberg, the Festival International de Musique Actuelle in Victoriaville, Dance Theater Workshop and the Interpretations Series at Merkin Hall, both in New York City. Lehman's recent electro-acoustic music has focused on the development of computer-driven models for improvisation, based in the Max/MSP programming environment.

More information about Steve: http://www.stevelehman.com
More about "On Meaning": http://pirecordings.com/pi25/

The DC Improvisers Collective (DCIC)
Photograph by Travis Miller
The DC Improvisers Collective (DCIC) is a trio exploring the intersection of jazz, contemporary composition and rock music. Their current lineup features Ben Azzara (drums), Jonathan Matis (guitar), and Mike Sebastian (reeds). These musicians come together from diverse backgrounds, bringing experience from performing in rock bands and jazz groups, as well as
DC Improvisers Collective's Triangulation
post-classical composition. Drawing on the visceral energy and immediacy of rock music, along with the spontaneous creativity and subtlety of the jazz tradition, DCIC is able to forge new music that possesses both great intensity and mindful nuance.

DCIC is celebrating the release of their first studio album, "Triangulation" (Improv Arts, 2008). While the official release date is not until April 1, copies will be available at the show.

The music of DCIC has found receptive ears in the rock world, for example they performed several concerts during 2007 as the backing band for Joe Lally (of Fugazi). DCIC also finds themselves rooted firmly in the jazz world; they have performed alongside many of the nation's cutting-edge improvising musicians as well as performing with Blue Note recording artist Greg Osby.
photos by: Pete Duvall | design by: ben azzara © 2005-2007