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Mike Kaplan

Mike Kaplan (arranger/tenor saxophone) envisioned the Nonet as a unit combining the strength, cohesion and varied tonal colors of a big band with the spontaneity and flexibility of a small group. The Nonet features 6 horns out front, an intuitive rhythm section and plays original arrangements in a variety of styles and genres all filtered through the 21st century Jazz sensibilities of the leader and bandmembers. In addition to featuring original compositions, the band also re-examines and re-works deserving compositions of others from Duke Ellington to Herbie Nichols to George Adams. Mike studied saxophone with Warne Marsh, Joe Lovano, Mack Goldsbury and Fred Amend and graduated William Paterson University with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance. In addition to freelancing in the NJ/NY area, he has had his arrangements performed by the Composers Big Band and recorded by Orquesta Royal and la Progressiva.

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97
Album Review

The Mike Kaplan Nonet: How's That?

Read "How's That?" reviewed by Jack Bowers


Saxophonist Mike Kaplan and his New York City-based nonet play contemporary jazz; that is to say, jazz that is emphatically modern but neither purposely bland nor maddeningly incomprehensible.

Kaplan’s debut album contains a number of tasty musical surprises, and it's one of only a handful to leave me wishing the leader had soloed more often (Kaplan does so at length only on his entrancing “Melody for My Mom”). Even so, his fingerprints are conspicuous throughout, as Kaplan wrote five of ...

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Event

The Mike Kaplan Nonet Salutes Cedar Walton, Sun 12/29 4-7pm, Trumpets Jazz Club

The Mike Kaplan Nonet Salutes Cedar Walton, Sun 12/29 4-7pm, Trumpets Jazz Club

Source: Mike Kaplan

The Mike Kaplan Nonet will celebrate Cedar Walton's musical legacy by performing new large group arrangements (for six horns & rhythm section) of some of his unique and memorable compositions. Many will be familiar to jazz connoisseurs.... and some are not as well known, but certainly deserving of wider recognition. The legendary pianist/composer (who also played with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, JJ Johnson, the Jazztet and many other greats) passed on earlier this year at the age of 79. There ...

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Event

Mike Kaplan Nonet at Luna Rossa Fri 4-15, Clifton, NJ

Mike Kaplan Nonet at Luna Rossa Fri 4-15, Clifton, NJ

Source: All About Jazz

Mike Kaplan - tenor saxophone/arranger Rob Henke and Bill Mobley - trumpet and flugelhorn Pete McGuinness - trombone Anton Denner - alto sax, flute and clarinet Ed Xiques - baritone sax, soprano sax and flute Matt King - piano Doug Weiss - bass Pete MacDonald - drums Tenor saxophonist Mike Kaplan’s Nonet will return to Clifton’s Luna Rossa on Friday April 15th from 7pm-10pm ($5 cover charge). The Nonet features a six-man strong horn section and supple rhythm section. At ...

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Recording

Mike Kaplan Nonet Releases "How's That?" on Semi-Sweet Records

Mike Kaplan Nonet Releases "How's That?" on Semi-Sweet Records

Source: All About Jazz

How's That?, the debut CD recording of the Mike Kaplan Nonet, bridges the gap between modern big-band and small-group jazz and will delight fans of both. Long a favorite of audiences in the New York City metro area, the band spotlights the highly inventive and exciting compositions and arrangements of Kaplan, performed with fire, precision, spunk and sensitivity by an ensemble of top NYC area improvisers. The Nonet features 6 horns out front and a flexible, intuitive rhythm section. The ...

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

How's That?

Semi-Sweet Records
2003

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