Prolific saxophonist, composer, arranger, and conductor Stephen Philip Harvey stands at the forefront of today’s jazz innovators, leading a range of ensembles with electrifying curiosity and creative ambition. Known for his genre-defying explorations, Harvey returns with the sophomore release from his 17-piece Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra—Multiversal: Live at Bop Stop—an album that promises an epic journey through comic book-inspired soundscapes and the limitless possibilities of the jazz orchestra.
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Recorded in one exhilarating take at Cleveland’s iconic Bop Stop venue, Multiversal: Live at Bop Stop marks the eighth release in Harvey’s impressive catalog, and the second adventure for the SPH Jazz Orchestra following their acclaimed 2022 debut, Smash. Harvey, a passionate comic book aficionado (in the tradition of the late, great Wayne Shorter), draws deeply from the vibrant worlds, heroes, villains, and sweeping story arcs of graphic novels, transforming them into cinematic, genre-bending jazz.Listeners are invited to experience music scored for heroes, villains, and everyone in between—each piece a dynamic sketch in sound, capturing the drama and imagination of the multiverse. Harvey’s vision redefines the possibilities of America’s original ensemble, breathing new life into the jazz orchestra format with fresh, contemporary energy.
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Joining Harvey on this super-powered musical odyssey are seventeen of the Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania region’s finest musicians, described as “the Avengers of jazz.” The orchestra features:
- Saxophones & 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)
Their collective artistry not only powers Harvey’s creative vision but also celebrates the vibrant jazz community thriving in the region. Multiversal: Live at Bop Stop stands as a testament to the depth of talent and collaborative spirit found in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.
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With over an hour of original, pseudo-cinematic music, the album is a tour de force—each track unfolding like a scene from a graphic novel, filled with drama, colour, and unexpected twists. Harvey’s commitment to pushing boundaries and honouring jazz traditions is evident throughout, making this release a must-hear for both jazz aficionados and newcomers alike.
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Multiversal: Live at Bop Stop drops August 22nd, adding another gem to Stephen Philip Harvey’s ever-expanding universe of recordings.
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Photo by Cecile Davis, courtesy of RedCat Publicity
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