Knucklebean Improv Orchestra

The Knucklebean Improv Orchestra, or Knucklebean, is a NY-based collective of spontaneous composers and improvising musicians. Their performances, often consisting of just one hour-long piece, are culled almost entirely from thin air.

Formed in the Summer of 2007, Knucklebean is most often presented as a septet or octet, featuring two saxophonists, a trombonist, and one or two trumpeters backed by a rhythm section (electric guitarist, electric bassist and drummer). They have performed all over Manhattan and Brooklyn, at venues like Mo Pitkin's, Knitting Factory, Bowery Poetry Club, Freddy's Backroom, Spike Hill and The Living Theatre, as part of the 2008 Vision/RUCMA Series. They have appeared at ABC No Rio as part their famed C.O.M.A. series, and appear each month at the Galapagos Art Space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, as host band for the "This Is Our Music" series.

Their music combines elements of so-called "free jazz," rock, funk and any sound ever heard by any of their sixteen ears. Time Out New York describes their music as "avant-garde skronk with rubbery funk and soul-jazz grooves."

Members include:

Ben Syversen (trumpet)

Phil Rodriguez (trumpet)

Kevin Moehringer (trombone)

Matt Thomas (saxophones)

Matt Silberman (saxophones)

Brad Farberman (guitar)

Adam Minkoff (bass)

Nick Anderson (drums)

Occasional or one-time participants include:

Sabir Mateen (saxophones, clarinets, flute)

Scott Chasolen (keyboards)

Rob Hecht (violin)

Peter Lalish (guitar)

Adam Sturtevant (drums)

Lynn Ligammari (alto saxophone)

Blaise Siwula (alto saxophone)

Lewis Porter (keyboards)

Anthony Buonpane (baritone saxophone)

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