Travis Sullivan's Bjorkestra
| Travis Sullivan's Björkestra | |
|---|---|
| Origin | New York City |
| Genres | Jazz, experimental, pop |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Labels | Koch |
| Website |
www |
| Members |
|
Travis Sullivan's Björkestra is an 18-piece, genre-bending[1] jazz orchestra from New York City. Led by alto saxophonist Travis Sullivan and with arrangements by Travis Sullivan, Kevin Schmidt, and Kelly Pratt. The Björkestra performs the music of eclectic pop artist Björk, spanning her entire catalogue as a solo artist.
Members
Members of Travis Sullivan's Björkestra—often referred to as The Björkestra—have performed with The Arcade Fire, Dr. Dre, Charlie Hunter, The Spam All Stars, The Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, and the Saturday Night Live Band. Special guests with the Björkestra have included Grammy nominated tenor saxophonist Donny McCaslin and guitarists Kurt Rosenwinkel and Ben Monder. The ensemble features vocalist Becca Stevens, whose "muscular and soaring"[2] vocals "channel [...] Björk's urgency and earnestness without coming off like an American Idol."[3]
- Travis Sullivan – alto saxophone, conductor, arranger
- Becca Stevens – vocals
- Sean Nowell, Steve Welsh – tenor saxophone
- Lauren Sevian – baritone saxophone
- Kevin Bryan, Ravi Best, Eli Asher, Brian Pareschi – trumpet
- Alan Ferber, Ryan Keberle, James Hirschfeld - trombone
- Kevin L. Schmidt – bass trombone, arranger
- David Cook or Art Hirahara – piano, keyboard
- Yoshi Waki – bass, electric bass
- Ian Cook – electronic percussion
- Joe Abbatantuono – drums
History
Since their debut in September 2004 at New York City's Knitting Factory, Travis Sullivan's Björkestra has performed around the country. Publications as diverse as The Wall Street Journal, Relix Magazine, and Jazz Times have featured articles about The Björkestra. Travis Sullivan's adaptations of Björk's music have gained international recognition, with a sold out 2007 performance conducting his arrangements with the Sicilian Jazz Orchestra at Teatro Golden in Palermo, Sicily.
Discography
- Enjoy! (Koch, 2008)
- I Go Humble (Zoho, 2013)
References
- ↑ Harringon, Jim "Bjork tribute, Keith Jarrett open SFJAZZ spring series". insidebayarea.com
- ↑ "Travis Sullivan's Bjorkestra: Enjoy!". Archived from the original on February 6, 2008. Retrieved March 5, 2008.
- ↑ Echlin, Hobey (February 21, 2008) "Various Artists, Controversy (Rapster) and Travis Sullivan's Bjorkestra, Enjoy! (Koch)". OC Weekly.