1999 to present
Oxygen Ensemble is a collective of musicians led by New York bassist Thomas Bell. The group takes an improvised collective composition' approach to its music which provides a relentless groove heavily steeped in the traditions of Funk & Free-Jazz, with tinges of Drum n Bass, Hip-Hop, & the experimantal Avant-Garde. The Ensemble's improvisations are reminiscent of Miles Davis' early 70's groups with a modern and often futuristic feel. The music is based on rhythm, spontaneous composition and group improvisation which allows exploration of all styles of music and creates a captivating sound that pushes the envelope of today's music.
This is the mainstay group over the last ten years and Oxygen Ensemble has always been about collective improvisation. It was formed in Tallahassee, Fl in 1999 and held a four month residency at the local college venue, Potbellies. The first track on OMC's new release, "Ten Years" is from the second gig the ensemble ever played together. In the summer of 1999 founder Thomas Bell moved the concept to Seattle, WA and during the next year four of the original members landed in Seattle as well. Oxygen Ensemble held a new residency at The Rainbow Bar and Grill in Seattle for about a year and many Seattle improvisers became part of the new ever rotating line up.
Available Releases:
Ten Years
(Compilation 2009)
Oxygen Ensemble is a collective of musicians led by New York bassist Thomas Bell. The group takes an improvised collective composition' approach to its music which provides a relentless groove heavily steeped in the traditions of Funk & Free-Jazz, with tinges of Drum n Bass, Hip-Hop, & the experimantal Avant-Garde. The Ensemble's improvisations are reminiscent of Miles Davis' early 70's groups with a modern and often futuristic feel. The music is based on rhythm, spontaneous composition and group improvisation which allows exploration of all styles of music and creates a captivating sound that pushes the envelope of today's music.
This is the mainstay group over the last ten years and Oxygen Ensemble has always been about collective improvisation. It was formed in Tallahassee, Fl in 1999 and held a four month residency at the local college venue, Potbellies. The first track on OMC's new release, "Ten Years" is from the second gig the ensemble ever played together. In the summer of 1999 founder Thomas Bell moved the concept to Seattle, WA and during the next year four of the original members landed in Seattle as well. Oxygen Ensemble held a new residency at The Rainbow Bar and Grill in Seattle for about a year and many Seattle improvisers became part of the new ever rotating line up.
Available Releases:
Ten Years
(Compilation 2009)
Year of the Dragon
(2001)
Live at the I-Spy
(2001)
Memorial Day Highlights
(2000)
