Tom Christensen's New York School (Playscape) Coming March 29th

Playscape Recordings continues the celebration of its 5th anniversary with the March 29th release of Tom Christensen's New York School (PSR#J041504). Known for years as a respected double-reed specialist and valued sideman with the likes of Joe Lovano and Toshiko Akiyoshi among many others, Christensen has steadily established his leadership status since 2000 with his two previous releases, Gualala (Naxos Jazz), and his Playscape debut, Paths (PSR#J111601). He is joined on New York School by veterans Walt Weiskopf and Kermit Driscoll, as well as longtime collaborator and eclectic percussionist, Satoshi Takeishi.

Tom Christensen
New York School
Street Date: March 29th, 2005
Playscape Recordings PSR#J041504

Tom Christensen, tenor and soprano saxophones, oboe, English horn, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto flute and wood flute; Walt Weiskopf, tenor and soprano saxophones, flute, clarinet, and bass clarinet; Kermit Driscoll, bass; Satoshi Takeishi, percussion

Critics called Tom Christensen's 2002 Playscape debut, Paths (PSR#J111601), “smart and inviting" (AllAboutJazz.com), “a remarkably varied, original, and arresting work" (Boston Globe), and “an artistic endeavor of the highest order" (Saxophone Journal). “By the end of the day," wrote All Music Guide reviewer Glenn Astarita, “it becomes outwardly apparent that Christensen possesses the goods to be a major force within the global modern jazz arena." His second Playscape release, and third overall, finds the multi-instrumentalist/composer drawing inspiration from the intermingling poetry and artwork of the so-called New York School. Seven new original compositions add a musical dimension to the work of poets Frank O'Hara and Kenneth Koch and painters Grace Hartigan, Jasper Johns and Jackson Pollack.

Media Contact for Playscape Recordings:
Scott Menhinick, Improvised Communications
(617) 489-6561
[email protected]