Experience the action-packed music of the Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra (SPHJO) as they record their second album, Multiversal, live at BOP STOP in Cleveland, OH. Harvey combines soaring melodies, driving vamps, and an amazing band of musicians to bring his comic book-themed large ensemble music to life. Be a part of the live recording experience as they document the eight original compositions for this next album. The ensemble will play through the entire album twice in two separate sets on Saturday, March 29, at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for one set or $30 for both sets and are available at themusicsettlement.org.
The ensemble released their debut album, Smash!, in 2022. This album boasted nine original compositions from the same vein of inspiration. “I’ve always been a fan of a superhero-based media,” says Harvey. “I think it started with a love for Power Rangers and Saturday morning cartoons like Batman, Spider-Man, and the X-Men. It totally made sense to incorporate that love into my large ensemble music into a pseudo-cinematic big band experience.” This second collection of music is comprised of compositions exploring the comic book concepts of the multiverse, covert operations, and different superpowers like telekinesis/telepathy, atmokinesis, and animal-based powers.
The SPHJO showcases the musicianship of colleagues from throughout the Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania regions. Many of these professional musicians also work as educators at universities throughout these regions, training the next generation of jazz musicians. These musicians bring the vibrance of their diverse musical backgrounds to form this formidable unit, akin to a superhero team-up like the Avengers or the Justice League.
