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The Lunar Octet at the Blue Llama, Ann Arbor, Michigan, November, 2019 (Photo by Chuck Anderson)
UPCOMING GIG
Blue Llama Jazz Club
August 11, 2021, 7:00 pm to 10:15 pm
314 S. Main St
Ann Arbor MI, 48104
734-372-3200
Reservations:
www.bluellamaclub.com/event/latin-jazz-wednesdays-the-lunar-octet
The New CD on Summit Records
on Summit Records, released May 7, 2021
"14 sizzling tracks."
Jazziz Magazine
"Convergence bursts with joy and authority. The group sounds fresh, and the compositions spur the impulse to dance and encourage intellectual engagement at the same time."
Downbeat Magazine
"Great stuff. The very best of arranging and instrumental art. Not just adrenaline-soaked music but also many fine nuances and even echoes of tango."
JAZZthing Magazine
"Terrific new album. This is a winner. Convergence has a lot of great tracks on it. One of those records that we play a lot of, not just a tune or two."
Michael Jewett, WEMU, Ypsilanti, Michigan
"Among the best CDs of the year."
Michael G. Nastos, WCBN, Ann Arbor, Michigan
"One of the best Latin jazz productions of 2021."
DJ El Chino , Solarlatinclub.com, Columbia
“A festive collection of originals. Picante!”
George Harris, Jazz Weekly
“The musical arrangements are great! Thanks to the Lunar Octet for keeping jazz alive and well.”
Ed Smith, Jazz Now , WOWD
“Memorable hard bop melodies over infectious rhythms, while the group's interest in Latin and African music gives every cut buoyant grooves that make the songs danceable ... ear-catching melodies and expertly performed improvisations.”
Michael Toland, The Big Take-Over
“A presentation that any fan of Latin-jazz will enjoy.”
Phil Slayback, Phil's Picks
“A powerful collection of originals by a multidirectional group of musicians with remarkable arrangements and perfectly calibrated brass sections. A superb opus in the 'essential' category.”
Thierry Docmac, Bayou Blue News
“A vibrantly colorful, soulful, atmospherically wondrous, breathtakingly sculptured, fantastically crisp, and fresh new album."
Russell Trunk, Exclusive Magazine
“Red Hot!"
Republic of Jazz
“A stirring feast of cultural delights."
Jim Hynes, Making a Scene
"Groovy album."
Tony Hillier, Planet Jazz, Queensland, Australia
"Every track is a keeper."
Tim Wright, WMNF, Tampa, Florida
"I like this one!"
Tony Hillier, Planet Jazz, Queensland, Australia
"I'm so glad these musicians are back at it! They play with a winning combination of telepathy, skills, energy, and maturity."
Jay Paul, WRUV, Burlington, VT
"The Octet's unique blend of African, Caribbean, and South American rhythms wrapped in a modern jazz package is hard to resist and make it hard to stay still, as this is ultimately the finest type of dance music. The arrangements sometimes offer an illusion of a much bigger ensemble. All the soloists impress. Worth the wait!"
Piotr Michalowski, Southeastern Michigan Jazz Association Newsletter
"This set is a total treat!"
Dave Rogers, WTJU, University of Virginia
"Convergence is a veritable mélange of world music that keeps you pumped from the intro to the last note."
Paula Edelstein, Sounds of Timeless Jazz
"Effervescent from the Midwest. This is music that the world needs a lot. It gives listeners the spark of life."
Tor Hammero, Nettavisen
"Some real Latin cookers, and hard swingers, too."
Clay Ryder, Sound Ideas and Jazz Etiquette
The Lunar Octet at Big Sky Recording Studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan, November 2018, recording "Convergence".
The Lunar Octet at O'Malley's in Livonia, Michigan, June 2017
The Lunar Octet at The Ark in Ann Arbor, August 2016
Steve Hiltner, Saxophones
Paul Vornhagen, Saxophones, Flute
Brandon Cooper, Trumpet
Sam Clark, Guitar
Keaton Royer, Keyboards
Jeff Dalton, Bass
Jon Krosnick, Drums
Aron Kaufman, Congas, Percussion
Olman Piedra, Timbales, Percussion
Paul Vornhagen, Saxophones, Flute
Brandon Cooper, Trumpet
Sam Clark, Guitar
Keaton Royer, Keyboards
Jeff Dalton, Bass
Jon Krosnick, Drums
Aron Kaufman, Congas, Percussion
Olman Piedra, Timbales, Percussion
"The Lunar Octet boasts adventurous sounds - a brand of music (incorporating heavily rhythmic excursions into jazz and Latin styles) as eclectic as the musicians, who take their music seriously. The music is as good as ever."
The Ann Arbor News
“A high-flying group, the Lunar Octet’s arrangements provide plenty of room for the band’s inspired improvisation. The tunes have an abundance of soul and melody as well, often based on Latin or African modes and rhythms. Most interesting.”
Columbus Alive!
“Among ten things that made the Montreux Detroit Jazz Festival magical: The Lunar Octet's uncategorizable sound, blending Latin, rock, and avant-garde sensibilities.”
The Detroit News
“Original compositions that have more rhythmic complexity and excitement than what you hear in most jazz groups, a collective sound that’s like a bid band, but with the intimacy of a small group, and an unusual combination of instruments, along with highly talented and imaginative musicians to play them make the Lunar Octet one of the most innovative and dynamic jazz groups ever. The results are powerful and exhilarating, with fiery Latin grooves, driving funk rhythms, swinging bop tunes, and romantic ballads. Exciting, original, and highly rhythmic jazz.”
German Village METRO
“The band relies on its own members for material, and the results are inventive, witty, and stylish.”
Ann Arbor News
“In the WEMU-Depot Town Association Jazz Competition, the Lunar Octet took top honors. They played with a vengeance, injecting more fire and passion into their music than ever before. Alto saxophonist Steve Hiltner’s compositions were particularly attractive, and also of note were the guitar solos of Sam Clark, urging the throng at Depot Town to roar with approval.”
Ann Arbor News
“Favorite Performance at the Montreux Detroit Jazz Festival: From the group Lunar Octet. So satisfying about this group was the perfect melding of the elements of Latin and jazz. The horns played the most wonderful, modern sounds, harmonic modulations, and stark and searching melodic lines, while the rhythm was unrelentingly Latin.”
LA Jazz Scene
"From the perspective of a jazz fan who had grown up in the Chick Corea – Herbie Hancock – Michael Brecker era and beyond, the Lunar Octet is likely the most universally listenable band that performs anywhere. Strong comradery, shared vision, and high-level musicianship come together to make hearing their truly original music so special. There is nothing baffling about the Lunar Octet. It is a joy to listen to them.”
Allmusic.com
"Soloists star with crisp clarity on jazz arrangements written mostly by saxman Stephen Hiltner. Lunar Octet definitely eclipses with its exhilarating big sound."
Jazz and Blues Report
“At the Montreux/Detroit Jazz Festival, the Lunar Octet, winners of the WEMU jazz competition, played their hearts out before an enthusiastic crowd.”
Ann Arbor News
“The Latin jazz of the Lunar Octet is smooth and infectious – perfect for a summer evening.”
Ann Arbor Agenda
“What this sinewy, versatile jazz-based band practices on its audiences is primarily good vibes. That base is a launching pad for some technically-trained pyrotechnics, some intuitively abandoned rhythmic interplay (especially African and Latin), blended, best of all, with a sense of humor.”
Ann Arbor News
“… some of the hottest percussion this side of the Amazon."
Ann Arbor News
“This inspiring eight piece ensemble projects three white-hot horns out front and three fiery drummers behind a funky bass and a capital Electric guitar. They put forth a special blend of magical elements that makes you want to move. In an evening where beautiful arrangements were the highlight, the Lunar Octet took the honors.”
The Michigan Daily
“The liner notes on this CD call Lunar Octet’s latest release, Highway Fun, “a joyful blend of Jazz, Latin, and Funk/Rock”, and it certainly is just that. The real strength of this CD is in the excellent ensemble work. The result is a recording sounding coalesced and unified. The drumming and percussive work is especially appealing. The real strength of their CD is the excellent ensemble work. “Highway Fun” stands up to many listenings and is highly recommended.”
Ann Arbor Agenda
“A large ensemble that learns toward a Latin sound. Dubbed the “sultans of salsa”, the Lunars feature three fine horns up front and three percussionists. Add the laser beam guitar work of Sam Clark, and it simmers just right.”
The Michigan Daily
“Lunar Octet definitely eclipses with its exhilarating big sound.”
Jazz and Blues Report
“A rambunctious jazz fusion octet that applies humor to some of the most intense, imaginative music being made.”
Ann Arbor News
“Tight arrangements in which the percussionist is as studied a mathematician (and as big a ham) as the horn players, and impeccable musical quotes from the classics vying for space with the musical imaginations coming up with their own memorable phrases. They’re great live.”
Ann Arbor News
“The Lunar Octet’s danceable pop/jazz music is beautiful and intricate. Sit back and enjoy.”
Ann Arbor Agenda
“One of the most inspiring nights of music I’ve experienced”.
Linda Yohn, YEMU
“A great concert!”
Len Lehmann, Proprietor, Portola Vineyards Summer Jazz Concert Series
"A very fine band."
Sally Bolle, Greater Detroit Jazz Society, Detroit, Michigan
“A real crowd pleaser.”
Kathleen Slater, Washtenaw Council for the Arts
The Ann Arbor News
“A high-flying group, the Lunar Octet’s arrangements provide plenty of room for the band’s inspired improvisation. The tunes have an abundance of soul and melody as well, often based on Latin or African modes and rhythms. Most interesting.”
Columbus Alive!
“Among ten things that made the Montreux Detroit Jazz Festival magical: The Lunar Octet's uncategorizable sound, blending Latin, rock, and avant-garde sensibilities.”
The Detroit News
“Original compositions that have more rhythmic complexity and excitement than what you hear in most jazz groups, a collective sound that’s like a bid band, but with the intimacy of a small group, and an unusual combination of instruments, along with highly talented and imaginative musicians to play them make the Lunar Octet one of the most innovative and dynamic jazz groups ever. The results are powerful and exhilarating, with fiery Latin grooves, driving funk rhythms, swinging bop tunes, and romantic ballads. Exciting, original, and highly rhythmic jazz.”
German Village METRO
“The band relies on its own members for material, and the results are inventive, witty, and stylish.”
Ann Arbor News
“In the WEMU-Depot Town Association Jazz Competition, the Lunar Octet took top honors. They played with a vengeance, injecting more fire and passion into their music than ever before. Alto saxophonist Steve Hiltner’s compositions were particularly attractive, and also of note were the guitar solos of Sam Clark, urging the throng at Depot Town to roar with approval.”
Ann Arbor News
“Favorite Performance at the Montreux Detroit Jazz Festival: From the group Lunar Octet. So satisfying about this group was the perfect melding of the elements of Latin and jazz. The horns played the most wonderful, modern sounds, harmonic modulations, and stark and searching melodic lines, while the rhythm was unrelentingly Latin.”
LA Jazz Scene
"From the perspective of a jazz fan who had grown up in the Chick Corea – Herbie Hancock – Michael Brecker era and beyond, the Lunar Octet is likely the most universally listenable band that performs anywhere. Strong comradery, shared vision, and high-level musicianship come together to make hearing their truly original music so special. There is nothing baffling about the Lunar Octet. It is a joy to listen to them.”
Allmusic.com
"Soloists star with crisp clarity on jazz arrangements written mostly by saxman Stephen Hiltner. Lunar Octet definitely eclipses with its exhilarating big sound."
Jazz and Blues Report
“At the Montreux/Detroit Jazz Festival, the Lunar Octet, winners of the WEMU jazz competition, played their hearts out before an enthusiastic crowd.”
Ann Arbor News
“The Latin jazz of the Lunar Octet is smooth and infectious – perfect for a summer evening.”
Ann Arbor Agenda
“What this sinewy, versatile jazz-based band practices on its audiences is primarily good vibes. That base is a launching pad for some technically-trained pyrotechnics, some intuitively abandoned rhythmic interplay (especially African and Latin), blended, best of all, with a sense of humor.”
Ann Arbor News
“… some of the hottest percussion this side of the Amazon."
Ann Arbor News
“This inspiring eight piece ensemble projects three white-hot horns out front and three fiery drummers behind a funky bass and a capital Electric guitar. They put forth a special blend of magical elements that makes you want to move. In an evening where beautiful arrangements were the highlight, the Lunar Octet took the honors.”
The Michigan Daily
“The liner notes on this CD call Lunar Octet’s latest release, Highway Fun, “a joyful blend of Jazz, Latin, and Funk/Rock”, and it certainly is just that. The real strength of this CD is in the excellent ensemble work. The result is a recording sounding coalesced and unified. The drumming and percussive work is especially appealing. The real strength of their CD is the excellent ensemble work. “Highway Fun” stands up to many listenings and is highly recommended.”
Ann Arbor Agenda
“A large ensemble that learns toward a Latin sound. Dubbed the “sultans of salsa”, the Lunars feature three fine horns up front and three percussionists. Add the laser beam guitar work of Sam Clark, and it simmers just right.”
The Michigan Daily
“Lunar Octet definitely eclipses with its exhilarating big sound.”
Jazz and Blues Report
“A rambunctious jazz fusion octet that applies humor to some of the most intense, imaginative music being made.”
Ann Arbor News
“Tight arrangements in which the percussionist is as studied a mathematician (and as big a ham) as the horn players, and impeccable musical quotes from the classics vying for space with the musical imaginations coming up with their own memorable phrases. They’re great live.”
Ann Arbor News
“The Lunar Octet’s danceable pop/jazz music is beautiful and intricate. Sit back and enjoy.”
Ann Arbor Agenda
“One of the most inspiring nights of music I’ve experienced”.
Linda Yohn, YEMU
“A great concert!”
Len Lehmann, Proprietor, Portola Vineyards Summer Jazz Concert Series
"A very fine band."
Sally Bolle, Greater Detroit Jazz Society, Detroit, Michigan
“A real crowd pleaser.”
Kathleen Slater, Washtenaw Council for the Arts