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New Sphere: Celebrating Thelonious Monk

  • The Dance Hall 7 Walker Street Kittery, ME, 03904 United States (map)

$15 advance | $20 day-of | $10 student

*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)

A new quartet featuring the music of legendary African American jazz composer and pianist Thelonius Monk. New Sphere is led by Maine based soprano saxophonist and composer Titus Abbott in collaboration with pianist, composer and longtime Monk specialist Frank Carlberg. Music will range from familiar to obscure pieces in Monk’s catalog of 70 compositions. Although widely known as one of the pillars of jazz history, Thelonius Monk’s music is still under recognized.

New Sphere is:

Titus Abbott- Saxophones

Frank Carlberg- Piano

Kim Cass- Bass

Michael Sarin- Drums

Titus Abbott is a Maine based saxophonist and composer. He is dedicated to finding contemporary expression in jazz while honoring its rich tradition. His compositions are characterized by intricate melodies, harmonies and rhythms that are an invitation to close listening. Specializing in soprano saxophone, Titus balances his repertoire as a multi-instrumentalist on alto and tenor saxophones and bass clarinet.

Originally a native of Helsinki, pianist–composer Frank Carlberg has carved himself quite a niche in the New York jazz community. As a leader, Carlberg’s groups include the Frank Carlberg Quintet, Tivoli Trio and Frank Carlberg Large Ensemble. Carlberg has also been involved in many crossover projects throughout the years. Some of his most notable collaborators have included the likes of saxophonist Steve Lacy, trombonist Bob Brookmeyer and trumpeter Kenny Wheeler. Carlberg has been commissioned to write music for big bands, small ensembles, symphony orchestras as well as modern dance companies. In addition to his playing and composing activities Carlberg also serves on the faculty at New England Conservatory.

Bassist Kim Cass is from an island off the coast of Maine, where he was introduced to bass playing at age 10. Developing this instrument in a jazz context became Kim’s passion, as well as composing music featuring his upright playing. When studying at the New England Conservatory of Music, Cass received personalized instruction from several virtuoso musicians including George Garzone, Ran Blake, Joe Morris and Joe Maneri. Cass currently resides in New York City. He has been featured in a wide variety of ensembles, executing music that is ever challenging and beautifully mysterious.

Drummer Michael Sarin has been at the center of New York City’s genre bending jazz and improvisation community. Since moving to New York in 1989, Michael’s unique style and approach to the drum set has been highly sought after by NYC and European musicians looking to expand the definitions of jazz and improvised music. His versatility and musical wit helped forge long associations with forward-looking artists Thomas Chapin, Dave Douglas, Myra Melford, Ben Allison, and David Krakauer.

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Danza Orgánica

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Ruth and Ben String Band