If you have no idea what Travis Sullivan’s Bjorkestra is all about, you are not alone. Up until today, I had never heard of this odd musical experiment. Their website describes it as the music of Bjork Gudmundsdottir for large jazz ensemble. As a music fan who enjoys classic jazz and idolizes John Coltrane, I was definitely a bit curious to hear some samples of their tunes. They posted two MP3s that are free to download, including a SICK arrangement of “Army Of Me.” They definitely appeal to both jazz fanatics as well as Bjork followers.
The ensemble is an eighteen-piece big band, comprised of some of the finest jazz musicians in New York City. The Bjorkestra has just announced their first ever West Coast tour, performing five nights in California. Don’t worry NYC, they haven’t forgotten about us, as they have a night at Tonic on August 18. How in the hell are they going to fit in Tonic??
Do yourself a favor and check this group out. There is no better way to chill out during the hot summer than by soaking up some great jazz… especially when it includes the music of Bjork.
08.03.06 – Sacramento, CA (Harlow’s)
08.04.06 – San Francisco, CA (Great American Music Hall)
08.05.06 – Santa Cruz, CA (The Attic)
08.09.06 – Solana Beach, CA (Belly Up Tavern)
08.11.06 – Los Angeles, CA (Knitting Factory)
08.18.06 – New York, NY (Tonic)
