Monday, February 01, 2010
DARCY JAMES ARGUE'S SECRET SOCIETY IS FIRST BAND BOOKED FOR 2010 CAREFUSION NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL SET FOR AUGUST 6-8
NEW YORK, NY, February 01, 2010 - Booking for the 2010 CareFusion Newport Jazz Festival is off to a great start with the signing of Darcy James Argue's Secret Society. Produced by George Wein's New Festival Productions, the 56th annual jazz festival is set for August 6 - 8 at Fort Adams State Park and the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino.
One of the most visible young composers on today's jazz scene, Argue moved to New York from Canada in 2003 after studying with Bob Brookmeyer. Since 2005, he has led his own 18-piece big band, Secret Society, in regular performances around the city. The band's debut recording, Infernal Machines (New Amsterdam Records), which takes its name from a John Philip Sousa quote about the dangers of music technology, was released in May 2009 to widespread acclaim. Following the CD's release, Secret Society performed throughout Europe and the U.S. Argue has collaborated with the Frankfurt Radio Big Band and the Cologne Contemporary Jazz Orchestra and is a founding member of Pulse, six New York-based composers who have collaborated with singer Joy Askew, guitarist John Abercrombie and trumpeter John McNeil. His work as an arranger includes the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as well as concerts with alt-country artist Shelby Lynne, the Klezmer Conservatory Band and vocalist Lizz Wright. He calls his music "steampunk big band; but whatever he calls it, the music swings when he wants it to.
"I recently saw Darcy at The Jazz Gallery in New York and I was blown away by his dynamic presentation and rousing compositions. It's the kind of music that the Newport Jazz Festival is known," said producer George Wein. "Thanks to CareFusion, we were able to present an exciting festival in Newport last year and we look forward to celebrating jazz with them again."
More artists and information on the 2010 CareFusion Newport Jazz Festival will be announced by the end of February. Visit www.newfestivalproductions.com for updates and more information.
Carolyn McClair PR
