The Seasons of Being is an ambitious 10-piece ensemble created by pianist/composer Andy Milne and commissioned by Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Works. Backed by Milne’s genre-bending quintet Dapp Theory, the group also features guest improvisers Ralph Alessi, Ben Monder, La Tanya Hall, Michael Attias and Christopher Hoffman. The music explores the body, spirit and mind on music, channeling the diagnostic principles of homeopathic healing to captivate the emotional characterization of each improvising musician. The suite premiered in at Millersville University and at Jazz at Lincoln Center in 2015 and was featured during New York’s 2017 Winter Jazz Fest. The recording, released on Sunnyside Records in 2018 was awarded the 2019 Juno Award for Jazz Album of the Year:Group.

With a lush instrumentation that includes horns, strings, vocals and rhythm section, Milne applied his appreciation for the emotional lineage of his musicians to create material that echoes Duke Ellington’s ability to empower his musicians’ musical heritage. With a shared resume that includes Fred Hersch, Anthony Braxton, Bobby McFerrin, Henry Threadgill and David Bowie, The Seasons of Being is a distinct ensemble capable of expressing powerful and luxurious musical exuberances.

official press materials

Discography

The Seasons of Being