Steven Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra (MTO) will celebrate its 25th anniversary with an epic career retrospective at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall on Friday, March 14. This milestone marks MTO’s first-ever headline performance at the iconic venue, and it promises to be an unforgettable evening. The concert will span the full history of the legendary downtown New York City band, featuring Bernstein's favorite arrangements from MTO's six studio albums as well as his work with Butler, Bernstein & The Hot 9.
Throughout the night, MTO’s nine-piece "little big band" will be joined by an array of special guests: Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Catherine Russell, guitar legend Vernon Reid, and the remarkable pianist and organist John Medeski. These guests have been close collaborators with MTO over the years, contributing their musical magic to some of the band's most beloved tracks.
“Arranging is a rarified and misunderstood art form. It requires equal parts imagination and mathematics," says Bernstein. “Having the opportunity to revisit some of my favorite arrangements, a few that haven’t been played in years, with some of my favorite musical compatriots is a special treat. And doing it at Zankel Hall, in the home of NYC's most storied venue, Carnegie Hall, is truly extra special. There will also be a world premiere, and I’ve learned from Hal Willner to never waste an opportunity to create something new and embrace the beautiful chaos.”
MTO originated when Bernstein was asked by the late Hal Willner to be the music director for the 1930s jazz “territory” band in Robert Altman’s film Kansas City. The project’s success led Bernstein to form MTO, which quickly became a top priority. Over the years, the band’s repertoire expanded from ’20s and ’30s swing standards to bold, genre-defying interpretations of music by The Beatles, Charles Mingus, Sly Stone, and Prince. MTO's unique sound and rebellious spirit captured the essence of New York's downtown music scene, even as the city faced increasing corporate pressures. MTO went on to play prestigious festivals like Bonnaroo and the Newport Jazz Festival.
Bernstein, who was raised in Berkeley, CA, moved to New York City in the late '70s, where he built a reputation as an innovative arranger and virtuoso on the slide trumpet. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with major artists like Lou Reed, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Marianne Faithfull, and Bill Frisell. He’s also known for his leadership of the musical subversives, Sexmob, and his role in Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble Band, which won multiple Grammy Awards.
Now, Bernstein brings the Millennial Territory Orchestra to Carnegie Hall to celebrate its remarkable legacy. The concert promises a rich blend of past and future, with unforgettable performances and surprises along the way.
Details:
Who: Steven Bernstein's Millennial Territory Orchestra (featuring special guests Catherine Russell, Vernon Reid, and John Medeski)
When: Friday, March 14, 9:00 PM
Where: Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019
No comments:
Post a Comment