Primary Instrument: Band/ensemble/orchestra
Founded by bassist Steve Messick in early 2010, the Endemic Ensemble is a modern, collaborative jazz quintet based in Seattle with Messick on double bass, Travis Ranney on soprano and tenor saxophones, Matso Limtiaco on baritone saxophone and bass clarinet, David Franklin on piano, and Ken French on drums. The music, composed by Messick, Franklin, and Limtiaco, is described as having “swinging rhythm, great tunes and purposeful playing - always in the service of the song, and usually anchored in the blues” (Lucid Culture). “Think hard-bop meets classical and big band horns” (Carol Banks Weber, Examiner.com).
The Endemic Ensemble’s 2012 CD, Lunar, made NYC blog Lucid Culture's “The 20 Best Jazz Albums of 2012.”
“Great writing, great players and great times...what more could you ask for?” (Jazz Now! Seattle)
Awards:
Listed in Lucid Culture's "The 20 Best Jazz Albums of 2012".“Great writing, great players and great times...what more could you ask for?” (Jazz Now! Seattle)
“Endemic Ensemble's “LUNAR” manages to respect the hard-bop, big band, and classical, with an updated nod to a melodic, danceable mindset. That's hard in jazz. This band makes it look easy.” (Carol Banks Weber, Examiner.com)
