Travis Sullivan's Bjorkestra

Travis Sullivan's Björkestra
Origin New York, New York
Genres Jazz, Experimental, Pop
Years active 2004–present
Labels Koch Records
Website http://www.bjorkestra.com/

Travis Sullivan's Björkestra is an 18-piece, genre-bending[1] jazz orchestra from New York City. Led by alto saxophonist Travis Sullivan and with arrangements by Travis Sullivan, Kevin Schmidt, and Kelly Pratt. The Björkestra performs the music of eclectic pop artist Björk, spanning her entire catalogue as a solo artist.

Members

Members of Travis Sullivan's Björkestra—often referred to as The Björkestra—have performed and/or recorded with artists including The Arcade Fire, Dr. Dre, Charlie Hunter, The Spam All Stars, The Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, and the Saturday Night Live Band. Special guests with The Björkestra have included Grammy nominated tenor saxophonist Donny McCaslin, guitarists Kurt Rosenwinkel and Ben Monder. The ensemble features vocalist Becca Stevens, whose "muscular and soaring"[2] vocals "channel [...] Björk's urgency and earnestness without coming off like an American Idol."[3]

Current

Travis Sullivan – alto saxophone, conductor, arranger
Becca Stevens – vocals
Sean Nowell, Steve Welsh – tenor saxophone
Lauren Sevian – baritone saxophone
Kevin Bryan, Ravi Best, Eli Asher, Brian Pareschi – trumpet
Alan Ferber, Ryan Keberle, James Hirschfeld - trombone
Kevin L. Schmidt – bass trombone, arranger
David Cook or Art Hirahara – piano, keyboard
Yoshi Waki – bass, electric bass
Ian Cook – electronic percussion
Joe Abbatantuono – drums

History

Since their debut in September 2004 at New York City's Knitting Factory, Travis Sullivan's Björkestra has performed around the country. Publications as diverse as The Wall Street Journal, Relix Magazine, and Jazz Times have featured articles about The Björkestra. Travis Sullivan's adaptations of Björk's music have gained international recognition, with a sold out 2007 performance conducting his arrangements with the Sicilian Jazz Orchestra at Teatro Golden in Palermo, Sicily.[4]

Discography

Studio Albums

  1. Hyperballad (6:56) (arr. by Travis Sullivan)
  2. Alarm Call (6:41) (arr. by Travis Sullivan)
  3. Human Behaviour (4:33) (arr. by Travis Sullivan)
  4. Show Me Forgiveness (7:29) (arr. by Arun Luthra)
  5. Army Of Me (10:06) (arr. by Travis Sullivan)
  6. Hunter (6:17) (arr. by Kelly Pratt)
  7. Who Is It? (4:42) (arr. by Travis Sullivan)
  8. Cocoon (8:47) (arr. by Travis Sullivan)
  9. Enjoy (4:22) (arr. by Kevin Schmidt)
  10. Overture To "Dancer In The Dark" (3:12) (arr. by Travis Sullivan)

References

  1. ↑ Harringon, Jim "Bjork tribute, Keith Jarrett open SFJAZZ spring series". insidebayarea.com
  2. ↑
  3. ↑ Echlin, Hobey (February 21, 2008) "Various Artists, Controversy (Rapster) and Travis Sullivan's Bjorkestra, Enjoy! (Koch)". OC Weekly.
  4. ↑

External links