Mike Kaplan Nonet

An exciting jazz ensemble featuring 6 horns (3 saxes, 3 brass) and an intuitive 3 man rhythm section performing original arrangements in a variety of styles and genres all filtered through the 21st century Jazz sensibilities of the leader and bandmembers.The Mike Kaplan Nonet has been performing in various venues around the NJ/NYC area since 1987. The unit combines the cohesion and strength of a big band with the spontaneity and looseness of a small group. The Nonet features a tight six-man horn section(3 brass and 3 reeds) and a flexible, intuitive rhythm section that has played together in various units since the early '80s. A partial list of people and bands that members of the band have performed and/or recorded with includes the Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band, Al Foster, David Liebman, Buddy Rich, Dr. John, Chris Potter, Liza Minnelli, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Ray Barretto, Joe Williams, Art Farmer, Tony Trischka, Pat Martino, Peter Frampton, Chico Mendoza's Latin Jazz Dream Band and Blood, Sweat and Tears.The repertoire of the band consists of original arrangements by the leader and other members of the band of their own compositions and also rearrangements of tunes by Monk, Mingus, Ellington, Cedar Walton, George Adams and others. The styles that the band plays in a typical set span the gamut from Swing to Latin to New Orleans 2nd line R 'n B to Postbop and beyond.