Called “stunningly beautiful and adventurous” (NYC Jazz Record) and “one of the best jazz ensembles in the world” (Jazz Podium, Germany), the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, Mark Harvey music director, continues its 44th season on November 5, 2016 at 8:00 pm at MIT, Killian Hall. The show, called Jazz, Politics, and Ellingtonian Eloquence, is offered in conjunction with Dr. Harvey’s course on Duke Ellington at MIT (21M299). Free admission. Information: 617-452-3205. The orchestra presents facets of Ellington the statesman and social philosopher through his words and pieces like Chinoiserie from the Afro-Eurasian Eclipse Suite. Also on the program: Mark Harvey originals with a social-political resonance, including De-Evolution Blues and No Walls, an anthem to inclusiveness.
The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, founded in 1973, is one of the longest continuously operating large jazz ensembles in the world. The orchestra performs original compositions by Mark Harvey, as well as classics from the jazz tradition, American music, and world music. Aardvark has premiered more than 175 works and has released 14 CDs, including 8 discs on Leo Records. Guest artists have included luminaries Sheila Jordan, Jaki Byard, Dominique Eade, Jimmy Giuffre, Geri Allen, Vinny Golia, Robert Honeysucker, Sheila Jordan, Rajesh Mehta, Lewis Porter, Matt Savage, and Walter Thompson.
“Aardvark have an eloquence in their improvisation written inside the art of orchestration. A pity Duke and The Count can’t hear where their great art form has gotten to.” (What’s New Jazz Magazine, United Kingdom)
Aardvark is managed by Americas Musicworks. Visit us at www.aardvarkjazz.com
