featuring Rob Middleton and Steve Kenyon
NewYorkestra was formed in 1996 as a workshop for new creative big band. Its repertoire is unique and varied, made up of bothoriginal compositions and creative arrangements of modern jazz classics. NewYorkestra plays the music of the band’s prizewinning composers, bandleaders Rob Middleton and Steve Kenyon. The members of the group are veterans of the New York jazz scene, many of whom have played in internationally renowned bands, such as those of Maria Schneider, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Lionel Hampton, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and many others. The band has featured jazz luminaries as guest soloists in performance, including David Liebman and Randy Brecker. The band draws particular inspiration from jazz of the 1960’s and 70’s, from Thad Jones’ work to the compositions and performances of Miles Davis’ great 1960’s bands. Their CD, Urban Soundscapes released in 2005, is played by radio stations around the country.
