Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra Unleashes Multiversal – Live at Bop Stop

Acclaimed saxophonist, composer, arranger, and conductor Stephen Philip Harvey returns with the second full-length recording from his dynamic 17-piece ensemble, the Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra (SPHJO). Titled Multiversal – Live at Bop Stop, this electrifying live album captures the energy and imagination of a band operating at the highest artistic level.

Recorded in a single take at Cleveland’s legendary venue Bop Stop, this sophomore album is a continuation of Harvey’s deep dive into comic book-inspired jazz, a unique and thrilling thematic approach first introduced in his 2022 debut, Smash!

“Stephen is an exceptional musician with a very bright future.”
— Roscoe Mitchell, NEA Jazz Master

Harvey, a devoted comic book enthusiast, uses the concept of the multiverse as a springboard for a bold, cinematic jazz experience. Superheroes, parallel worlds, secret missions, and elemental forces come alive through masterful compositions that blend traditional big band swing with modern textures, imaginative harmonies, and expressive solo features.

“When I listen to Stephen Harvey’s music, that’s what I hear… Sophisticated accessibility. A beautiful pairing of the complex and the elementary.”
— Trumpeter Sean Jones

The album’s title track, Multiversal, sets the tone with a vibrant theme that evolves unpredictably, pulling the listener deeper into the jazz multiverse. Each subsequent piece unveils a new world:

• “Earth-Two” evokes alternate realities filled with wonder and danger.

• “Covert Ops” spins a cloak-and-dagger tale backed by MI6-flavored harmonies and thrilling tenor sax.

• “Mind Your Weather, Weather Your Mind” channels the elemental power of Jean Grey and Storm in a beautifully textured sonic landscape.

• “Men of Steel” pays homage to Superman creators Siegel & Shuster with powerful low-voice solo features.

• “Ain’t No Sidekick” humorously celebrates young heroes discovering their own path.

• “Inner Beast” unleashes untamed musical energy in tribute to animalistic comic characters.

• “Tectonic Shift” offers a nod to Harvey’s Elemental suite, reimagined for the full jazz orchestra.

“A fridge-raid omelette of sounds held together by the audaciousness of Harvey’s conception and the joy with which his players bring it to life.”
— John Chacona, All About Jazz

The SPH Jazz Orchestra is comprised of elite musicians from Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania — a supergroup of regional jazz talent who breathe life into Harvey’s complex, high-energy compositions. Together, they form what one could easily call “The Avengers of Jazz.”

Featured Musicians:

• Woodwinds: Bobby Selvaggio, Chris Coles (alto sax/flute), Max Schlenk, Johnny Cochran Jr. (tenor sax/clarinet), Clint Bleil (baritone sax/bass clarinet)

• Trumpets: JD Chaisson, Tommy Lehman, Jakobe Henry, Garrett Folger

• Trombones: Zach Warren, Will Horner, Lauren Rudzinskas, Amer Forrer (bass trombone)

• Rhythm Section: Dan Bruce (guitar), Ben Tweedt (piano/Fender Rhodes), Jordan McBride (acoustic/electric bass), Dustin May (drums)

• Leader: Stephen Philip Harvey (composer, arranger, conductor)

“Harvey’s focus on riffs and melodies keeps the songs effervescent and accessible.”
— Michael Toland, The Big Takeover

Multiversal – Live at Bop Stop marks the eighth release in Harvey’s ever-expanding discography and affirms his place as a creative force in contemporary jazz. His previous recordings span a wide range of ensemble types and conceptual themes, including:

• Smash! (2022)

• Elemental (2023) & Elemental (Live) (2024)

• Live at Radio Artifact (2024)

• Suite Childhood (2016)

• Sphinx (2023)

• Library Card (2024)

Stephen Philip Harvey’s Multiversal – Live at Bop Stop is a monumental achievement in modern jazz composition and performance. With comic book mythology as its muse and a jazz orchestra of immense talent as its vehicle, this album is both a tribute to the power of imagination and a testament to the vibrancy of regional jazz in America.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this exhilarating release — whether you’re a jazz aficionado, a comic book lover, or simply in search of something bold and new.