Experience the electrifying fusion of jazz innovation and elemental inspiration as saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Stephen Philip Harvey takes the stage with his acclaimed ensemble, the Stephen Philip Harvey Octet (SPH8). It will be an unforgettable evening of live music, as they celebrate the release of their latest albums, Elemental (Live) and Live at Radio Artifact, originally recorded in Cincinnati, OH in the summer of 2023. The ensemble returns to Cincinnati to kick off the Double Live Release Tour on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 8:30 PM at The Lounge at Liberty Exhibition Hall.
Elemental (Live) and Live at Radio Artifact are the sixth and seventh releases (respectively) of emerging saxophonist, composer, and educator Stephen Philip Harvey. Active in the Mid-Atlantic region, Harvey boasts his octet as one of several ensembles under his name. This mid-sized ensemble is one of his several explorations in the varying instrumentations and traditions of jazz music.
Composed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Elemental (Live) is a collection of music is inspired by the classical elements: fire, air, water, and earth. This album takes the ideations of classical philosophy and represents them through Harvey’s distinct voice. To further add to this voice, Live at Radio Artifact features arrangements, new originals, and re-arrangements of previously recorded pieces for other ensembles. Within its track list are tunes from Wayne Shorter, Tim Green, and familiar melodies from Harvey’s large ensemble and electronic quintet.
This octet showcases the musicianship of colleagues from throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic region; this performance featuring several Cincinnati mainstays. These musicians bring the vibrance of their diverse music scenes to form this formidable unit. The band breathes vitality into these nature-influenced pieces under Harvey’s leadership for an impactful double live release.
