Photo by Bob Jacobson:
Mostly Other People Do the Killing was founded by bassist/composer Moppa Elliott in 2003 as an attempt to reconcile his love of the jazz tradition and avant-garde experimentation. Joined by founding member Kevin Shea on drums and pianist Ron Stabinsky, MOPDtK will perform compositions written for the ensemble as well as pieces from Elliott's new triple album "Jazz Band/Rock Band/Dance Band". MOPDtK has twice won the Downbeat Magazine Critics' Poll as "Rising Star Ensemble" of the year as well as numerous other honors and accolades. Their most recent recording, "Paint" is available from Hot Cup Records.
Heart of the Ghost is an improvisational unit from the Baltimore/Washington area. Comprised of Jarrett Gilgore (saxophone), Luke Stewart (bass) and Ian McColm (drums), this group is the culmination of years of encircling orbits. Collectively encompassing a massive variety of interests and collaborators and themselves known players in the circles of improvised music, these three find common ground within their individual vocabularies: an aim to deconstruct and reshape canonized creative tropes into a new & stunning language.
Innovative trumpeter Dave Ballou has led his own groups as well as performed or recorded with ensembles led by Michael Formanek, Denman Maroney, Maria Schnieder, Andrew Hill, Dave Liebman, Oliver Lake, Joe Lovano, Sheila Jordan, Steely Dan, Rabih Abou-Kahlil, Don Preston and an extensive list of jazz personalities.