Aardvark Jazz Orchestra Explained

Aardvark Jazz Orchestra is an eclectic big band founded in 1973 by bandleader and trumpeter Mark Harvey. The orchestra plays music from across the jazz tradition with specialties in Ellingtonia and the original postmodern compositions of music director Mark Harvey. The group has won various awards, including one for Jazz Song at The 1st Annual Independent Music Awards ("Scamology"), and has released at least eight albums since 1993.^[1]

Musicians

For Aardvark's 2018 Christmas concert, the musicians performing were:^[2]

Sax/Woodwinds

• Arni Cheatham
• Peter H. Bloom
• Phil Scarff
• Chris Rakowski
• Dan Zupan

Trumpets

• K.C. Dunbar
• Jeanne Snodgrass
• Mark Harvey

Trombones & Tuba

• Bob Pilkington
• Jay Keyser
• Jeff Marsanskis
• Bill Lowe

Rhythm

• Richard Nelson - Guitar
• John Funkhouser - Bass, Piano
• Harry Wellott - Drums

Vocals

• Grace Hughes
• Jerry Edwards

Discography

• Aardvark Steps Out (1993, Nine Winds)
• Paintings for Jazz Orchestra (1995, Leo Lab)
• An Aardvark Christmas (1997, Nine Winds)
• Psalms & Elegies (1997, Leo)
• The Seeker (2000, Leo)
• Duke Ellington/Sacred Music (2003, Aardmuse)
• Bethlehem Counterpoint (2003, Aardmuse)
• Trumpet Madness (2005, Leo)
• No Walls/A Christmas Concert (2007, Aardmuse)

See also

• List of experimental big bands

Notes and References

1. http://www.aardvarkjazz.com/ Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, official website
2. http://artsfuse.org/176838/coming-attractions-december-2-through-18-what-will-light-your-fire/ Coming Attractions: December 2 Through 18 — What Will Light Your Fire, ArtsFuse