Photo by Susan Cook

Soprano saxophonist/composer Jane Ira Bloom is a pioneer in the use of live electronics and movement in jazz, as well as the possessor of "one of the most gorgeous tones and hauntingly lyrical ballad conceptions of any soprano saxophonist - Pulse".

Her continuing commitment to "pushing the envelope" in her music has led to collaborations with such outstanding improvising artists as Kenny Wheeler, Carlie Haden, Ed Blackwell, Min Xiao-Fen, Rufus Reid, Matt Wilson, Bob Brookmeyer, Julian Priester, Jerry Granelli, Jay Clayton, Mark Dresser, Marc Copland, Bobby Previte, & Fred Hersch. Recent performances include such diverse venues as MOMA, the Kennedy Center, BAM, Grace Cathedral, the Hayden Planetarium, the San Francisco & Willisau Jazz Festivals, as well as regular NYC engagements at Sweet Rhythm and Tonic with her current quartet.

Winner of the 2003 Jazz Journalists Award for soprano sax of the year, the Downbeat International Critics Poll for soprano saxophone, and the Charlie Parker Fellowship for Jazz Innovation, she is the first musician ever commissioned by the NASA Art Program, and was honored to have an asteroid named in her honor by the International Astronomical Union (asteroid 6083janeirabloom).

Recent commissions include the Doris Duke New Works grant for "Chasing Paint," a series of compositions inspired by Jackson Pollock and the Philadelphia Music Project for the premiere of "Unexpected Light," a new collaborative work for jazz quartet and lighting design at the Sedgwick Cultural Center in Philadelphia. She recorded her last five albums on Arabesque Jazz and her most recent recording Like Silver, Like Song appears on the innovative Artistshare label. The CD featuring long-time bandmates Mark Dresser (bass), Bobby Previte (drums & e-drums), and electronic keyboardist Jamie Saft is available at: www.janeirabloom.com

Jazz critic Bob Blumenthal has described Bloom as "a leader with a commitment to beauty and adventure." Bill Milkowski has called her "A true jazz original...a restlessly creative spirit, and a modern day role model for any aspiring musician who dares to follow his or her own vision."

Soprano saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom appears with her electro-acoustic quartet at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Inaugural Women in Jazz Festival on Wednesday, Sept 28th at 7:30pm.

JANE IRA BLOOM
The Inaugural Women in Jazz Festival
Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola
Wednesday, September 28, 7:30pm
Broadway at 60th St., 5th floor, NYC
Reservations: tel # (212) 258-9595 www.jalc.org

Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola is accessible through the Jazz at Lincoln Center marquee entrance on the corner of Broadway at 60th Street. The club is located on the 5th floor. Doors open at 6:00pm for the 7:30pm set. Tuesday through Sunday, there is a $30 cover charge for music. Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30pm set $15. Standard food and beverage minimum of $10 applies at tables, $5 minimum is required at the bar. Student rates with valid ID: Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30pm set $15. Food and beverage minimum applies to student rates.