On their stunning new release Ben Allison, Steve Cardenas, and Ted Nash turn their attention to the unique and ever-surprising music of the under-appreciated pianist-composer Herbie Nichols (1919-1963). The album features six previously unheard compositions, along with re-workings of two tunes first recorded by The Herbie Nichols Project in 2000 (Strange City, Palmetto).

I am so excited about this release, the result of a composition workshop in Beijing that I led about five years ago. The week almost killed me (no sleep, jet lag, long days, etc.) and almost feels like a dream at this point. On this recording I am joined by a truly international group of musicians playing the compositions that came from the 20 students in the class. The music, inspired by a Rauschenberg exhibit at the UCCA, is truly unique, evocative, and expressive.

The third album by the collective trio of Allison, Cardenas & Nash, Healing Power features music by the iconic composer/arranger. From the gorgeously meditative Ida Lupino, to the abstract and expressionistic Ictus, and the almost pop-like ease of Lawns, the music of Carla Bley provides the perfect musical landscapes for this inventive trio to explore.

I hope you enjoy the recording and the amazing performances by Glenn Close, Wayne Brady, Amy Irving, Matthew Stevenson, Eli Nash, Wynton Marsalis and all the members of the Orchestra. 

Through this program, expressed by new, original music and personal stories, we seek to explore both the transformations that generate from within and those we hope to catalyze in the world around us: captivity to freedom, self hatred to self love, darkness to light, resentment to forgiveness, chaos to order. Glenn and I hope that our work brings you the insight and inspiration to fortify you on your personal journey of transformation, especially at this crucial time.

Ted Nash, along with his trio (guitarist Steve Cardenas and bassist Ben Allison), releases a new album Somewhere Else: West Side Story Songs (Plastic Sax) featuring songs from the musical of the same name.

On this recording the trio continues the tradition they have created interpreting wonderful songs by composers they love. (Their previous release, Ben Allison’s Quiet Revolution, was dedicated mainly to the music of Jim Hall and Jimmy Giuffre.)

Two-time Grammy winning composer and saxophonist Ted Nash releases his first live recording in over 25 years. Known for his acclaimed works (Presidential Suite, Chakra, Portrait in Seven Shades) this much-anticipated release provides an opportunity for Nash to share his improvisational side. His inspired solos are impassioned and interactive. On this album he finds new areas of expression that will excite and move you. In Nash’s own words:

“These three nights at Dizzy’s were electric for me. I think you’ll hear in it the combination of great players, with history letting loose on music that has grown with me over the course of my career. On this album we share not just a night of music but the history of collaboration. This performance was also a chance to revisit a couple original compositions in an entirely new context, and re-explore music by some of my favorite composers.”

Presidential Suite (Motéma)
Nash’s Two-time Grammy-winning recording that finds inspiration from political speeches dealing with the theme of freedom.

“To call ‘Presidential Suite’, the new album by the Ted Nash Big Band, ambitious is an understatement…In words and music, Ted Nash delivers a timely message of hope and inspiration…” – Jazziz

Chakra (Plastic Sax)
Each movement is inspired by one of the seven energy centers in the human body, which are known in Tantric and Yogic study as chakras.

“A lover of film and television scores as well as symphonic works and big-band jazz, Nash turns what could have been an esoteric, new-agey affair into music that swings and pops with tension and release as much as it beguiles.” – Jazz Times

The Creep (Plastic Sax Records)
In an intimate quartet outing, Nash entertains, intrigues and leaves the listener joyful. With Ron Horton, Paul Sikivie and Ulysses Owens.
“4 1/2 Stars” – Downbeat Magazine

“The Creep will be a classic record in Nash’s discography and challenges the industry to be just as confounding, inventive and entertaining – 5 Stars. ” – Stage Door Music Reviews

“A stellar album by jazz great Ted Nash…entertains, intrigues and leaves the listener joyful. An early Grammy pick for sure!” – JazzReview

Portrait in Seven Shades (Jazz at Lincoln Center)
Performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and composed by Ted Nash. Inspired by master painters Chagall, Dali, Matisse, Monet, Picasso, Pollock and Van Gogh. Received two Grammy nominations.

“Saxophonist Ted Nash’s disc marks a new direction for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra…In imparting to each movement its own flavor, Nash wields a vivid palette of orchestral and rhythmic color.” – Ted Panken, Downbeat Magazine

The Mancini Project (Palmetto Records)
Nash’s father and uncle, Dick and Ted Nash, appeared on most of Mancini’s soundtracks for more than three decades. This album features Frank Kimbrough, Rufus Reid and Matt Wilson.

“Nash arranged 14 gems for a small group, featuring his poised flute/piccolo and
fine, hearty, occasionally breathy tenor sax. Nash clearly loves Mancini’s
melodies, giving them respectful but also creative, exhilarating
interpretations.The Mancini Project is one of those albums that encapsulates
what jazz is about, and it’s great fun, too.” – jazzreview.com

In the Loop (Palmetto Records)
Nash returns to the studio with his group Still Evolved to record nine new originals. With Marcus Printup, Frank Kimbrough, Ben Allison and Matt Wilson.

“In the Loop is noteworthy for the solidity and warmth of its compositions. There’s not a weak link among the nine tunes, all Nash originals…the honesty of Nash and his quintet’s feeling and intent is paramount and unmistakable.” – All About Jazz

La Espada de la Noche (Palmetto Records)
The unpredictable music they create, which is influenced by the cultures of Latin America, South America and Eastern Europe, is full of logical development, rich melodies and unusual tone colors.

“Excellence in jazz is all about the freedom to musically explore with an open mind and heart to ultimately find one’s voice. On “La Espada de la Noche,” his second Palmetto album and fourth overall, reeds player Ted Nash achieves that plateau of performance.” – Billboard Magazine

Still Evolved (Palmetto Records)
Ted Nash’s first release with his group Still Evolved. Features both Wynton Marsalis and Marcus Printup on trumpet, Frank Kimbrough on piano, Ben Allison on bass and Matt Wilson on drums.

“Small group interplay this good should always bring a smile to your face.” – Downbeat Magazine

Sidewalk Meeting (Arabesque Records)
Ted Nash’s first recording with his eclectic group Odeon. Features Miri Ben-Ari (violin), Bill Schimmel (accordion), Wycliffe Gordon (tuba and trombone), Matt Wilson and Jeff Ballard (drums).

“Odeon finds strains of tango, klezmer, New Orleans second line, and European classicism coexisting in one glorious melting pot of affirmative sounds, rhythms, and colors.” – Bob Blumenthal, Atlantic Monthly

Rhyme and Reason (Arabesque Records)
The Ted Nash Double Quartet, is a finely tuned music machine, led by Nash’s multifaceted horn work along with on-target ensemble work and brisk arrangements. Throughout, the
string section provides the tonal balance, continuity and motion.

“This is an accomplished musical statement and a most pleasurable listening experience: a serious joy. As one might watch a rose unfold, Nash explores a variety of textures that deepen upon repeated listens.” – Douglas Payne, All About Jazz

European Quartet (Elabeth)
This album, recorded in Paris, was the follow-up to many gigs in France with this wonderful rhythm section, featuring Olivier Hutman (piano), Thomas Bramerie (Bass) and Jean-Pierre Arnaud (drums).

“The rhythm team play together as if they were all old friends and make Nash sound like no stranger to them. This all-tenor program reminds this writer of Chris Potter when he plays the bi B-flat instrument, which is just fine because I consider him a real comer just as ! now do Ted Nash.” – Larry Hollis

The third album by the collective trio of Allison, Cardenas & Nash, Healing Power features music by the iconic composer/arranger. From the gorgeously meditative Ida Lupino, to the abstract and expressionistic Ictus, and the almost pop-like ease of Lawns, the music of Carla Bley provides the perfect musical landscapes for this inventive trio to explore.

Two-time Grammy winning composer and saxophonist Ted Nash releases his first live recording in over 25 years. Known for his acclaimed works (Presidential Suite, Chakra, Portrait in Seven Shades) this much-anticipated release provides an opportunity for Nash to share his improvisational side. His inspired solos are impassioned and interactive. On this album he finds new areas of expression that will excite and move you. In Nash’s own words:

“These three nights at Dizzy’s were electric for me. I think you’ll hear in it the combination of great players, with history letting loose on music that has grown with me over the course of my career. On this album we share not just a night of music but the history of collaboration. This performance was also a chance to revisit a couple original compositions in an entirely new context, and re-explore music by some of my favorite composers.”

The Creep (Plastic Sax Records)
In an intimate quartet outing, Nash entertains, intrigues and leaves the listener joyful. With Ron Horton, Paul Sikivie and Ulysses Owens.
“4 1/2 Stars” – Downbeat Magazine

“The Creep will be a classic record in Nash’s discography and challenges the industry to be just as confounding, inventive and entertaining – 5 Stars. ” – Stage Door Music Reviews

“A stellar album by jazz great Ted Nash…entertains, intrigues and leaves the listener joyful. An early Grammy pick for sure!” – JazzReview

Big Band Holidays (Blue Engine)
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

The album is the debut release of the Blue Engine label, intended as a “new platform” for Jazz at Lincoln Center. The 2010 recording comes from a newsworthy concert series at the Teatro Mella in Havana, made possible by President Obama’s easing of travel restrictions to Cuba.

Ben Allison Trio

Musicians:
Ben Allison – Bass
Ted Nash – Saxophones and Clarinet
Steve Cardenas – Nylon and Steel String Guitars

“Bassist Ben Allison is the latest to record with saxophone and guitar, and in a gorgeous-sounding audiophile vinyl just issued by Newvelle Records for their subscription series, Allison is paired with Ted Nash and Steve Cardenas to honor Giuffre and Hall. In addition to the honorees, Allison and Nash each contribute a composition as well as the inclusion of the Love Theme from Spartacus.” – Audiophile Audition