The Vandermark 5

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The Vandermark 5 was formed during the spring of 1996. Since that time it has been a major outlet for the compositional and improvisational ideas of Ken Vandermark, whose thinking has been developed through years of work with groups like the NRG Ensemble, AALY, the Peter Brötzmann Chicago Tentet, the Free Music Ensemble, School Days, Free Fall, and the Territory Band.

Trying to organize a small unit with the capabilities of a large ensemble, he needed and chose four exceptional musicians to join him on the project: Jeb Bishop: trombone/guitar, Kent Kessler: bass, Tim Mulvenna: drums, and Mars Williams: saxophone. During the past decade the quintet’s line-up has evolved and now, in addition to original members Vandermark and Kessler, it includes the extraordinary saxophonist Dave Rempis; Tim Daisy and his powerful work on percussion; and the cello/improvisation master Fred Lonberg-Holm.

Each of the current members has years of performance experience working with a wide variety of music. This, coupled with the range of instrumentation and stylistic potential held by the ensemble, allows Vandermark to compose material that runs the gamut of musical possibilities; he incorporates elements of jazz history, contemporary composition, funk and rock into the group’s music. Even so, the band’s focus remains on improvisation.
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  • Alchemia
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  • Beat Reader
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  • starbearer-

    F*ck yeah!!! I let i-tunes randomly pick what would be my 10,000 song listened to while scrobbling... Last Call [For Eddie Hazel]!!!! a very bad ass song, and a quintessential song that would best describe me.

    March 2012
  • starbearer-

    I am so so so so lucky to live in Chicago. If I hadn't... I may not have ever gone to the Empty Bottle 12 years ago when the Vandermark 5 had a sort of residency going. Really opened my mind to a whole new world of musical possibilities. I can't thank you guys enough. I mean... each guy in that band has their equality as impressive other bands too. You guys are insane.

    October 2011
  • Iranyela

    PLEASE, PLEASE COME TO MEXICO CITY!!!!

    April 2011
  • brianallensimon

    so good

    November 2010
  • fluxsfestival

    Hello Vandermark 5, we're excited to have you guys play at Flux/S Festival in Eindhoven (NL) together with Atomic! See you soon making wonderful music at the old industrial site of Strijp-S :)) http://flux-s.nl

    August 2010
  • lastdrive77

    thrilling

    May 2010
  • Weedcat

    I'm lovin it! :-)

    February 2010
  • Philmaz136

    Check out the Ken Vandermark Territory Band, unbelievable...

    February 2010
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