Three NYC jazz bands on-the-rise, including the Big Band debut of prodigious 21-year old Steven Feifke.
At 21 years old, Steven Feifke is making a name for himself in New York as an artist to look out for. He is currently a junior at NYU, where he studies Jazz Performance and Economics. Originally from Lexington, Massachusetts, Steven began playing the piano at the age of four. He began as a classical student, but at the age of ten was drawn to the world of jazz, and has never looked back. Steven has recently added other genres of music to his repertoire, returning to his classical roots, but jazz remains his first love. He has studied with a "who's who" of the modern jazz world including: Brian Lynch, Gil Goldstein, Jean-Michel Pilc and Don Friedman, and most recently Steven was selected as one of twelve semi-finalists to the International Thelonious Monk Piano Competition held in Washington DC. This will be the debut performance of his Big Band ensemble.
Described by critic Howard Reich of The Chicago Tribune as “a player for whom the word ‘prodigious’ was coined," 22-year old saxophonist Adam Larson has garnered numerous awards that showcase his abilities as a performer and composer. Upon completion of his Bachelors degree at The Manhattan School of Music in May of 2008, Larson was selected as a member of the inaugural Manhattan School of Music Jazz Institute, to continue his studies as a Master’s student.
As the leader of his own quintet, Larson recently recorded his debut album Simple Beauty, which is set for release January 16, 2013. In addition to his work as a bandleader, Adam can be seen as a sideman with several groups such as the Michael Rodriguez Quintet and the Nils Weinhold Quintet.
Beyond maintaining an active touring and recording schedule, Larson continues to be a sought after Larson is currently a faculty member for Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro Latin Jazz Alliance teaching program and has a strong passion for giving back through the art of teaching.
Multi-instrumentalist Armand Hirsch, 22, is already a veteran of the stage and studio. Armand began his formal music training at age 5 as a drum student of renowned jazz drummer Eddie Locke and made his drumming debut at legendary NYC club The Bitter End as a 12-year old. Beginning his guitar study in middle school, Armand has studied under a host of jazz greats, including Peter Bernstein, Paul Bollenback, Mike Stern, Wayne Krantz, Charlie Banacos and Jonathan Kriesberg.
In addition, Armand has had the privilege to play with such luminaries as McCoy Tyner, Hank Jones, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, George Mraz, Christian McBride, Terence Blanchard, Roy Hargrove, Ravi Coltrane, Maceo Parker and Dr. Eddie Henderson. Starting in 2009, Armand began performing regularly as a member of the Hank Jones Quartet. He has been the recipient of various honors and distinctions, including being a two-time GRAMMY Jazz Ensemble Selectee, NFAA youngARTS Silver Award Winner, recipient of the ASCAP Young Composer’s Award, and many others.
Tickets: $10