Brian VanArsdale

STATS Rank: 2,540 Fans: 1 Views: 6,543

Born: April 18, 1979 Primary Instrument: Sax, tenor

Brian VanArsdale is a New York-based saxophonist and composer whose music combines the beauty and form of previous generations with a splash of the current direction and cutting edge articism - creating a product that is appealing to both listeners and jazz critics alike.

Originally from the southern United States, Brian attended school at the University of Illinois, University of North Florida, and Eastman School of Music, where he was twice recognized with awards for best performer. Brian was the recipient of five DOWNBEAT awards for his playing and writing, and twice performed at the East Coast Jazz Festival and IAJE Annual Convention. Brian’s playing and composing can be heard on the University of North Florida’s award winning albums Things to Come and Second Thoughts.

Professionally, Brian has been a participant in the Steans Institute for Young Artists at the Ravinia Festival in Chicago Illinois, and in 2003 he was selected as one of the top 15 jazz composers under the age of 30 by ASCAP.

Brian has released three commercial albums-each with different ensembles and varied subject matters. The first, The Flood, featured the Brian VanArsdale Orchestra performing a five movement piece written to interpret the ‘flood story’ (most commonly known as the story of Noah and the Ark from the bible). This album received great critical acclaim, including a ranking by the Sunday Herald Sun of Melbourne, Australia as the number six best CD of 2005, with critic Kenny Weir calling the work “a sprawling epic that surges and swirls.” Brian’s second release, Cryptography, featured Brian in a trio setting with bass and drums. The album features five originals, along with three reinterpreted standards, and a composition by Bunky Green that was written for Brian. Both albums are available worldwide from most popular outlets.

Brian's newest release, featuring his quintet is entitled From the Heart. The album features Clay Jenkins, Mamiko Kitaura, Dan Loomis, Ivan ‘Ike’ Sturm, and Jared Schonig, and attempts to take a fresh look at the classic quintet instrumentation in jazz. This album, released November, 2007 on Jazz Excursion Records, is receiving radio play all over the country, along with acclaim from critic and casual listener alike. Brian’s playing and writing can also be heard on The Dan Loomis Quartet's newest album I Love Paris, also on the Jazz Excursion Records label.

Last Updated: January 27, 2008

As a Leader

From the Heart
Jazz Excursion Records
2007
ACT ONE:
1) From the Heart (Bunky Green) (**)
2) Blues for a Black Dress (Brian VanArsdale) (*)
3) Hildy Speaks (Jon's Lament) (Brian VanArsdale) (*)

ACT TWO:
4) Atilla the Hun (Brian VanArsdale) (**)
5) Baby, I Love You So (Brian VanArsdale) (*)
6) Refuge (Brian VanArsdale)

ACT THREE:
7) Three and One (Thad Jones) (*)
8) Chains (Brian VanArsdale) (**)
9) These Foolish Things (Marvell/Strachey/Link) (**)
Brian VanArsdale-tenor and soprano saxophones
Clay Jenkins-trumpet
Mamiko Kitaura-piano
Dan Loomis-bass (*)
Ivan 'Ike' Sturm-bass (**)
Jared Schonig-drums

Cryptography
VanArsdale Music
2005
Tracks: 1. Spheres of Influence 2. Blues on the Corner 3. Good Faith 4. Blues for Brian 5. Cryptography 6. A Walk with Kenny 7. In the Wee Small Hours 8. Thomas the Train 9. Memphis in June.
Personnel: Brian VanArsdale: Tenor Sax, Dan Loomis: Bass, Jeremy Noller: Drums.

The Flood
VanArsdale Music
2005
Tracks: 1. The Burden of Truth 2. Into the Calm 3. Storm 4. Who to Follow 5. Gather N
Personnel: Matt Pivec-alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute Nathan Heleine-alto saxophone, flute Brian VanArsdale-tenor saxophone, clarinet Kirsten Edkins-tenor saxophone, clarinet Bill Olsen-bari saxophone, bass clarinet Edward Williams III-trumpet, flugelhorn Dan Wright-trumpet, flugelhorn Clay Jenkins-trumpet, flugelhorn Stephanie Richards-trumpet, flugelhorn Don VanArsdale- trumpet, flugelhorn Clarence Hines-trombone Colin Wise-trombone Ermulito Navarro-trombone Dan Pendley-bass trombone Kevin Bales-piano Dan Loomis-bass John Davis-drums David VanArsdale- didjeridoo Dave Rivello-conductor.
As A Side Musician

I Love Paris
Dan Loomis Quartet
Jazz Excursion Records
2007
Tracks: I Love Paris Hildy Speaks Pied Noir Dear Lord For Harry Carney The Thrill is Gone Goodbye Lakesha
Personnel: Dan Loomis: Bass, Nathan Heleine: Alto Sax, Brian VanArsdale: Tenor/Soprano Sax, Jared Schonig: Drums.

Tondos
Dan Loomis Quartet
Independant Release
2005
Personnel: Dan Loomis: Bass, Nathan Heleine: Alto Sax, Brian VanArsdale: Tenor/Soprano Sax, Jared Schonig: Drums.

Disclaimer: All About Jazz is not responsible for the accuracy of the discographical data at the website(s) provided. If a link is no longer valid, please contact discography@allaboutjazz.com. Thank you.

Primary Instrument:
Sax, tenor

Location:
Brooklyn, NY

Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.

Sorry, no recommendations at this time.

Please Sign Up or Log In to send your inquiry.

Sorry, no events found. Submit one now.

Your events will appear at the following locations: Jazz Near You, the weekly Jazz Near You email, the Jazz Near You app, the Jazz Near You calendar widget and this page.

Submit Take Five Answers. We'll publish your Take Five questions and answers as an article, feature it on the home page and link to it from your musician profile.