Boston-based composer Ayn Inserto founded her large ensemble, which features both Boston and New York-based musicians, in 2001 after receiving her Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies and Composition from New England Conservatory. The group has since performed at venues such as The Berklee Performance Center and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, and collaborated with jazz greats, Bob Brookmeyer, George Garzone, Joe Lovano and Frank Tiberi among others.
On the band's second recording, February 2009's Muse, which is built around the theme of celebrating those who inspired her, Ms. Inserto pays homage to influences ranging from her family, friends and bandmates to former teachers (Brookmeyer, Dave Eshelman and John Maltester) to eminent jazz musicians (Michael Brecker, Frank Foster and Steve Lacy).
“Her genius is that while her music is harmonically sophisticated, there is a sweet, flowing energy that makes it accessible and enjoyable for any palette,” writes Garzone, a featured guest on Muse, in the liner notes. “You can feel the personal touch in each piece ranging in emotions from remembrance to merriment, and hear the gratitude she has to each influence in her life.”
A faculty member at both Berklee College of Music and Longy School of Music in Boston, Ms. Inserto has been commissioned by IAJE/ASCAP, California State East Bay and the Harvard University Jazz Band among others, and her music has been performed by a variety of ensembles at conferences, festivals and universities across Italy and North America.
Last Updated: February 16, 2009
Ayn Inserto's second recording with her jazz orchestra is grand and
sophisticated to a degree as to immediately elevate her status alongside
acknowledged influences, and well known, experienced chart makers like
Maria Schneider, Bob Belden, and Mark Masters. Inserto is impressive as a
writer of modern jazz...keep Ayn Inserto's
Muse in serious
consideration for a distinguished place in your collection. It is an excellent
representation of what's happening in her virile, imaginative mind, and comes
highly recommended.
--
Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide
There’s an energetic creative force on the horizon named Ayn Inserto, and
based on this debut album, she’s Maria Schneider on steroids.
--Harvey Siders, JazzTimes
Her music is new and unconventional, striking a different chord than what
one usually expects from a big band project.
--Edward Blanco, AllAboutJazz.com.
Ayn Inserto is one the most gifted young composers I have had the pleasure
of teaching in many years. She has a “universal” musical language that
translates successfully to public and musician alike, but also has a very
robust and aggressive side. Her music is crafted beautifully, reminding me --
of course -- of my most famous student, Maria Schneider. There it stops --
Ayn has her own voice her own way and, indeed, is now influencing my
newer students at the New England Conservatory. I have chosen to be her
mentor because she is a rare bird -- they do not happen very often so I hope
and to help her along what promises to be a shining path and a bright
future.
--Bob Brookmeyer
Ayn Inserto's music is intricate yet economical, harmonically intriguing, and
displays a vast and alluring textural palette. The work remains personal while
showing great versatility.
--Ben Monder
Ayn Inserto is in the forefront of a new generation of jazz composers who are
accomplished, ambitious and truly personal.
--Fred Hersch
