Branford Jazz Series Welcomes 'The Saxtet'

From the City of Branford:

From the halls of the Western Connecticut State University music department to the bright lights of New York City, The Saxtet led by Darren Litzie, has developed into one of the northeast’s most exciting eight-piece jazz ensembles. Now Branford Jazz Series enthusiasts will have the opportunity to hear them perform on September 1st on the Branford Town Green starting at 6:00 p.m.

Pianist/Composer Darren Litzie has been performing throughout the tri-state area in a wide variety of settings for over ten years. Holding a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance Degree from Western Connecticut State University, Darren has studied with Peter Tomlinson, Dr. Rex Cadwallader, Jim McNeely, Mike Holober, Jimmy Greene, and Jamie Begian. He has performed with such artists as Dave Scott, Andrew Beals, Chris Morrison, Thierry Arpino, Dave Livolsi, Nick Biello, Harvie S, and Phil Palombi. Darren has also been the touring keyboardist for singer Andrew Strong of the band/1991 film The Commitments. Stops on the tours have included The Regatta Bar in Boston, B.B. King Blues Club in New York City, and Anthology in San Diego.

The Saxtet was formed in 2012 by a group of friends who first met while studying music together at Western Connecticut State University. Inspired by the Grammy-winning eight-piece jazz ensemble Supersax, the goal of The Saxtet is to hold true to the large jazz ensemble tradition of swing but also move it forward by performing fresh, bold arrangements that have an eye firmly pointed toward the future.

Serving as the band’s pianist, conductor, and composer-in-residence, Darren recently completed a three-year stint as a member of New York’s prestigious BMI Jazz Composers Workshop where he had several of his works performed in concert by the BMI Jazz Orchestra.

Featured as the band’s lead alto saxophonist is New York legend Andrew Beals, who joined world-renowned organist “Brother” Jack McDuff’s band in 1986 and went on to record seven albums with the group. In 2007, Beals released his first record as a leader, entitled “Gravy Train.” Since 2013, Darren has served as an Adjunct Professor of Music at Sacred Heart University, where he teaches classes and piano lessons.

The lineup at the Branford Jazz Series Thursday, September 1 includes: Andrew Beals - alto saxophone, Tom Imre - alto saxophone, Martin Sather - tenor saxophone, George Preto - tenor saxophone, Frank Basile - baritone saxophone, Darren Litzie – piano Bob Sabin – bass, and Jon Wikan – drums.

“It is an honor for me to be performing at the 2016 Branford Jazz concert series,” said Litzie. “The Saxtet is a very exciting and unique group that I take great pride in leading. I look forward to performing for a great audience of both familiar and new faces and giving them a memorable evening of entertainment in a beautiful setting.”

Image via City of Branford