The Mary Halvorson Septet Plays Roulette, 9/7

September 7, Roulette opens the Fall 2012 season with the highly acclaimed Mary Halvorson Septet. Featuring Jonathan Finlayson (trumpet), Jon Irabagon (alto saxophone), Ingrid Laubrock (tenor saxophone), Jacob Garchik (trombone), Mary Halvorson (guitar), John Hébert (bass) & Ches Smith (drums) the evening's performance will feature brand new material. The septet is an extension of Ms. Halvorson's existing quintet, and is her largest project to date. Written for some of her closest collaborators, the new music will feature expansive horn harmonies reminiscent of a big band, combined with the improvisational energy of a smaller group. This concert has been made possible by a Chamber Music America Presenting Jazz Grant in conjunction with Roulette.

Guitarist/composer Mary Halvorson has been active in New York since 2002, following jazz studies at Wesleyan University and the New School. Critics have called Ms. Halvorson “NYC’s least-predictable improviser” (Howard Mandel, City Arts), “the most forward-thinking guitarist working right now” (Lars Gotrich, NPR.org) and “one of today’s most formidable bandleaders” (Francis Davis, Village Voice). In addition to her longstanding trio, featuring bassist John Hébert and drummer Ches Smith, and her quintet, which adds trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson and alto saxophonist Jon Irabagon, Ms. Halvorson also co-leads a chamber-jazz duo with violist Jessica Pavone, the avant-rock band People and the collective ensembles Crackleknob, MAP and The Thirteenth Assembly. She is also an active member of bands led by Tim Berne, Anthony Braxton, Taylor Ho Bynum, Tomas Fujiwara, Curtis Hasselbring, Ingrid Laubrock, Myra Melford, Marc Ribot, Tom Rainey and Matthew Welch among others.

Coming up at Roulette:
September, 10 & 11, Zeena Parkins + Ne(x)tworks Ensemble w/JACK Qt.
September 13, Anthony Braxton

Cost/Info: $15/10 members/students/seniors, Advance Online Tkts $10/5, http://roulette.org/events/mary-halvorson-septet/