East West Quintet CD Release Party

Don’t be fooled by the name. This genre-bending ensemble from Brooklyn, New York is more likely to rock than to swing, utilizes both acoustic and electronic instruments, and is commonly found performing with not five, but six band members. Formed in 2003 as a hard-bop ensemble in the mold of the Cannonball Adderley Quintet, the group quickly changed course, incorporating musical elements from their early punk, rock, and hip-hop experiences. Through years of experimentation and growth, the band has come into its own, divorcing itself from being jazz-rock, rock-jazz or any other clumsy musical description. Simply stated, East West Quintet is a compellingly powerful band that lies outside of conventional boundaries and appeals to listeners of all kinds.

The band is thrilled to announce the release of their latest album ANTHEM, coming out October 13th, 2015. The group brings a variety of musical influences to ANTHEM, expanding upon their last critically acclaimed album VAST (2009, Native Language Music), of which ALL ABOUT JAZZ noted "Where others of this ilk might simply grandstand via excessive riffing and forgettable pieces, this lot merges disparate structural and improvisational elements into an all-embracing methodology. VAST is an unanticipated musical treat..." ANTHEM continues further down the path tread by VAST, embracing a rock production style with multiple overdubs, FX pedals, synths and big drum sounds while keeping the spontaneity along with the live feel of a jazz ensemble.

Recorded and mixed by five-time Grammy nominee Tyler McDiarmid (Fred Hersch, John Scofield, Kurt Rosenwinkel), ANTHEM hits hard from the beginning. With catchy horn lines, virtuosic solos, harmonies that evoke Chopin to McCartney, and drumming that moves from intricate complexity to fist-pumping rock, ANTHEM does not apologize. It's a bold statement of the group's musical philosophy: if it feels good, play it.

East West Quintet has been featured on NPR’s Jazz Set with Dee Dee Bridgewater, All Things Considered, Morning Edition, Open Mic, and on Jazz and Indie Radio nationwide.

Dylan Heaney: Saxophones
Phil Rodriguez: Trumpet
Simon Kafka: Guitars
Mike Cassedy: Piano and Keyboards
Ben Campbell: Bass
Jordan Perlson: Drums