Projects
I’m involved in quite a few varied and unique projects these days, both as a leader and a sideman. Click on the picture to find out more about each group!
As a leader/co-leader:
Andrew Oliver Sextet
My main group, featuring some of Portland’s most creative musicians! New album coming out in spring of 2010!
Andrew Oliver Kora Band
My Seattle-based group featuring Kane Mathis on kora, a traditional 21-stringed harp from West Africa. Jazz meets West African music.
Portland Jazz Composers’ Ensemble
A 14-piece group I co-founded in 2007 to promote new jazz composition by local composers.
Tunnel Six
A Canadian-American collective founded at the Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music in Alberta, Canada in 2009.
Bridgetown Sextet
An old-time jazz and swing sextet I co-founded with my good friend Scott Kennedy to perform our favorite repertoire from the 1920’s-1049’s.
Sound For the Organization of Society
A West-Coast Creative Music Collective which I co-founded in New Orleans in 2005, whose members are now based in L.A. and Portland.
As a sideman:
Sam Howard Band
A quartet led by bassist/composer Sam Howard performing his soulful original tunes, featuring Scott Pemberton on guitar, Russ Kleiner on drums, and myself.
Loveness Wesa and the Bantus
Led by Loveness Wesa of Zimbabwe, we perform her original Afro-pop as well as her versions of traditional Shona tunes. Featuring marimba, drums, bass, keyboards, trumpet, and several vocalists, this is a high-energy dance band!