Ken Vandermark & Edition 55

https://vandermark1.bandcamp.com/

Edition 55 is the most recent of Ken Vandermark’s ensembles, an addition to an ongoing series of bands that have been internationally and critically acclaimed, which include The Vandermark 5, FME, The Resonance Ensemble, The Territory Band, Made To Break, and Marker. In addition to Vandermark, who plays saxophones and clarinets with the group, this quintet is comprised of Lily Finnegan (drums), Katinka Kleijn (cello/electronics), Nick Macri (acoustic and electric bass), and Beth McDonald (tuba/electronics).

The music of Edition 55 includes the range of Vandermark’s interests and influences, incorporating the experimental jazz of the AACM; the different schools of improvised music based in England, Netherlands, and Germany; post-punk, Tropicalia, dub, and funk. The band debuted at the Catalytic Sound Festival held in Chicago on December 2nd, 2022 and has a concert schedule planned for 2023 that includes a weekly residency at Elastic Arts in Chicago during February, a U.S. tour in April, and a tour in Europe during November. Also taking place in April is the group’s first recording, which will be released later in time for its initial trip overseas.