Artist description the central artery project is an ever-evolving ensemble most likely consisting of trombone, bass, saxophone, and drums. taylor ho bynum sits in on trumpet most nights, and occasionally ed barrett comes down from rochester to play a little guitar. this group combines many modern sounds and styles. the musicians run the gamet from speed-metal to a soft bluesy ballads, while still retaining a unique and different continuity. this is a new style. the way chris allen composes is by constructing platforms for the soloist to fully express himself and the original intent of the tune. dutch saxophonist jorrit dijkstra, who played on our latest album, has moved back to amsterdam. the great charlie kohlhase has replaced him. ed barrett is tasteful; his use of distortion and his harmonic approach on the guitar is superb and unique. the bassist dave choy is solid. at the age of 21, he has only been playing up-right bass for a year, yet he has proven himself to be one of the top up-and-coming bassists on the east coast jazz scene. drummer curt newton is impossible to figure out; no matter what he does he sounds amazing. most drummers don't think of tone, pitch and blending the way curt newton does. taylor ho bynum is a very texturally oriented trumpeter whose use of exotic mutes and different brass instruments adds another dimension to the group. this music sounds like everything you haven't heard before. there is no easy way to describe this band. check it out.

Music Style Free Jazz

Musical Influences Ornette Coleman, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Dolphy

Similar Artists none

Artist History Chris Allen put together Central Artery Project after the breakup of the Boston based Extreme Jazz group, Mottahead. "It seemed like every time I put together a group, it was a huge project. Players are always moving away, showing up late, just wanting to jam, are too busy, can't make a gig, or just don't want to work on anything. Even when the players are committed to the music and the band there are a number of other things that can go wrong. It's a lot of work running a band, not to mention composing and playing in it. I was living in downtown Boston at the time I put together my new group. Living with cranes, jack-hammers, bulldozers, construction workers, and other enormous pieces of equipment used for digging and drilling in the middle of the night inspired me. What I was undertaking-- trying to be a composer, lead a band, book gigs, play trombone, and be successful was and is as challenging as sinking the South East Expressway under downtown Boston. This is why I named my band after the largest public works project in America".After a few rehearsals in January of 1997 The Central Artery Project began a weekly stint at the famous Western Front in Cambridge, MA, where there was a long tradition of experimental music. The Western Front has been the home for the group in-between other gigs throughout New England, New York and Pennsylvania.

Group Members In 1998 - 1999 Chris Allen - trombone, composer, Jorrit Dijkstra - Alto Saxophone, Ed Barrett - electric guitar, Dave Choy - bass, Curt Newton - drumsIn 1999 - 2000 Charlie Kohlhase - alto sax, Chris Allen - trombone, Taylor Ho Bynum - trumpet, Curt Newton - rums, Dave Choy - bass

Instruments trombone, saxophone, trumpet, upright bass, guitar, drums

Albums WORTH OVER $30 AT STANDARD CATALOG PRICES, LIVE ON THE JAZZ OASIS

Press Reviews Boston Sunday Globe, July 20, 1997 Utica Observer Dispatch, April 26, 1998

Location Jamaica Plain, MA - USA

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