LUCIAN BAN , jazz pianist & composer · Lucian Ban - pianist, composer/arranger, bandleader Twice...
Transcript of LUCIAN BAN , jazz pianist & composer · Lucian Ban - pianist, composer/arranger, bandleader Twice...
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LUCIAN BAN, jazz pianist & composer
Bio, Discography, Press Quotes, Reviews & Interviews
”Ban plays with a fluency and sensibility that recalls Vladimir Horowitz as much as McCoy Tyner” TERRELL HOLMES, All About Jazz (March 2003)
“A name to watch” John Fordham, THE GUARDIAN UK
“Influenced by the music of Ellington, Monk, Abdullah Ibrahim and Randy Weston, in addition of the rich
folk music of his native country, Lucian Ban has blossomed onto a highly regarded jazz pianist and composer JASON WEST, Jazz Steps SEATTLE
“Enesco Re-Imagined is visionary third-stream music . . . this recording places Ban and Hébert
among the great 21st-century interpreters.”
MICHAEL J. WEST, Jazz Times(Enesco Re-Imagined CD review)
“Lucian Ban is an original pianist and composer. I’ve seen him grow and develop
into an original talent with something unique to offer” BILL KIRCHNER, Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies
“Lucian (Ban) is one of the most gifted pianists to move to New York in the past decade …“ BRUCE LEE GALLANTER, jazz critic
Ban’s tasteful, reflective piano playing combines the elegance and technical precision
of the European classical tradition with wide-ranging musical intere
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Lucian Ban - pianist, composer/arranger, bandleader www.lucianban.com
Twice nominated in 2005 & 2006 for prestigious Hans Koller “Best European Jazz
Musician Preis“Award, pianist, bandleader, composer & arranger LUCIAN BAN is
originally from Cluj, Transylvania, Romania. He currently lives in New York City
where is part of the next generation of performers & composers at the forefront
of contemporary modern jazz.
He leads several projects and writes innovative music that reinvents the idiom of
jazz music. His compositions are performed & recorded by other musicians and
ensembles.
Mr. Ban leads the super group ELEVATION featuring world renowned tenor sax
Abraham Burton, Eric McPherson on drums and bassist John Hebert, the
ASYMMETRY Quartet feat. Jorge Sylvester (alto sax), Brad Jones (bass) and
Derrek Phillips (drums), and The TUBA PROJECT a group featuring the famous
Bob Stewart on (tuba), Alex Harding (bari sax), Bruce Williams (alto sax)
and Derrek Phillips (drums).
He co-leads with renowned bassist John Hebert the acclaimed project “Enesco Re-Imagined” an ensemble
that presents a radical re-interpretation of 20th century classical genius George Enesco. An all star group featuring
Badal Roy, Tony Malaby, Ralph Alessi, Mat Maneri, Albrecht Maurer and Gerald Cleaver the group toured
extensively performing at London Jazz Festival, Barcelona Jazz Fest, Jazz d’Or, Guimaraes Jazz Fest, Glenn Gould Hall,
Le Poisson Rouge & Merkin Hall among others. The album was released on Sunnyside Records in 2010 to rave reviews
and won several “Best of 2010 Lists”
He also co-leads with soprano sax great Sam Newsome “The Romanian-American Jazz Suite” group, a
project that presents Romanian Folk music from a jazz perspective. In 2008 their CD bearing the same name was
released to great success by Jazzaway Records, followed by successful tours on both sides of the Atlantic.
Together with bari sax extraordinaire Alex Harding he co-leads the LUMINATION Ensemble a group that performs
since 2002 featuring special guests such as: Sam Newsome, Art Baron, Jorge Sylvester, Josh Roseman, Bruce Williams
and many more.
In 2003 the Lumination Ensemble featuring drum legend Barry Altschul was voted "One of the best shows of
2003 " by the All About Jazz Magazine NYC along with Cecil Taylor and Joe Lovano groups.
Mr. Ban has released 9 critically acclaimed albums as a leader for US and European based labels. 2003 sees his US debut recording with "Something' Holy" a duet CD with Alex Harding followed by "Premonition" a
Quintet album featuring Alex Harding, Damion Reid, Erik Torrente and Chris Dahlgren both for CIMP Records. In 2006
he releases on Jazzaway Records “PLAYGROUND” by his Asymmetry Quartet one of his best albums to date, followed
by a sideman appearance on Alex Harding’s acclaimed “The Calling“ CD (featuring Nasheet Waits, Brad Jones and
Andrew Daniels). In 2005 he releases the first album of the unique TUBA PROJECT band featuring Bob Stewart,
J.D.Allen, Alex Harding, and Derrek Phillips. And in 2008 “The Romanian-American Jazz Suite” by Sam Newsome
& Lucian Ban Ensemble is released to great success on Jazzaway Records. In 2010 Sunnyside Records releases the
acclaimed Enesco Re-Imagined CD to rave reviews. His first 2 recordings as a leader, “Changes – Live at Green
Hours” and “From now on” were released on the Romanian label Green Records.
He performs and tours regularly with his projects and as a sideman in New York jazz clubs and Europe Festivals and
between 2002 -2005 was a member of The BMI Composers Jazz Workshop.
Lucian Ban has performed/recorded with among others: Alex Harding, Barry Altschul, Gerald Cleaver, Bob Stewart,
Badal Roy, Tony Malaby, Mark Helias, Sam Newsome, Art Baron, Curtis Fowlkes, Gene Jackson, Nasheet Waits, Mat
Maneri, Pheeroan AkLaff, Reggie Nicholson, Drew Gress, J.D.Allen, Willard Dyson, Carlo DeRosa, Damion Reid, Jorge
Sylvester, Josh Roseman, Abraham Burton, Essiet Essiet, Chris Dahlgren, Brad Jones, John Hebert, Bruce
Williams, Bruce Cox, Hill Greene, Eric McPherson, etc.
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Lucian Ban also wrote music for more than 20 theater productions, film and ballet and for NYC Symphony Orchestra
and in June 2001 he composed original music for the Theater/Dance Company MINUS. His original music for the
theatre play “Philosopher Fox” produced by East River Comedia was nominated twice for the prestigious IT Awards in
NYC. His last theatre score was for Saviana’s Stanescu ‘Waxing West” production at La Mama Theater in NY. Lucian
Ban has received his degree in Contemporary Jazz Composition and Arranging from New School University in NYC. He
also holds a degree in Philosophy from Bucharest University
Discography
2010 “ Enesco Re-Imagined” by Lucian Ban & John Hebert / Sunnyside Records 2010
Featuring Tony Malaby, Ralph Alessi, Mat Maneri, Albrecht Maurer, Gerald Cleaver, Badal Roy, John Hebert.
2008 “The Romanian-American Jazz Suite” by Sam Newsome & Lucian Ban Ensemble
Jazzaway Records 2008 / Featuring Sam Newsome (sop sax), Arthur Balogh (bass), Willard Dyson (drums),
Sorin Romanescu (guitar), Alex Harding (bari sax), Lucian Ban (piano)
2006 “Playground” by Lucian Ban & ASYMMETRY Jazzaway Records 2006
Featuring Jorge Sylvester (alto sax), Brad Jones (bass), Derrek Phillips (drums), Lucian Ban (piano)
2006 “The Calling” by Alex Harding & BLUTOPIA Jazzaway Records 2006
Featuring Alex Harding (bari sax), Nasheet Waits (drums), Lucian Ban (piano), Brad Jones (bass), Andrew Daniels (p)
2005 “TUBA PROJECT” by Lucian Ban & Alex Harding Cimp Records 2005
Featuring Bob Stewart (tuba), J.D.Allen (ten sax), Alex Harding (bari sax), Derrek Phillips (drums), Lucian Ban (piano)
2003 “Premonition” by Lucian Ban & Alex Harding Quintet Cimp Records 2003
Featuring Alex Harding (bari sax), Erik Torrente (alto sax), Damion Reid (drums), L. Ban (piano), Chris Dahlgren (b)
2003 “Somethin’ Holy” by Lucian Ban & Alex Harding DUO Cimp Records 2003
Featuring Alex Harding (bari sax), Lucian Ban (piano)
1999 “From now on” by Lucian Ban Septet Green Records 1999
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Featuring Lucian Ban (piano), Eddie Neumman (ten sax), Vlaicu Golcea (bass), Ferdi Schuking (sop sax), Eugen Nichiteanu (drums), Maurille Amousou (perc), Aristides “Ati” Panaitescu (perc)
1998 “Changes–Live at Green Hours Jazz Cafe” by Lucian Ban Sextet Green Records 1998
Featuring Lucian Ban (piano), Eddie Neumman (ten sax), Vlaicu Golcea (bass), Adrian Stefanescu (drums), Maurille
Amousou (perc), Fabrice Doutouma (perc)
Honors & Awards
2010 – Album “Enesco Re-Imagined” wins “Best of 2010” by Jazz Journalist Association / Critics Michael J.
West and John Szwed.
2006 – Nominated for the 2nd time for the “Best European Jazz Musician” by the Hans Koller Foundation.
2005 – Original Score for the play “Philosopher Fox” nominated for both Outstanding Sound Design and
Best Score at the New York Innovative Theatre Awards.
2005 – Nominated for the “Best European Jazz Musician” by the Hans Koller Foundation in Austria.
2003 – Album “Something Holy” by Lucian Ban & Alex Harding Duet Awarded 4* Stars by All Music Guide.
2003 – Ensemble Lumination co-lead by Lucian Ban & Alex Harding and featuring drum legend Barry
Altschul voted “One of the Best Shows of 2003” by All About Jazz Magazine NYC.
2000 – The theater show “Azi ma Ubu ” after Alfred Jarry wins the Great Prize at the Bucharest Humoror
Theatre Festival in Bucharest, Romania.
1999 – The album “From now on” by Lucian Ban wins the “Best Jazz Album of 1999” in Romania.
Composition
2012 – Original Score for “A Perfect Wedding” by Chuck Mee, directed by Karin Coonrod at Hungarian
Theater, Cluj.
2011 – Original Score for “Rover” play directed by Kartin Coonrod at World Financial Center.
2008 – Original score for “Waxing West” by playwright Saviana Stanescu, LaMaMa Theatre in NYC.
2006 – Original score for “Dionysus in 69 “revival by Richard Schechner and directed by Chris Mirto @
The Garage in Soho, NY.
2006 – Original score for the play “Timbuktu” by playwright Paul Auster directed by Richard Schechner at
Baryshnikov Dance Center in NYC.
2005 – Original score & soundtrack for the independent film “To and from New York”
2005 – Original music for the dance piece “Suspendida” by Irina Poulos & Oana Botez at St. Marks Theater.
2005 – Original score for the play “The Jungle Book” by R. Kipling directed by David Miller for New Acting
Company in Greenwich Village NYC.
2005 – Original score for the play “Philosopher Fox” by polish playwright S. Mrojek produced by East River
Comedia Company at Collective Unconscious Theatre, NY.
2004 – Original score & soundtrack for the film “The Road Home” by Jordan Janone.
2004 – Original music for the play “Body Maps” by playwright Saviana Stanescu @ 2002 Fringe Festival NYC.
2004 – Commissioned several original charts by the Latin music icon Machito Orchestra.
1996 – 1999 – original music for various Theatre & Ballet Productions in Romania.
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Reviews & Press
For full article, please click on the link – most articles are online.
For CD “Enesco Re-Imagined”
Lucian Ban & John Hebert Enesco Re-Imagined Sunnyside Records, March 2011 Print Issue, by Michael J. West
“Enesco Re-Imagined is visionary third-stream music . . . this recording places Ban and Hebert
among the great 21st-century interpreters.”
Enesco Re-Imagined is visionary third-stream music. That’s undercounting the streams, actually; the album is a compound of musical compounds. Romanian composer Georges Enesco, whose work is here re-orchestrated by pianist Lucian Ban and bassist John Hébert, was known for molding doina—a Romanian folk form—into classical structures and settings. Upon this, Ban and Hébert superimpose avant-garde jazz interplay and improvisatory language via the frontline of trumpeter Ralph Alessi, saxophonist Tony Malaby, violinist Albrecht Maurer and violist Mat Maneri. Drummer Gerald Cleaver finds a percussive ally in Bengali tabla player Badal Roy. Nevertheless, Hébert and Ban are the stars here.
Lucian Ban / John Herbert | Sunnyside Records (2010) by Raul D’Gama Rose, CD Review Editor
“ . . . This ingenious album of some of his best-loved work, by another extremely talented Romanian-
born pianist and composer, Lucian Ban, is hardly surprising, then. Recorded at the biennial George
Enesco Festival in 2009, and cleverly titled Enesco Re-Imagined, it is a spectacular, dreamy affair,
rooted, no doubt, in the celebrated musical reality of the celebrated 19th/20th Century composer.
Enesco was a great violinist and an even greater composer, who was beguiled by the world of music that
spread across the globe. Enesco also had a great ear for Romanian folk music and its influence can be
heard throughout in his music. Set against this backdrop of Enesco's devotion to ethnomusicology, Ban's
interpretations of the great Romanian composer's work are brilliant, showing an astute
understanding of Enesco's proclivities and also a deep understanding of the composer's work—
something shared by bassist John Hebert, who also shares in the credits as having arranged Enesco's
work for this project”
Eight of Enesco’s sinewy themes are dropped sparingly but
memorably between long passages of sympathetic
improvisation and astute use of a mixed-genre lineup. Smoky
tenor-sax reflections are embraced by swelling viola and violin lines, dramatically enhanced by Alessi.
Fast trumpet solos with tabla rhythms turn into a seesawing Enescu folk-melody, and percussive Indian
chanting is prodded by Herbie Hancock-ish piano chords and then raw free-jazz sax.
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Par Jean-Marc Gelin pour LES DERNIERES NOUVELLES du JAZZ, France
“A colossal work of re-writing the music of George Enesco . . . the group sounds
like a 40 piece orchestra!”
C'est à un colossal travail de réécriture pour cuivres et cordes de l'oeuvre du compositeur
roumain Georges Enesco (1881-1955) que se sont livrés le pianiste et compatriote Lucian
Ban et le contrebassiste américain John Hebert pour ce travail présenté en public à.
Comment rendre compte d'une œuvre aussi complexe que celle de Enesco tout en la modernisant, en la
relisant mais sans toutefois la trahir. C'est l'audacieux pari des deux co-arrangeurs qui, c'est le moins que l'on
puisse dire ont livré là une œuvre orchestrale d'une incroyable densité. Si dense d'ailleurs que (tel qu'on
pourrait le dire d'un livre) elle a un peu tendance à nous tomber des mains. Il est vrai que la complexité de
cette musique s'illustre par la multiplicité de ses grilles de lecture. Chaque morceau ouvre d'innombrables
tiroirs avec un art consommé du "passage. Avec pour base une formation orchestrale réduite, les deux
arrangeurs parviennent à faire sonner et à donner à l'œuvre une très vaste dimension orchestrale.
*VILLAGE VOICE PICK* Stacey Anderson, Village Voice NY
"Trust us; this kind of night only happens once every three centuries”
“It's a rare combination of uninhibited but coherent solo and collective
improv, shrewd arrangement and dazzling thematic writing”
John Fordham, The Guardian, UK
4* Stars! Romanian jazz can swing like the clappers one minute and break
your heart the next. Inspired by late composer George Enescu, this East-
meets-West suite by pianist Ban and bassist John Hebert adds violin and
viola to the usual jazz mix. Their Mingus-like arrangements draw melodious
solos from tenorist Tony Malaby and trumpeter Ralph Alessi.
“Enesco Re-Imagined receives CHOC by Jazzman Magazine, FRANCE”
*TIME OUT NEW YORK'S TOP LIVE SHOW*
“Pianist Lucian Ban and bassist John Hébert have elegantly rearranged the compositions of famed Romanian violinist George Enesco, maintaining their
spirit while breathing into them a driving jazz force…” New York Magazine
“A scary-good group . . . Both orchestrators look far afield . . .
Indian percussionist Badal Roy shifts momentum even farther east . . . “
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“…interpretations driven by invention and flecked with both frenzy and repose.
From sonata to symphony, George Enescu's pieces are sliced in a way that lets
an Improvising brass/reeds/strings ensemble makes hay with scores that never
had jazz in mind, but lend themselves to all sorts of creativity.”
Jim Macnie, Village Voice November 2010
Mike D. Brownell (Classical Critic for All Music Guide)
“Recorded at the 2009 Enescu International Festival, the performances here have a lot to offer
most listeners. Even purists who aren't big fans of altering original compositions will notice that
reorchestrators Lucian Ban and John Hébert do so in a highly respectful manner; perhaps most
surprisingly, Enescu's music truly lends itself well to this type of performance, and jazz aficionados may not even suspect
that these works were drawn from a "classical" composer. Ban, Hébert, and their ensemble play with a pleasingly laid-
back, relaxed mood”.
“ . . . Overall, the chamber-jazz expressionism of, say, Jimmy Giuffre will hold sway, even when
drummer Gerald Cleaver kicks the volume level beyond ruminative territory."
— K. Leander Williams, TONY
For CD “The Romanian-American Jazz Suite” by Sam Newsome & Lucian Ban Ensemble. 2008, Jazzaway Records, Norway.
Jazz Listings by Nate Chinen, jazz critic for NY Times By THE NEW YORK TIMES Published: November 13, 2008
SAM NEWSOME AND LUCIAN BAN The soprano saxophonist Sam Newsome and the pianist Lucian Ban recently teamed up for the “Romanian-American Jazz Suite” (Jazzaway), drawing on their respective backgrounds. They recreate it here with help from the baritone saxophonist and bass clarinetist Alex Harding, among others. At 9 and 10:30 p.m., Cornelia Street Café, 29 Cornelia Street, West Village, (212) 989-9319, corneliastreetcafe.com; cover, $12, with a one-drink minimum. (Chinen)
In print & On the web at: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/14/arts/music/14jazz.html
Cornelia Street Café, Nov 15th, 9 & 10.30 shows.
Lucian Ban’s brand of jazz would have sounded perfectly at home on Blue Note in the mid-’60s. Like Wayne
Shorter, McCoy Tyner and other vanguard bandleaders of that era, the Romanian pianist-composer favors
searching post bop that cranes toward the avant-garde without losing the buoyance of
swing. Tonight he’s joined by saxophonist and co-composer Sam Newsome in their collaborative Romanian-American
Jazz Suite.
In print & On the web at: http://www.timeout.com/newyork/events/jazz-experimental/255490/3781051/sam-newsome-and-lucian-ban
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Don Heckman, Special to the L.A. Times. Review for Concert at Jazz Bakery, L.A. “….one of the more unusual musical encounters of the year ” … American jazz and the music of Romania would not seem to have obvious linkages. But, as frequently happens when players from one improvising musical culture meet those of another, common ground – even fascinating common ground – is discovered. Which is exactly what happened Thursday night at the Jazz Bakery in the performance of the “Romanian-American Jazz Suite” by a six-piece ensemble uniting three Romanian players with three Americans? Their empathetic partnership was more easily achieved by virtue of the fact that all were experienced jazz artists…? ”
Print & On the web at: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/reviews/la-et-romania5-2008jul05,0,5643226.story
Sam Newsome & Lucian Ban:
The Romanian-American Jazz Suite at the Jazz Standard, NYC Sam Newsome & Lucian Ban - Published: July 22, 2008 by Budd Kopman
“ …The musicological fusion of Romanian folk music and American jazz worked extremely well. There were a number of very heavy grooves set up that had the house swaying. Odd-meter dances were kept lively and pulsating by the close interaction of the bass of the Romanian Balogh and the drums of the American Dyson, who was having some serious fun. Romanian scales set the harmonic context for much of the music, which, when juxtaposed with the jazz soloing aesthetic, produced music that belonged in neither world exclusively.
Newsome was magnificent. Possessing an extraordinary technique that includes circular breathing and a finely-honed harmonic sense, he would let fly with ecstatic streams of notes in one tune, while getting inside the plaintive sounds of a Romanian Christmas carol in another.
The original four-movement "Romanian-American Jazz Suite" ended the set. Moving from the simpler hymns and carols of "Prelude" and "Colinda" through the pulsating rhythms of "Bucharest Part Two," the music brought everyone, regardless of their cultural heritage, together as one.
On the web at at: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=29976
George Kanzler, Hot House, July 2008 ISSUE. Featured on the COVER also.
“ … It's an album full of rewarding surprises, a jazz delight “
On the web at at: http://www.hothousejazz.com/hothouseissues.htm
Budd Kopman, All About Jazz, July 2008 ISSUE
“…The Romanian-American Jazz Suite is delightful—emotionally as well as
physically moving“
On the Web at: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=30070
Bill Milkowsky, Jazz Times August 2008 ISSUE “…This unique collaboration between American soprano sax player Sam Newsome
and Romanian pianist Lucian Ban, both players on the New York jazz scene for several years, offers
further evidence that jazz is indeed a universal language in the 21st century
In print Jazz Times Magazine, worldwide and on the web at:
http://www.jazztimes.com/reviews/cd_reviews/detail.cfm?article_id=19295§ion=CD%20Reviews&issue=200808
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Thomas R. Erdmann for jazzreview.com
„This very surprising disc shows cultures can mix, and in the case of these two,
especially well”
On the web at: http://www.jazzreview.com/cd/review-19751.html
Skip Spratt for SaxShed.com
“The Romanian influence is apparent after understanding the intent of Ban and
Newsome. What is more at the forefront is some beautiful jazz playing by a very capable ensemble –
whether from America, Romania or anywhere in between”
On the web at: http://www.saxshed.com/reviews.shtml#romanianamerican
Terrell Holmes , All About Jazz Magazine NYC July 2008 ISSUE
“…Translations of European folk songs into the jazz idiom certainly isn’t new, but
one would be hard pressed to find a better example of how it should be done
than this.” On print version + On the web at: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=29765
Glenn Astarita, for EJAZZ NEWS
“… there is a lot of goodness transpiring throughout this distinctly flavored and
irrefutably, engaging venture. It’s a thing of beauty as they say “
On the web at: http://www.ejazznews.com
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For CD “TUBA PROJECT” by Lucian Ban & Alex Harding Ensemble. featuring legendary tuba player BOB STEWART – www.bobstewartuba.com
2006, Cimp Records USA .
Budd Kopman, All About Jazz, March 2006 ISSUE
“ … With The Tuba Project, Lucian Ban and Alex Harding have put together a raucous,
bluesy, energetic, and at times ecstatic album. Drawing from deep roots in jazz and Afro-
American music, these musicians play with a contagious abandon. The Tuba Project is hard to resist. This
music is so alive and full of spirit that it will demand and get your willing attention as you travel emotionally
with the band; the trip is well worth every minute “
On the web at: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=21073
Jeff Stockton , All About Jazz, March 2006 ISSUE
“ … a group with this much rhythmic sense is at its finest when it finds a groove (as on
the lightly Latinized Mexican Hat), and this small band plays big (check out the rollicking
second-line motion of Cajun Stomp). Ban takes writing credit on seven of the eight tracks, and his innate
European classicism appears to have been leavened by his partnership with the bluesy, from-the-church
Harding, particularly on the magisterial Hymn which opens as a piano/tenor duet but soars to the rafters when
the rest of the band joins in. “ On the web at: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=20693
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Robert Iannapolo for Cadence Magazine, Oct 2006 ISSUE
“Their latest group, the Tuba Project is, to these ears, their most satisfying recording
yet. As one can glean from the title, the attention of this project falls on the tubist.
And Ban and Harding are fortunate to have the best current practitioner on the instrument in Jazz on their
side: Bob Stewart ….. It’s clear that Ban, who composed all pieces except for Harding’s “Spirit Take My Hand,”
relishes this stellar player in his group and he gives Stewart challenging material with which to work. Ban’s
compositions are the other high point of the date. Some take advantage of classic forms. “Cajun Stomp” draws
from funky New Orleans rhythms and form. “Mexican Hat Dance” is a strong Latin number. The group format
and the playing by all involved cries out for a second volume. And I imagine live, this group would be a great
proposition “
Derrek Taylor , All About Jazz, March 2006 ISSUE
“ … Their latest project carries a signifier that stresses the novelty of the
instrumentation. Ban’s playing blends stylistic slivers of Andrew Hill and McCoy Tyner
with an abiding personal elegance and adroit attention to detail. On the opening of Cajun Stomp he drops a
pithy quote from Monk’s “Well You Needn’t” into a terpsichorean solo that nimbly negotiates the choppy
second-line rhythm set up by drummer Derrek Phillips…”
On the web at: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=22475
By JAZZ TIMES critic Bill Shoemaker
“ …. Romanian-born pianist Lucien Ban and baritone saxophonist Alex Harding
have a thriving collaboration, as evidenced by their well-focused Tuba Project,
and Ban’s assertive presence on The Calling. Often, the strength of such collaborations can be measured by
another circle of musicians; those brought onto more than one project. Much of Ban’s writing on Tuba Project
is overtly rootsy. … Mixed in with unsentimental scorchers like “Muhal’s Song” and the largely improvised,
horns-only “Other Voices,” pieces like “Cajun Stomp” and “Mexican Hat Dance” register as enlivening idiomatic
spice, instead of compulsory nods to stock materials …”
On the web at: http://www.pointofdeparture.org/PoD7/PoD7MomentsNotice.html
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For CD “PLAYGROUND” by Lucian Ban & ASYMMETRY feat Jorge Sylvester. 2006, Jazzaway Records, Norway.
By Thomas Conrad, JAZZ TIMES, May 2006 ISSUE
“ … This acoustic album is heady, electric stuff, from one of the strongest, freshest new
bands in New York. They are pianist Lucian Ban (originally from Bucharest, Romania), alto
saxophonist Jorge Sylvester (originally from Panama) and a powerful rhythm force of bassist Brad Jones and
drummer Derrek Phillips. What makes Playground work is the juxtaposition of Ban’s Old World intellectual
romanticism and Sylvester’s earthy Third World fervor….”
On the web at: http://www.jazztimes.com/reviews/cd_reviews/detail.cfm?article_id=16881§ion=Eighty-
Eights&issue=200605
By JAZZ TIMES critic Bill Shoemaker
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“ …. Ban’s writing on Playground reveals influences spanning the early carefree Ornette and the early weighty
Jimmy Giuffre; however, there’s nothing gratuitously off-center or ponderous about his compositions. Instead,
Ban hones melody and harmonic movement into smartly constructed pieces that resonate, emotionally. An
altoist who projects an unassuming fire and an open-book spirit, Sylvester is a good match for Ban in this
setting. The same goes for Jones and Phillips, who provide finely calibrated propulsion and well-timed throw-
downs for Ban and Sylvester, who respond in kind ….”
On the web at: http://www.pointofdeparture.org/PoD7/PoD7MomentsNotice.html
Jeff Stockton , All About Jazz, February 2006 ISSUE
“ …. a recording by the Asymmetry Quartet, which features veteran alto player and
native of Panama Jorge Sylvester. Drummer Derrek Phillips ignites the opening take of
Hieroglyphics’ and he and bassist Jones provide sensitive backing for Ban and Sylvester to shimmer on Gentle
Shifts Rain and Silence. In addition to Ban’s pairing with Alex Harding and his work with Asymmetry, his bio
indicates several other active projects and more recordings in the works. He’s a prolific composer, generous
with his sidemen and not content simply to work again and again with the same lineup. We should be thankful
for Lucian Ban’s abundant imagination”
Bruce Lee Gallanter, jazz critic Downtown Music Gallery, October 2006
"… Featuring Lucian Ban on piano & direction, Jorge Sylvester on alto sax, Brad Jones on bass and Derrek
Phillips on drums. Lucian is fine Romanian pianist, currently living in NY ..... Lucian wrote all but two pieces here
and each is special in its own way. "Hieroglyphics" opens with a quick, demanding theme that is constantly
shifting tempos. No easy feat for the entire quartet who must stay on their toes as the changes constantly
move…. I dig the way Lucian's solo moves in bursts of energy, from quick to gradually slowing down to a quiet,
majestic solo piano episode. "Asymmetry" brings things to a grand close with a fine piano and alto sax duo,
with both players caressing each other with sublime beauty.
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For CD “Premonition” by Lucian Ban & Alex Harding Quintet. 2003, Cimp Records USA .
Terrell Holmes , All About Jazz Magazine NYC August 2003 ISSUE
Fans of the fabulous pianist Lucian Ban and baritone saxman Alex Harding will rejoice
that this dynamic duo is back, leading a quintet on Premonition. Joining them on this
date are Erik Torrente on alto sax, bassist Chris Dahlgren and drummer Damion Reid. Ban did yeoman work on
this disc, writing or co-writing all of the songs, doing the arrangements, and playing some damned fine piano
along the way. Ban and Harding recently played an excellent duo set at Barb's in Brooklyn and a full quintet set
at the Cornelia Street Cafe. If they continue to transfer the energy they found in the studio to a live setting—
and there's no reason to think they wouldn't be—audiences are in for true magic.
On the web at: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=12166
4 * Stars by Steven Loewy for All Music Guide, June 2003
“ … This is a group that looks to the past for inspiration but gives its bop and post-
bop influences a modern, individual stamp. Lucian Ban and Alex Harding previously
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recorded as a duo under the CIMP imprimatur on Somethin' Holy, and Harding has incorporated Ban's
compositions there and elsewhere. Lucian Ban's deft hands, along with the sinewy fingers of bassist Chris
Dahlgren and the skillful contributions of drummer Damion Reid, serve as both as a catalyst to the horns and
as a primary counterforce.
On the web at: www.allmusic.com
Bruce Lee Gallanter, jazz critic Downtown Music Gallery, May 2004
" Excellent new downtown modern jazz quintet featuring Romanian pianist Lucian Ban, Alex Harding on bari
sax, Erik Torrente on alto sax, Chris Dahlgren on acoustic bass and Damion Reid on drums. "Harmology" opens
with a hard swinging and memorable theme, which reminds me somewhat of one of those difficult Tristano-
like tunes . . . . Without a doubt, one of the hottest CIMP dates yet!!“
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For CD “Somethin’ Holy ” by Lucian Ban & Alex Harding DUET. 2003, Cimp Records USA .
Derrek Taylor , All About Jazz, April 2003 ISSUE
“ … As band mates and musical brothers Lucian Ban and Alex Harding share the kind of
synergy essential to a successful duet session. Both men evince highly emotive playing
styles--and coupled with astute expertise in the language of jazz, it’s a pairing guaranteed to pay dividends.
The majority of the pieces spring from prolific Ban’s pen and show the pianist to be a creative and eloquent
composer. Drifting sways along on Ban’s lush chords and Harding’s velvety phrasings- even the flutter of the
latter’s key pads can be heard…. On the web at: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/review_print.php?id=11346
Terrell Holmes , All About Jazz Magazine NYC March 2003 ISSUE
" . . . . with the exception of the title track the tunes on Somethin' Holy where cut in
one take.The disc "live" two track gives the music an arresting immediacy as you're sitting in the studio with
Harding and Ban, as close to being present at the creation as possibile. Ban plays with a fluency and sensibility
that recalls Vladimir Horowitz as much as McCoy Tyner. Harding can break your heart with tenderness or
shatter you with intensity, shouting and grunting to spur himself on, or venting his frustration over not getting
enough notes out of his horn . . . . "
Steven Loewy for All Music Guide, May 2003
“ … The sober mood slowly passes (though it emerges regularly throughout), and
by the time of "Somethin' Holy," the powerful braying of Alex Harding overwhelms
with its muscular force. Most of the pieces were written by the little-known Ban, whose classical music roots
are evident in the structures and in his improvisations. Somethin' Holy is Ban's first release as a leader on an
American label (he has a couple on the Romanian label Green Records), and it reflects a sensitive spirit at peace
with the world who is unafraid of confronting radical challenges “ On the web at: www.allmusic.com
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Pianist Lucian Ban Interviewed at AAJ
Posted: 2007-12-18
SOURCE: All About Jazz Publicity
One of the most creative new musicians on the New York City scene, Lucian
Ban is a Transylvanian pianist and composer whose collaborations with fellow
NYC jazzers continue to produce a burgeoning collection of original music.
Recordings with Bob Stewart, Alex Harding, and Jorge Sylvester highlight
Lucian's prodigious recent output, a body of work that includes five releases in
the last five years.
After studying composition at the Bucharest Music Academy from 1992 to 1995, Ban formed his first stable quartet, Jazz Unit. This band afforded him an opportunity to write, arrange and record two discs, including a live release at Green Hours, the capital's premier jazz club. New compositions, new recordings and a willingness to further his jazz education prompted a move to NYC in 1999 to study at the New School. A 2002 duet with baritone saxophonist Alex Harding produced the well-received disc Somethin' Holy (CIMP Records) and marked the pianist's American recording debut.
Since then, Ban's collaborative thumbprint has been wide-ranging, including membership in the Tuba Project quintet featuring Bob Stewart, Alex Harding's Blutopia band, Hieroglyphics with drummer Barry Altschul, and the Asymmetry quartet with alto saxophonist Jorge Sylvester. Yet, if a common characteristic of Ban's music exists, it may be the blending of modern jazz improvisation with traditional Transylvanian folk rhythms and melodies. It's a sound he brings home twice a year, touring Romania with a stable of American jazz compatriots like soprano saxophonist Sam Newsome who, with Ban, recently co-composed, arranged and performed a jazz suite based on Romanian folk music.
AAJ Contributor Jason West spoke with Ban about his musical upbringing and the diversity of projects with which he's currently involved, as well as his future plans.
Check out here: Lucian Ban: Transylvania's Rhapsody in Blue at AAJ today!
On the web at: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=27657
AAJ: Describe your experience playing in Jazz Unit, your first band. What did you take away from that group?
LB: I took a lot from it, learning to play for, write for, and lead a working combo. I also learned a great lesson: to write for the specific players in the band and not for the instrumentation. I’m proud to say that during the time that Jazz Unit was active we actually became one of the best jazz combos in Romania.
“Tell me what records you have in your
collection and I’ll tell you who you are.”
AAJ: Alex Harding was and continues to be one of your primary musical collaborators. How did you meet?
LB: Alex and I played together from first moment I got to New York, and I’ve learned a great deal from him as a musician, friend and somebody with more experience on the scene. He’s introduced and recommended me to many of the great and established players in the city.
AAJ: For the past five years, you and Alex have worked together on a series of recording projects: The Tuba Project (CIMP, 2006), The Calling (Jazzaway, 2005), Premonition (CIMP, 2003), and Somethin’ Holy (CIMP, 2002). How did these originate?