Ed Neumeister’s NeuNeuNonet
Birdland315 West 44th Street, New York 10036
Birdland hosts the world premiere of Ed Neumeister’s NeuNeuNonet, a nine-piece ensemble performing music composed and arranged by Neumeister. The group brings together Scott Wendholt on trumpet; Ben Kono on soprano and alto saxophone; Adam Kolker on tenor saxophone and clarinet; Neumeister on trombone; Carl Maraghi on baritone saxophone and bass clarinet; Neal Kirkwood on piano; Bruce Arnold on guitar; John Hébert on bass; and Rob Garcia on drums. Expect a newly introduced large-ensemble set shaped by its leader’s writing as much as by the individual voices in the band.
American trombonist and composer Ed Neumeister was born in Topeka, Kansas, in 1952. Known for an adventurous approach to composition and improvisation, he has worked with bandleaders including Duke Ellington, Mel Lewis, Lionel Hampton, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and Buddy Rich. Saxophonist Joe Lovano calls him “an inspired arranger, composer and conductor, as well as a soloist of deep expressive passion.” He has also been described as a “master trombonist and composer” whose “fresh ideas, expressive sound, and playful approach astound audiences,” an apt frame for this first outing by the NeuNeuNonet.
Birdland offers a refined jazz experience in a room where the audience sits at tables close to the stage, allowing every note to reach you clearly. The venue features a full menu with dishes like New Orleans-style gumbo alongside a well-stocked bar, making it easy to enjoy a meal or drinks while listening. Each show is ticketed per set, encouraging focused listening as the music unfolds in roughly 45-minute segments. The club’s walls echo decades of jazz history, having hosted legends and continuing to attract top contemporary artists. Located in Manhattan’s Theater District, the space balances a serious music environment with the energy of a night out, where attentive audiences savor the performances without distraction. Booking ahead is essential, as the club fills quickly for its celebrated lineup.