New Sphere plays Thelonious Monk

New Sphere is a new quartet dedicated to the music of legendary African American jazz composer and pianist Thelonious Monk. The band is led by soprano saxophonist and composer Titus Abbott in collaboration with pianist, composer and longtime Monk specialist Frank Carlberg and features a rhythm section of Kim Cass and Michael Sarin. Music will range from familiar to obscure pieces in Monk’s catalog of 70 compositions. Although widely known as one of the pillars of jazz history, Thelonious Monk’s music is still under recognized.

Titus Abbott
Titus Abbott is a Maine based saxophonist and composer. He is dedicated to finding contemporary expression in jazz while honoring its rich tradition. His compositions are characterized by intricate melodies, harmonies and rhythms that are an invitation to close listening. Specializing in soprano saxophone, Titus balances his repertoire as a multi-instrumentalist on alto and tenor saxophones and bass clarinet.

As an improviser and composer Titus has worked and recorded with a wide range of collaborators from his native Canada to Europe and the US. These include Graham Collier, Eddie Pévost, The Grand Union Orchestra, Ashley Maher, George Koller, Frank Carlberg, Pascal Niggenkemper, Michael Sarin, Marilyn Lerner, Curtis Clark, Nate McBride, Luther Gray, Sean Conly and many others performing at venues, concert halls and jazz festivals worldwide.

Frank Carlberg
Originally a native of Helsinki, pianist–composer Frank Carlberg has carved himself quite a niche in the New York jazz community.

As a leader, Carlberg’s groups include the Frank Carlberg Quintet, Tivoli Trio and Frank Carlberg Large Ensemble. Carlberg has also been involved in many crossover projects throughout the years. Some of his most notable collaborators have included the likes of saxophonist Steve Lacy, trombonist Bob Brookmeyer and trumpeter Kenny Wheeler.

Carlberg has been commissioned to write music for big bands, small ensembles, symphony orchestras as well as modern dance companies. In addition to his playing and composing activities Carlberg also serves on the faculty at New England Conservatory.

Carlberg was also a founding member of the Douglass Street Music Collective and runs Red Piano Records, an independent record label with a current catalogue of over 50 releases.

Kim Cass
Bassist Kim Cass is from an island off the coast of Maine, where he was introduced to bass playing at age 10. He quickly developed a unique style on the electric bass and began playing the upright bass at age 13. Developing this instrument in a jazz context became Kim’s passion, as well as composing music featuring his upright playing.

When studying at the New England Conservatory of Music, Cass received personalized instruction from several virtuoso musicians including George Garzone, Ran Blake, Joe Morris and Joe Maneri. Cass currently resides in New York City. He has been featured in a wide variety of ensembles, executing music that is ever challenging and beautifully mysterious. Cass has performed with the likes of Matt Mitchell, Tyshawn Sorey, John Zorn, and Bill McHenry. The solo album KIM CASS, released on Table and Chairs, is a showcase of Kim’s upright bass playing and compositions.

Michael Sarin
Drummer Michael Sarin has been at the center of New York City’s genre bending jazz and improvisation community. His versatility and musical wit helped forge long associations with forward-looking artists Thomas Chapin, Dave Douglas, Myra Melford, Ben Allison, and David Krakauer. Since moving to New York in 1989, Michael’s unique style and approach to the drum set has been highly sought after by NYC and European musicians looking to expand the definitions of jazz and improvised music. He has contributed to recordings by the aforementioned artists as well as those of Frank Carlberg, Anthony Coleman, Mark Dresser, Marty Ehrlich, Mark Helias, Denman Maroney, Simon Nabatov, Mario Pavone, Ned Rothenberg, and Fred Wesley–recordings found on numerous music critics’ Top Ten CD year-end lists.