The Microscopic Septet
The Microscopic Septet is a jazz septet, founded in 1980 by saxophonist Phillip Johnston. [1] They played frequently in New York City, toured, and recorded until they disbanded in 1992. In late 2006, when their four albums were re-released along with previously unreleased material as two double CDs, they reformed for several performances. They performed again in the United States and Europe in December 2007.
They are known for performing the theme song for NPR's Fresh Air program, which was composed by pianist Joel Forrester.
Members
| 1980 | 1981 | ca 1981-1983 | 1983-2007 | 2007–present | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| soprano saxophone | Phillip Johnston | ||||
| piano | Joel Forrester | ||||
| alto saxophone | John Zorn | Don Davis | |||
| tenor saxophone | George Bishop | John Hagen | Paul Shapiro | Michael Hashim | |
| baritone saxophone | Dave Sewelson | ||||
| double bass, tuba | David Hofstra | ||||
| drums | Bobby DeMeo | Richard Dworkin | |||
Discography
- Take the Z Train (1983) Press Records
- Let's Flip! (1985) Osmosis Records
- Off Beat Glory (1986) Osmosis Records
- Beauty Based on Science (1988) Stash Records
- Seven Men in Neckties: The History of the Micros, Vol. 1 (2006) Cuneiform Records
- Surrealistic Swing: The History of the Micros, Vol. 2 (2006) Cuneiform Records
- Lobster Leaps In (2008) Cuneiform Records
- Friday the Thirteenth: The Micros Play Monk (2010) Cuneiform Records
- Manhattan Moonrise (2014) Cuneiform Records