Brian Friedland Big Band at The Substation

After an eight-year hiatus, the Brian Friedland Big Band returns for a special evening of original music and imaginative large-ensemble jazz. Performed by a 20-piece orchestra of some of Boston’s finest musicians, Friedland’s compositions draw inspiration from diverse sources including poetry, travel, personal experiences, classical minimalism, and contemporary music styles, creating works rich in imagery, narrative, and emotional depth.

The concert will feature the premiere of a new composition exploring chance-based improvisation techniques, inviting spontaneous musical interactions and unexpected sonic landscapes. The program will also include a fresh big band arrangement of John Williams’s iconic Star Wars theme, reimagined through the lens of modern jazz. Combining intricate writing, adventurous improvisation, and powerful ensemble playing, this rare performance marks the long-awaited return of a band dedicated to bringing new music to life.

Woodwinds: Melanie Brooks, Todd Brunel, Allan Chase, Laura Heinrichs, Kathy Olson, Sam Spear

Trumpets; Eli Block, Alex Lee-Clark, Peter Kenagy, Dan Rosenthal,

Trombones: Peter Fanelli, Randy Pingrey, Grant Randall, Josiah Reibstein (tuba)

Rhythm Section: Brian Friedland (piano), Phil Sargent (guitar), Andrew Schiller (bass), and Austin McMahon (drums)