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Sam Newsome and Max Johnson

Saturday June 29th * 7pm * $25 * TICKETS

Transparent Productions presents Sam Newsome (soprano saxophone, horn preparations, toys) and Max Johnson (double bass).

Please join us for a performance from this amazing duo, touring in support of their new album, “Tubes.”

"Newsome expands the sound of a single soprano into a one-man band." (Mark Corroto, All About Jazz)

“Max Johnson is one of the most prolific and versatile musician/composers in music today” (Brad Cohan, New York City Jazz Record).

The duo of soprano saxophone legend Sam Newsome and double bass virtuoso Max Johnson is a whirlwind of wild sound. Combining their musically diverse backgrounds, these two master improvisers weave a sonic landscape that traverses from beautiful singing melodies to electronic-like drones, psychedelic blasts to the quiet rustling of leaves, all with the sounds of a soprano saxophone and double bass. Come hear these two music makers create an orchestra of sound, as they celebrate their 2024 debut release as a duo, "Tubes", on the Unbroken Sounds label.

Sam Newsome, a versatile soprano saxophonist, music professor, and writer, recently showcased his talents through two notable 2023 duo recordings: Soprano-Logues with Dave Liebman and Cosmic Unconsciousness Unplugged with Jean-Michel Pilc. His significant contributions to the music world have been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Bronx BRIO Award for Instrumental Music and the title of Soprano Saxophonist of the Year in the 14th Annual International Critics Polls. Additionally, he received the 2020 Instant Award in Improvised Music, the 2018 Alpert/Ragdale Prize in Music Composition, and the 2016 NYFA Fellowship for Music Composition, while also being a consistent nominee for Soprano Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalist Association over the past five years. Alongside his musical endeavors, Newsome is an accomplished author, having penned two books of personal essays and having his work featured in the Bronx Memoir Project Anthology, VII. Known for his avant-garde approach, particularly in prepared saxophone, Newsome has collaborated with numerous musicians, esteemed in the jazz and improvised music worlds.

Described as “an intrepid composer, architect of sound and beast of the bass...” (Brad Cohan, NYC Jazz Record) composer-bassist Max Johnson creates complex worlds of sound, challenging his listeners to engage deeply and be rewarded with an experience always crafted with love, care, and clarity. With more than fifteen albums and over two thousand concerts internationally with artists like Anthony Braxton, Mary Halvorson, Ingrid Laubrock, David Grisman, Tyshawn Sorey, Henry Grimes, Sam Bush, Mark Dresser, John Zorn, Nels Cline, William Parker, and Mivos Quartet, Johnson brings a wild energy and excitement to every performance. As a composer of contemporary classical music, he has been commissioned by the Jerome Foundation, Society of Composers Inc, and the Cafe Royal Cultural Foundation. Johnson teaches music theory and harmony at Brooklyn College, and is the father to two beautiful dogs.

https://maxjohnson.bandcamp.com/album/tubes