David Buchbinder Ensemble
aka David Buchbinder’s Jazz Circus
The compositions incorporate diverse influences from masters Mingus & Monk, Hard-Bop and Middle Eastern Traditions; infused with twisted FIlm-Noir, open free blowing and effervescent cartoon music the result is “an idiosyncratic, accessible gumbo.” (Toronto Star). The strong melodic content and the musicians’ passionate performances engage listeners in exploring the tussle between chaos and order.
The Ensemble was first formed in 2002, steadily growing in size until it topped out as an undecet (11-piece group) as the house band for David’s first full-scale multidisciplinary Jazz Circus. That group recorded Shurum Burum Jazz Circus, which was produced by Roberto Occhipinti and which earned a JUNO Award nomination for Best Jazz Group recording. Since then it has been a quintet or sextet, and there are currently active New Orleans and Toronto versions of the group. The Crescent City variant includes Byron Asher (reeds), Victor Campbell (piano), Pete Olynciw (bass) and Doug Garrison (drums), with recent concerts at The New Orleans Jazz Museum and Saturn Bar. The Toronto version includes Jeff LaRochelle (reeds), Ewen Farncombe (piano), Max Simpson (bass), Norbert Botos (drums) and others, with recent concerts at The Jazz Bistro, The Jazz Room and Hirut Jazz Cafe.
