KEN FIELD'S REVOLUTIONARY SNAKE ENSEMBLE RETURNS TO NYC

ROLLING THUNDER PR

Boston’s Acclaimed

REVOLUTIONARY SNAKE ENSEMBLE
Bringing their Avant Second Line New Orleans Funk Back For the First Time in Two Years

"The Revolutionary Snake Ensemble, a writhing, horn-heavy group led by the Boston-based saxophonist and composer Ken Field, dresses in feathered masks and sequined robes and covers a broad range of funk- and New Orleans-inspired music. A seasoned collection of horn and percussion players, the group, which is closing in on two decades of music-making, puts a funky spin on everything from Billy Idol to Ornette Coleman." -- The New Yorker



Dressed a la Mardi Gras in feathered masks and multi-colored, sequined costumes, playing music that riotously combines the rhythms of New Orleans brass bands with improvisation and heaping undercurrents of funk, the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble inhabits that rare musical planet on which Sun Ra, James Brown, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and a myriad of New Orleans marching bands jointly reside.

They return to New York with a special line-up including trombonist Josh Roseman and drummer Kenny Wollesen with shows on May 20 at Barbes and May 22 at The Stone. The shows will be recorded so come out and be part of the celebration.

video of the REVOLUTIONARY SNAKE ENSEMBLE

Formed in 1990 by Boston saxophonist & composer Ken Field (Birdsongs of the Mesozoic, Willie Loco Alexander, Chandler Travis Philharmonic, Bridgman/Packer Dance, Sesame St) the sound of RSE is celebratory improvisational music rooted in New Orleans brass band tradition and encompassing modern stylistic threads as diverse as the harmonic, energetic, rhythmic and visual eclecticism of the jazz avant-garde filtered through a 70s funk dynamic. By rearranging and recon-textualizing traditional tunes, pop/rock, funk and jazz compositions alongside Field’s own original charts, Revolutionary Snake Ensemble celebrates, expands and transforms the brass band tradition.

"(Revolutionary Snake Ensemble) captures the abandon of a street parade while expanding its stylistic scope...it's got the essential ingredients spiced with fresh flavors" – jazz critic Dan Ouelette

"(RSE) may operate from the traditions of New Orleans music, but the boundaries are pushed wide open when they actually play…doing all of the high art ministrations of improvisation and having an audible party at the same time really is the best of both worlds." – Performer Magazine

"…booty-shaking and brain stimulating music" -- Splendid

Their first CD, Year of the Snake, on Innova Recordings was released in 2003. It included music by Field as well as Sun Ra, John Scofield, James Brown, and others, with liner notes written by two-time Grammy-winning New Orleans music producer Scott Billington.

The Revolutionary Snake Ensemble's 2nd release, Forked Tongue, bowed in 2008 on Cuneiform. The disc showcases a wide range of the Snakes' repertoire. It includes unique arrangements of traditional New Orleans marching music and spirituals and of music by such diverse songwriters as William Broad (aka Billy Idol), Ornette Colemen, Norman Span, and Jay Livingston & Ray Evans, as well as original material by Field.

REVOLUTIONARY SNAKE ENSEMBLE

Ken Field/alto sax
Alex Smith/electric bass
Blake Newman/acoustic bass
Joey Lefitz/drums
Kenny Wollesen/drums
Alex Asher/trombone
Josh Roseman/trombone
Daniel Heath/trombone
Jerry Sabatini/trumpet

BARBES on FRI. MAY 20 – 8pm
376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 347-422-0248
A $10 (very strongly) suggested donation
www.barbesbrooklyn.com

THE STONE on MAY 22 – 8-9:15pm
Avenue C & 2nd Street, NYC, $10
thestonenyc.com

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www.revolutionarysnakeensemble.org

kenfield.org

for media information, hi-res jpgs, interviews, guest list etc.
please contact Brad Riesau at Rolling Thunder PR (p) 909-744-0704 or (e) rollingthunderpr@gmail.com

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DANJAM ORCHESTRA NYC CD RELEASE PARTY May 15

ROLLING THUNDER pr

DANIEL JAMIESON’S DANJAM ORCHESTRA’S SUDDEN APPEARANCE FOR OA2 RECORDS CELEBRATED WITH CD RELEASE PARTY AT MILES’ CAFE IN NEW YORK CITY — LATEST NEWS & EVENTS — Fresh from two triumphant evenings where his Danjam Orchestra thrilled hometown crowds in Toronto, saxophonist/composer/educator Daniel Jamieson celebrates the May debut of SUDDEN APPEARANCE with a New York City CD release party at Miles’ Café on May 15th, ‘11. Produced by esteemed pianist/composer/educator Jim McNeely, the disc features Jamieson’s wide-ranging compositions and well-honed arranging skills, which in the hands of his handpicked jazz orchestra swing, inspire and challenge listeners with a program of emotional depth and stylistic diversity. The album features the track "Song for Anna" for which Jamieson was awarded an ASCAP young jazz composer award. Jamieson is pleased to announce that the New York date will feature not only jazz heavyweight John Riley from the recording band on drums, but one of Daniel’s mentors, renowned saxophonist Tim Ries. Ries’s years as a soloist with Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra as well as his diverse resume with everyone from the Rolling Stones and Sheryl Crow to Joe Henderson and Maynard Ferguson, and his own groundbreaking work as a leader makes Ries one of the most in demand players on the jazz and studio scene over the past two decades. Influenced early on by the legendary Canadian composer and arranger Rob McConnell’s Boss Brass and Tentet recordings, the young Jamieson saw himself driven to a career in music. He began studying composition and three years later recorded this ambitious project. “It is an honor and privilege to be able to write for such a diverse group of high level artists. They all bring their unique voices to the band, and I look forward to making music with them for many years to come. I arranged the compositions on this CD specifically for this group of musicians, and their personalities really come across in the music.” New York based musician Daniel Jamieson grew up in Toronto, Canada. Dan has appeared as a guest artist in various jazz festivals across Canada and has performed as a soloist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Daniel has performed with artists such as Ingrid Jensen, Tony Malaby, Tim Ries, Guido Basso, and Dave Young to name a few. Daniel was awarded the Rising Young Star Award at the 2008 Prince Edward County Jazz Festival. Currently Daniel works as a freelance performer, composer and educator in the New York area and writes for his own 10 piece jazz ensemble the “Daniel Jamieson Tentet” and his own big band the “Danjam Orchestra”. Jamieson attended Claude Watson Arts Program at Earl Haig Secondary School and participated in the Humber College Community Music School Program. Daniel holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Toronto where he studied with Tim Ries. Daniel also holds a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music where he studied with Jim McNeely. Calling on McNeely, his former teacher to produce this album was a wonderful move for Jamieson who knew he’d be busy conducting and playing on the session. “It was terrific to hear the music he had written finally come to life in the rehearsals and the recording sessions,” McNeely enthusiastically notes. “Dan assembled a talented ensemble of mostly young players who are starting to make their mark on the New York and Toronto jazz scenes. He brought in the great John Riley on drums (my old colleague from the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra) to help steer the rhythm section and add his years of experience to the music. Dan’s writing covers a broad spectrum: standards and originals ranging from the more traditionally constructed ‘Smile’ to the darting, dissonant treatment of ‘Alone Together’. The band does a great job with all of it. One of the most impressive things for me is the solo playing throughout the recording.” From the energy of the piece, “Chance Encounter” to the chiaroscuro atmospherics of “Ballad for Hope” the young composer has brought a decidedly cinematic richness to the arrangements on this project. Moments of surprise and contrast abound throughout as the soloists rise to music composed with their particular talents in mind. Of note are the award-winning “Song for Anna” penned for the extraordinary flautist Anna Webber and the Charlie Chaplin composition, “Smile” which concludes the program and features the leader on the saxophone. SUDDEN APPEARANCE is a formidable debut from a major new composing talent. In the words of producer McNeely, “I really enjoyed being a part of this recording. It announces the arrival of a new, vital force in the big band world. Let’s hope that we can all hear a lot more in the future from Daniel Jamieson!” DANIEL JAMIESON’S DANJAM ORCHESTRA OA2 Records / International release: May 2011 The CD, digital download, and scored & parts of SUDDEN APPEARANCE are available for purchase at www.danjam.ca Watch Daniel Jamieson’s video introduction to the recording of SUDDEN APPEARANCE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex0jznsc8 CATCH DANIEL JAMIESON’S DANJAM ORCHESTRA Featuring Tim Ries and John Riley NYC CD RELEASE PARTY Sunday May 15th – 10pm-11:30pm Miles' Cafe 212 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10022-6201 (212) 371-7657 http://www.milescafe.com/ny/ Daniel Jamieson - conductor/composer Andrew Gould, Alex LoRe, Tim Ries, Mike Ruby, Sam Dillon - woodwinds Dan Urness, Jon Challoner, Mat Jodrell, Nadje Noordhuis - trumpets Sara Jacovino, Eric Miller, Heather Segger, Max Seigel - trombones Melissa Stylianou - voice Matt Davis – guitar / Florian Höfner - piano Sam Anning – bass / John Riley – drums CD PERSONNEL Andrew Gould, Alex LoRe, Anna Webber, Mike Ruby, Sam Dillon - woodwinds Dan Urness, Matt Holman, Mat Jodrell, Philip Dizack - trumpets Sara Jacovino, Eric Miller, Heather Segger, Max Seigel - trombones Jihye Kim - voice Nils Weinhold – guitar / Sam Harris - piano Justin Gray – bass / John Riley – drums Eddy Hackett - percussion "The band was tight, arrangements and compositions, first class. Don't miss this stellar orchestra when you get a chance to see them." - TorontoJazz.ca

for media info, press kits, interviews etc. contact BRAD RIESAU at ROLLING THUNDER PR rollingthunderpr@gmail.com or 909-744-0704

RamJam 2011 Announces 2nd Round Additions on JamBase

RamJam 2011 Announces 2nd Round Additions on JamBase

JAZZ.FM91 - Canada's Premier Jazz Station - The "Sudden Appearance" of Daniel Jamieson and the Danjam Orchestra

JAZZ.FM91 - Canada's Premier Jazz Station - The "Sudden Appearance" of Daniel Jamieson and the Danjam Orchestra

4th Annual RAMJAM MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL LINE-UP ANNOUNCED

ROLLING THUNDER PR MARCH 23, 2011

— LATEST NEWS & EVENTS — Ramble On Events is pleased to announce The Second Wave of Bands and Artists Added to the Line-up of RamJam 2011 What: The 4th Annual RamJam Music and Arts Festival Where: Uncle Bob's Western Corral, 565 Kirk Rd. Fair Hill, MD When: Saturday, April 30th, 2011 – gates at 10am, camp ‘til Sun. Noon The excitement is building for RamJam 2011 with the announcement of our stellar line-up. Joining the previously announced performers will be ten more great bands spanning the stylistic spectrum. From ska to high-energy funk, slammin’ blues, rootsy jams and esoteric acoustic sounds, there is music for everyone at RamJam 2011. Here’s what’s cooking on our two music stages and late night Busker’s Corner stages… Mad-Sweet Pangs / Spokey Speaky / Yellow Dubmarine Smooth Kentucky / BayGrass / Second Self Lost In Company / The Bullbuckers / Boomslang 61 North / New Sweden / Splashing Pearls Still Moon Servants / Quimby Mountain Band Music fans can celebrate the 4th annual festival with an expanded line-up of great bands, overnight camping and bonfire jam sessions. This year we are upping the ante with new alternative, non-musical performers and fabulous new art installations. NEW THIS YEAR: Lamb Jam: a kids area with fun activities for the little jammers and more… Alternative Performers: Cirque Oya – mixing Hoop Dancing and Circus arts Riley Blacksmithing: demonstrations The Wedding of Brie Allen and Eric Venette (yes, a real wedding and you’re invited!) Busker’s Corner: with art exhibits, late night music acts and who knows, maybe some creative mingling between bands and alternative performers. And as always a myriad of fun and creative art installations all over the grounds. There will also be some tasty food vendors and fun crafts people too! Did we mention camping? Yup, after the main stages shut down there will be all-night bonfires and revelry. We have a campsite picked out just for you. Bring your tents and friends (sorry no pets this year) and set up for the night. For you stylin’ types, for an added fee you can reserve a spot for your van or RV in our heavy camping section. Space is limited so sign up early! To help us celebrate in style and accommodate all the new additions to the RamJam revelry we've moved to a new larger and wonderfully equipped venue. As RamJam has outgrown the Farm, we've listened to what you fans want and found the perfect spot that keeps the natural landscape and chill vibe that makes RamJam so unique while offering expanded amenities and entertainment. Uncle Bob's Western Corral has hosted music events in the area for years and is only a hop, skip and jump from the original RamJam location. Keep checking our website below for updated info and surprises. RamJam originally started as crazy idea on the front porch of a small farm in MD. Slowly it materialized into an organized event. In three years it has blossomed to over 600 people and has raised thousands of dollars for the University of Delaware chapter of Engineers Without Borders. Performers included the Mad Sweet Pangs, Caleb Stine, Fat Daddy Has Been, Dephonic, Spokey Speaky, Porch Chops and Diego Paulo along with many other fantastic groups. With an emphasis on promoting local and regional music and artists RamJam has allowed regional performers to gain significant exposure, while also helping a worthy local charitable cause whose efforts make a difference around the world. Tickets are on sale NOW! Regular advance tickets will be available for $35 until 12:00 AM on April 29th. Day of tickets will be $45. All tickets include parking, camping space, and a day of awesome music. RV/Heavy camping tickets are available in limited quantities for $20 per vehicle, and must be purchased in addition to a regular ticket. Spread the word and get your tickets early. RamJam, one of the sweetest new regional music events and best kept secrets to help you kick off the 2011 festival season. Don't miss it! For more information on the festival and artists, tickets, directions, and more, we encourage interested parties to visit our website at: www.ramjamming.com and on Facebook Members of the press should contact Brad Riesau at Rolling Thunder PR (email) media@ramjamming.com or (phone) 909-744-0704 for additional information, interviews, or to seek press credentials. Check out our new promo video footage from the RamJam archives HERE.

DANJAM ORCHESTRA IN TORONTO FOR CD RELEASE PARTY

ROLLING THUNDER pr

DANIEL JAMIESON'S DANJAM ORCHESTRA CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF SUDDEN APPEARANCE THEIR DEBUT RECORDING ON THE OA2 LABEL SPECIAL PRE-RELEASE PERFORMANCES MARCH 30, 31 at the REX HOTEL IN TORONTO — LATEST NEWS & EVENTS — New York based, Canada native Daniel Jamieson will release his debut recording SUDDEN APPEARANCE in May on Origin Arts' OA2 imprint. Produced by Jim McNeely and featuring drumming great John Riley, the album spotlights Jamieson's ambitious compositions and arrangements including the track "Song for Anna" for which he was awarded the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award. A very special pre-release engagement at Toronto's prestigious Rex Hotel will feature the 18-piece Danjam Orchestra on March 30-31. As a saxophonist, Jamieson has performed with renowned jazz artists Ingrid Jensen, Tony Malaby, Tim Ries, Guido Basso and Dave Young among them. Daniel holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Toronto where he studied with Tim Ries. Daniel also holds a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music where he studied with composer & pianist Jim McNeely. "The band was tight, arrangements and compositions, first class. Don't miss this stellar orchestra when you get a chance to see them." - TorontoJazz.ca Follow DANJAM ORCHESTRA on TWITTER and be entered in a drawing to win a free download of SUDDEN APPEARANCE. More info here. DANIEL JAMIESON'S DANJAM ORCHESTRA SUDDEN APPEARANCE - OA2 RECORDS MAY 2011 The digital download of SUDDEN APPEARANCE is now available for purchase and the CD is available for pre-order here. www.danjam.ca DANIEL JAMIESON'S DANJAM ORCHESTRA MARCH 30, 31 at THE REX HOTEL - 9:30pm 194 Queen Street West, Toronto, Canada therex.ca 416-598-2475 Woodwinds: Nick Morgan / Tara Davidson / Alex Dean / Trevor Hogg / Dave Neill Trumpets: Steve Dyte / Jon Challenor / Mike Malone / John Pittman Trombones: Paul Tarussov / Steve McFarlane / Heather Segger / Gord Myers Voice: Jihye Kim / Guitar: Nils Weinhold / Piano: Dave Restivo Bass: Dan Fortin / Drums: Ethan Ardelli UPCOMING DANIEL JAMIESON EVENTS: April 2nd, JazzFM Interview @ 91.1FM, 6PM-8PM, Toronto Wed April 13th, Daniel Jamieson Quintet @ Miles’ Cafe, 9:30PM-11:30PM, NY Tue April 26th, Daniel Jamieson Quintet @ The Garage, 10:30PM-2:30AM, NY Tue May 17th, Daniel Jamieson Quintet @ The Garage, 10:30PM-2:30AM NY

for media info, press kits, interviews etc. contact BRAD RIESAU at ROLLING THUNDER PR rollingthunderpr@gmail.com or 909-744-0704

EVAN WEISS PROJECT at DAN'S SILVERLEAF

Composer/trumpeter EVAN WEISS
Celebrates the CD Release of his debut MATH OR MAGIC
at DAN'S SILVERLEAF Sunday, Feb 20

Catch this Rare Appearance of Weiss's Large Ensemble
Performing New Music From His Inner Circle Music Release

Evan Weiss was born and raised near Seattle, Washington and now back in North Texas after a year in NYC. In addition to playing the trumpet, much of his childhood was spent hiking and camping in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. While composing and improvising at an early age, he recognized the value of nature as a source for limitless inspiration. His daring and innovative debut recording MATH OR MAGIC on Greg Osby's Inner Circle Music label, touches on the organic and complex interconnections between the creative, the intellectual and the spiritual elements in Weiss's emerging palette. The CD is just out on iTUNES and hits the streets on March 22.

A big couple of weeks here for the busy young jazzer...Weiss brings his eleven piece ensemble to Dan's Silverleaf in Denton, TX on February 20th for a rare performance in celebration of the CD's release.

In addition on of Weiss's compositions for large ensemble will be performed by UNT's acclaimed One O'Clock Lab Band on February 24th at Winspear Hall on a double bill with reknowned jazz guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel and his Group.

Weiss will also feature the Evan Weiss Quintet at the Amsterdam Bar in Dallas on March 7th.

Later in life, Evan studied music at the University of North Texas. During his stay, he has had the opportunity to compose, perform, and travel with the Grammy-nominated One O’Clock Lab Band. This ensemble served as the perfect setting to experiment with composition and orchestration for large ensembles. Evan was able to record several albums with the group and began building his reputation as a big band arranger. His pieces were performed at a series of sold-out concerts featuring guests such as Bill Holman, Rich Perry, Phil Woods, and Wayne Bergeron.

While in college, Evan took time to explore the world of electronic effects and sound processing. He recorded and toured with Nobody’s Business, an electric quartet whose unique textural and rhythmic concept transcended genre. During this period, he also began performing with the Hildegunn Gjedrem Group. Performing with this phenomenal Norwegian singer demanded a new approach, blurring the line between the solos and the song itself. Moving away from typical jazz styles laid the foundation for Evan’s exceptionally compositional approach to improvisation.

Although he is well versed in bebop and swing, Evan’s improvisations are a departure from the traditional jazz solo. He is part of a new wave of musicians who seek an intensely personal approach to music. In the spirit of his jazz predecessors, Evan seeks to help the music evolve and grow for generations to come.

Evan’s Debut album Math or Magic features voice, strings, woodwinds, symphonic percussion, and cinematic sound effects to send the listener through a mesmerizing array of musical environments. This project displays a sense of maturity and compositional unity that is very rare among musicians of such a young age.

Recently, Evan has performed his compositions in Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, France, The Netherlands, Germany, Japan, China, Italy, and Poland. He can be heard at local clubs in Dallas and New York throughout the year.

Evan Weiss on his philosophy of music:
“The most powerful compositions stretch far beyond the abilities of the individual player. It is not the composer’s job to create the music, but rather to enable the members of his ensemble to perform. This distinction is especially prevalent in jazz because the composer of a given piece is often also a performer and an improviser. In improvised music, the writer must relinquish control to his fellow players for a piece to reach its full potential. That element of risk is the primary reason that I am a musician.”

EVAN WEISS PROJECT

at Dan's Silverleaf, 103 Industrial St. Denton, TX

Sunday, Feb. 20 - 9pm - $5.00

www.danssilverleaf.com/shows/

EVAN WEISS - Trumpet
Rosana Eckert - Voice
Julee Kim Walker - Flute
Mario Cruz - Clarinet
Nolan Jager Loyde - Bassoon
Fredrick Mckee - Violin
Imelda Tecson - Viola
Buffi Jacobs - Cello
Jiri Levicek - Piano
Ryan Hagler - Bass
Steve Pruitt – Drums

ALSO COMING SOON:

KURT ROSENWINKEL GROUP and the UNT ONE O'CLOCK LAB BAND

February 24 - Winspear Hall, UNT

for more info see the UNT JAZZ BLOG

THE EVAN WEISS QUINTET -

March 7 - The Amsterdam Bar, 831 Exposition Avenue - Dallas, Texas 75226 - (214) 827-3433

amsterdambar.blogspot.com/

EVAN WEISS - Math Or Magic - Inner Circle Music INCM 018

Currently available on iTUNES and released elsewhere March 22, 2011

www.evanweissmusic.com

www.innercirclemusic.net

For media information & press kits please contact Brad Riesau of

ROLLING THUNDER PR - rollingthunderpr@gmail.com or 909-744-0704