Primary Instrument: Band/ensemble/orchestra
All of JazzReach's artistic programming is carried out exclusively by Metta Quintet, the organization's official resident ensemble: Marcus Strickland (tenor/soprano saxophone), Greg Ward (alto saxophone), David Bryant (piano), Joshua Ginsburg (bass) and Hans Schuman (drums).
A cohesive, tight-knit unit, Metta Quintet is fueled by a collective, open-minded musical curiosity and a shared dedication to exploring new artistic territory while
maintaining a passionate commitment to arts education, fostering new audiences and nurturing young talent. Through the commissioning of new works and the creative integration of live performance, captivating video projections and stunning lighting design, Metta Quintet is committed to challenging convention and expanding the boundaries of live jazz performance.
The group released its critically acclaimed debut recording Going to Meet The Man (Koch) in 2002 featuring eight commissioned works by composers Brad Mehldau, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Larry Goldings and George Colligan. All works were inspired by short stories by celebrated American author James Baldwin. In July 2006, Sunnyside Records released Metta Quintet's second CD Subway Songs, which features eight all-original commissioned compositions inspired by the many facets of the New York City Subway experience.
In February 2012, the quintet will release the globally-themed project Big Drum/Small World (in partnership with The Orchard), which features a diverse array of dynamic new music by renowned composers from five different countries. The project explores the globalization and ever-broadening definition and sound of jazz.
