Wil Swindler's Elevenet

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The Elevenet is composer and saxophonist Wil Swindler's newest musical project. This unique ensemble, comprised of both improvisers and classical musicians, follows in the tradition of jazz great Gil Evans and his compositions for groups of 9-12 musicians. The group consists of two saxophones, bass clarinet, flute, 2 trumpets, trombone/euphonium, french horn, piano/gtr, bass, and drums. The musical material consists of original jazz compositions by Swindler as well as adaptations and arrangements of music from Gil Evans, Björk, the Beatles, and many more. Artistically, the Elevenet seeks new sounds within the jazz idiom. Swindler's orchestration exploits the instrumentation of the group to create unique textures and timbres that set his ensemble apart from other jazz groups. The music is cutting edge but very listenable and compelling for all audiences. The musicians in the Elevenet include Denver's finest professional improvisers and instrumentalists.

Wil Swindler's Elevenet began as the Chamber Jazz Ensemble in Austin, TX in 2004 as a collaboration with friend and fellow composer Stephen Smith. The CJE built up a large following in Central, TX and sustained a monthly Sunday concert series at Copa on Congress Ave. The successful run of the group culminated in a CD recorded in February 2006 and released in October 2006 on the NohJoh Music label. The group disbanded when Swindler moved to Denver and Smith went on tour with Maynard Ferguson. The Elevenet is an extension of the spirit of the Chamber Jazz Ensemble featuring some of the CJE's original music with a slightly altered instrumentation.

About the composer:

Wil Swindler holds a Bachelor of Music Degree (Jazz Studies: Arranging Focus) from the University on North Texas. His composition teachers include Jim McNeely, Michael Abene, Manny Albam, Bill Kirchner, John Clayton, Dave Pietro, Jack Smalley, Paris Rutherford, and Neil Slater. He is the 2008 winner of the IAJE Gil Evans Fellowship and has been commissioned for the Hollywood Bowl Summer Concert series in Los Angeles, Denver University, New York's NoNoNonet, Paul Compton (Trombone Professor Oklahoma State University), Slide Tradition (Trombone Jazz Sextet), and originals for high school jazz ensembles. He is currently a composer-in-residence for the 9th+Lincoln Orchestra and a contributor to the Colorado Jazz Orchestra and Onda. He resides in Longmont, CO with his wife, April and 4 cats Max, Rosie, Ella, and Oscar.

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