The orchestra hosted a livestream celebration of Aardvark’s new CD, Faces of Souls, on Sun., Nov. 15, 2020 at 7 pm EST. Distinguished jazz journalist Bob Blumenthal interviewed Mark Harvey, and they played excerpts from the CD–music by Mark Harvey on themes of democracy, justice and equality.
Watch it now!
Advance Praise for Faces of Souls:
“The most beautiful big band in the world…Mark Harvey has an uncanny mastery for balancing and opposing orchestral masses, and he daringly creates unusual associations and complex rhythms. His orchestra “rings,” the nuances stand out, the colors vibrate, the power is expressed fully.”
– Jean Buzelin, CultureJazz.Fr
Expansive…gorgeous…stirring…As a reliable vehicle for Harvey’s muse for well over 40 years, the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra continues to make creative and unconventional jazz with a big-band template. Given the monumental challenges of maintaining any jazz ensemble—of any size—for four decades, its very existence is a minor miracle, and Faces of Souls is another reason to celebrate its longevity.
Troy Dostert, The Free Jazz Collective
Utterly gratifying…Much of the sheer pleasure is brought on by Harvey’s skill with his impressionistic approach to both composition and his sonic illustration of the emotions and moods he intends to convey… the compositions throughout are open and far-reaching….
Ken Cheetham, JazzNet
Here’s a sneak peek of the CD:
Hear a preview of one of the tracks from the new CD.
Scroll down to see a preview of album artwork and liner:
The CD was recorded at Kresge Auditorium and Killian Hall, both at the Massachusetts Institute Of Technology.