Michael Smolens' "the Holiday Project" Jazz Quintet at The Forte House

Holiday music you thought you knew — one of the few small ensembles in the US to present daring reconstructions of Christmas Pop, Carols, & Chanukah songs. You'll always recognize the melodies, but through the sensibilities of Maria Schneider, Art Lande & McCoy Tyner. Most of the pieces quote other Holiday songs, while others cycle thru multiple styles like bobsledding through snow.

Lead by award-winning composer/arranger Michael Smolens & features some of the most creative touring jazz players in the Bay Area:

Sheldon Brown (saxes/bass cl.) — Omar Sosa, Bob Weir, Clubfoot Orchestra...

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Holiday music you thought you knew — one of the few small ensembles in the US to present daring reconstructions of Christmas Pop, Carols, & Chanukah songs. You'll always recognize the melodies, but through the sensibilities of Maria Schneider, Art Lande & McCoy Tyner. Most of the pieces quote other Holiday songs, while others cycle thru multiple styles like bobsledding through snow.

Lead by award-winning composer/arranger Michael Smolens & features some of the most creative touring jazz players in the Bay Area:

Sheldon Brown (saxes/bass cl.) — Omar Sosa, Bob Weir, Clubfoot Orchestra
Erik Jekabson (trp./flug.) — Art Lande, Madeline Peyroux, Illinois Jacquet
Aaron Germain (ac./el. bass) — Randy Brecker, Bonnie Raitt, Nguyen Le
Shawn Myers (drums) — Leyla McCalla, Ian McArdle, Laurie Fleureneten Dance Co.
Michael Smolens (piano/al. fl.) — Stefon Harris, Rhiannon, Zakir Hussain

"Let It Snow"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXDzxOMKvig
"Frosty The Snowman"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8g9v-FMcMI

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