<<UPDATE: The new album - Enter the PlusTet - will be released on October 28 on Firehouse 12 Records. This campaign is now closed, and all the perks have been sent out. If you're interested in the music, consider buying the album directly from the label or from your local, independent record store!>>
<<UPDATE: The January 12 in-studio performance is now sold out. Thank you so much for your support!!>>
Dear friends:
The last few years have been full of intensely rewarding creative projects, ranging from producing experimental operas to musical bicycle journeys. My takeaway from these experiences has been a renewed commitment to pursuing the most ambitious ideas, regardless of the economic or practical implications, as long as they celebrate the collaborative investigations of the artistic community I love being a part of.
So...
I've spent much of the last year developing a new book of creative orchestra music through residencies in Miami, Amsterdam, Ontario, Michigan, and Portugal, leading community-based large ensembles anchored by the musicians in my long-running sextet. A few weeks ago, I started playing with the idea of calling together a "dream band" of some of my closest friends, mentors, and colleagues to record this material in the studio, under the exquisitely audiophile auspices of Firehouse 12 Records. Magically, on a spur of the moment, last minute request, fourteen of the most extraordinary musicians I know made themselves available for two days of rehearsal and recording in New Haven, CT, on January 11-12, 2016.
I cannot describe how moved I am to have the participation of these artists - so much so that I am willing to get over my own discomfort with crowdfunding and social media and attempt a direct appeal. I've never had such a large project come together so quickly and spontaneously before, so I am scrambling to get the budget in line, but perhaps it couldn't happen any other way. If you are as excited as I am about the potential sound of this ensemble (what I'm calling a "PlusTet"), please consider one of the support options below - rewards range from advance CDs to an exclusive performance invitation. If you would prefer to make a tax-deductible donation via a fiscal sponsor, please contact me directly.
The BAND!!
Nate Wooley & Stephanie Richards: trumpets
Vincent Chancey: french horn
Steve Swell: trombone
Bill Lowe: bass trombone & tuba
Jim Hobbs, Ingrid Laubrock & Matt Bauder: saxophones
Jason Kao Hwang: violin
Tomeka Reid: cello
Jay Hoggard: vibraphone
Mary Halvorson: guitar
Ken Filiano: bass
Tomas Fujiwara: drums
Taylor Ho Bynum: composer, conductor, cornet
The Rewards
$25 - A signed, advance copy of the THB PlusTet CD (tentative release date late summer/early fall 2016)
$75 - CD plus invitation to an exclusive, in studio performance of the THB PlusTet in New Haven, CT on January 12, 2016. <<SOLD OUT>>
$200 - CD, two invitations to performance, and 2 additional CDs/LPs (of your choice) from THB's complete discography as leader/co-leader. <<SOLD OUT>>
$500 - All of the above, plus Producer's Circle credit in liner notes, and invitation to dinner with the band before the January 12 performance.
Thanks for reading this, and whether or not you're able to support the project at this time, I hope you will enjoy the music!
Taylor Ho Bynum
