Spoke
Andy Hunter - Dan Loomis - Justin Wood - Danny Fischer
SPOKE is a true ensemble whose synergy is its identity, where collaboration is the medium. Borrowing from the best of the rock and popu- lar music tradition, SPOKE set out to break the model of bands led by a lone soloist/composer and a supporting group. Using an acoustic, chamber quartet format to explore a wide range of musical influences from jazz to salsa to con- temporary classical, SPOKE constantly seeks out new boundaries to explore.
"The thought that went into the set’s twelve pieces is literally mind-bending... ... its stan- dards and targets are set far higher than the norm.” - J. Hunter, All About Jazz...
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Spoke
Andy Hunter - Dan Loomis - Justin Wood - Danny Fischer
SPOKE is a true ensemble whose synergy is its identity, where collaboration is the medium. Borrowing from the best of the rock and popu- lar music tradition, SPOKE set out to break the model of bands led by a lone soloist/composer and a supporting group. Using an acoustic, chamber quartet format to explore a wide range of musical influences from jazz to salsa to con- temporary classical, SPOKE constantly seeks out new boundaries to explore.
"The thought that went into the set’s twelve pieces is literally mind-bending... ... its stan- dards and targets are set far higher than the norm.” - J. Hunter, All About Jazz
Andy Hunter’s sound was forged in New York’s vital Jazz, Salsa and World Music scenes. He performs worldwide with artists such as the Mingus Big Band, WDR Big Band and Richard Bona. A regular presence in New York bands, album credits include CD’s with the Birdland Big Band, Snarky Puppy, Bob Mintzer, Toshiko Akiyoshi and many others. Hunter has worked as a sideman with who’s who list of artists in both Jazz and Salsa, including Dave Holland, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and backing up salsa artists suchas Rubén Blades, Tito Nieves and DLG.
Dan Loomis is “a forceful and creative bass player”, “double-teaming you with style and substance”. He has played around the world with The Dan Loomis Quartet, his two collaborative bands, The Wee Trio and SPOKE and as an in-demand sideman with such artists as T.S. Monk, Patrick Watson and Ernesto Cervini. He has performed at The Blue Note, The Jazz Standard The Tanglewood, Marciac and Charlie Parker Jazz Festivals. His genre- bending work with The Wee Trio has been called “the vanguard of the genre’s future”.
Justin Wood grew up in frozen Northern Maine, which might ac- count for his warm sound and “spark-spewing solos that showcase the alto’s best qualities” [All About Jazz]. In New York City, Justin has established himself as a unique voice on the alto saxophone and proficient doubler. He performs and records with some of NYC's most innovative ensembles including Chia's Dance Party, Diego Obregon and Grupo Chonta, NYC's many big bands, Evan Mazunik's ZAHA, the Ben Stapp Zozimos Collective, and Big Five Chord.
Danny Fischer was born in Melbourne, Australia. After graduating from Melbourne University he had a highly successful performing career, appearing on over 30 recordings with highlights including 3 Australian Recording Industry Awards (ARIA) and 2 Bell awards. Danny then moved to New York in 2004 and formed Spoke in early 2005. He was an integral member of the critically acclaimed avant- garde country outfit Bryan and the Haggards.
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