THE CHANDLER TRAVIS PHILHARMONIC
The Cutting Room44 East 32nd Street, New York 10016
The Chandler Travis Philharmonic is billed at The Cutting Room on November 13. No performers, special guests, release tie-ins or other details about the engagement are listed, but this is Chandler Travis’s large ensemble rather than a solo appearance. The group’s lineup shifts, and has been described as a nine-piece outfit, with horns, string bass, mandocello, guitar, keyboards, drums, accordion and a singing valet in its expanded configuration.
Formed in Cambridge in 1996, the Philharmonic calls itself a “9-piece technicolor extravaganza from Boston,” playing what it describes as alternative dixieland and omnipop. Its music brings together Dixieland jazz, rock and horn-fuelled R. & B., with the Village Voice calling the band “keenly entertaining” and “a blend of Ringling Bros. and Ra.” The New Yorker praised its “mind-bending wordplay,” while Time Out New York found the horn-led group “gloriously loose yet effortlessly powerful.” Travis has appeared in various musical guises with Elvis Costello, Green Day, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, John Cale, Bonnie Raitt, NRBQ, Charles Mingus, the Beach Boys, the Replacements and George Carlin. NRBQ’s Terry Adams and Al Anderson played on the Philharmonic’s first album.
The Cutting Room offers a distinctive live music experience in a space that balances a lively bar with attentive listening. The venue features a stage framed by exposed brick walls and warm lighting, creating a setting where the audience can enjoy performances up close. Seating is available but limited, encouraging a mix of sitting and standing that suits both focused listening and socializing. A full bar and a menu of thoughtfully prepared food complement the music, making it easy to settle in for the evening. Shows are ticketed, and purchasing tickets in advance is recommended to secure a spot. The venue often hosts multiple sets, allowing the night to unfold with a rich variety of sounds. This blend of quality music, good drinks, and a welcoming room makes for an engaging night out in Manhattan.