PROGRAMS 2009/10:

NEW: Don Byron New Gospel Quintet
Byron’s newest project grows out of his exhaustive study of black gospel music. Gospel pioneer Thomas A. Dorsey is a major inspiration, and Byron revisits some of the master songwriter’s works alongside other classics and new original songs written in the gospel tradition. Featuring DK Dyson, vocal; Frank Wilkins, piano; Brad Jones, bass; Pheeroan AkLaff, drums.

Don Byron Ivey-Divey Trio
Named after Byron’s 2004 release Ivey-Divey -    nominated for a Grammy and voted “Record of the Year” by Jazz Times ­- the acclaimed trio expands on the album’s affectionate tribute to saxophone legend Lester Young and his great ’40s trio with pianist Nat “King” Cole and drummer Buddy Rich.
Featuring Jason Moran, piano; Billy Hart, drums.

NEW: Don Byron Quartet
Also inspired by the work of Lester Young as well as Eddie Harris, the quartet focuses on Byron’s own tunes, including new compositions commissioned by Chamber Music America. Featuring Edward Simon, piano; Kenny Davis, bass; Billy Hart, drums.

NEW:  Don Byron Plays the Music of Mickey Katz
A reunion of the groundbreaking and virtuosic klezmer ensemble that recorded Byron’s eponymous Nonesuch album and spearheaded the klezmer revival in the 1990s. Dedicated to the music of the great Mickey Katz, clarinetist, humorist, bandleader, and musical director for Spike Jones. (9 musicians)

Don Byron Plays Junior Walker
Featured on the 2006 album Do the Boomerang, this hard-grooving sextet performs the music of soul legend, saxophonist and singer Junior Walker, including the hits “Shotgun,” Roadrunner,” and “What does it take to win your Love.” Featuring vocalist Dean Bowman. (6 musicians) “… it's funky, it swings, and the grooves are deep and wide…  soul with a jazzman's sense of adventure.” -–Billboard

Don Byron and his musicians are available for residencies, clinics, workshops, and master classes.