Mood Music for Time Travellers - Either/Orchestra

One of my favorite larger ensembles out there at the moment is the Either/Orchestra, led by saxophonist Russ Gershon. For over two decades, they’ve been fusing afro-cuban sounds with some of the best funky grooves to be found. In my mind, they sound a bit like one took Stan Kenton, put him in the blender and made a really spicy Gazpacho.(How’s that for an image?)

The ten-piece orchestra is currently touring with a suite by Gershon, The Collected Unconscious, which brings the ensemble’s big sound to tackle unique influences from Ethiopian music. For all of you New Yorkers, they are performing the piece at the Tishman Auditorium at The New School of Design on November 19th and for those of you outside NYC, they’ll be at The Sanctuary in Troy, NY on November 20th.

Check out their website for more information on upcoming concerts and your eyes peeled for a recording of the suite sometime soon (I’m hoping).

In the meantime, check out their record Mood Music for Time Travellers (Accurate, 2010). If you like me, went outside earlier today and realized that winter has finally arrived in earnest, the sexy sounds on this album should warm you right up.