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| Secret Society returns to CBGB Secret Society, an 18-piece band led by composer Darcy James Argue, returns to the site of their first New York performance with a gig at the CBGB Lounge on Wednesday, November 2. This edition of Secret Society welcomes saxophonists Jason Rigby (Trio Colossus) and Dan Willis (John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble) into the fold, as well as the return of Secret Society regulars Ingrid Jensen (trumpet), Mike Holober (piano) and Jon Wikan (drums). Argue leads the band, which performs exclusively his original compositions. Secret Society is a forward-looking group, influenced by contemporary big band composers such as Maria Schneider and John Hollenbeck, but also by atmospheric post-rock bands like Tortoise and Calexico, and adventurous new music ensembles like Alarm Will Sound. “I’m very excited that the Freestyle Jazz series at CB’s has been revived, and that we’ve been given the opportunity to return to the club, ” says Argue. “They are operating without a lease, fighting for their survival under very difficult circumstances, and losing CB’s would be a real blow to New York’s scene. The Freestyle Jazz series has included some of the most creative, dynamic music anywhere in the city, and I hope it can continue to showcase independent musicians in this historic space.” Bob Brookmeyer has hailed Argue’s “experimental yet accessible voice, ” adding, “his gifts are outstanding.” Argue had the opportunity to study with the legendary trombonist and composer for two years at New England Conservatory. He has also studied with composers Lee Hyla and Maria Schneider. Argue was the 2004 winner of the BMI Charlie Parker Composition Prize, awarded to the best new work written by a member of the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop. He won Best Original Extended Composition in Down Beat’s 2002 Student Music Awards, and in 2000 won the SOCAN Award for Composition at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Argue is also a founding member of the New York composers’ federation Pulse, a group which recently collaborated with soloists John Abercrombie and John McNeil. He has written arrangements for alt-country singer Shelby Lynne, jazz pianist Renee Rosnes, the Klezmer Conservatory Band, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Secret Society is: Dan Willis, Peter Van Huffel, Jason Rigby, Sam Sadigursky, Ed Renz (reeds); Ingrid Jensen, Jon Owens, Brian Pareschi, Tom Goehring, Miki Hirose (trumpets); Ryan Keberle, Mike Fahie, Paul Olenick, Darrell Hendricks (trombones); Sebastian Noelle (guitar); Mike Holober (piano); Matt Clohesy (bass); Jon Wikan (drums). write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |