In Orbit

 

 
Group-1024x768.jpg

LATEST RELEASE:

 

In Orbit is a group at home in many musical worlds, taking jazz and improvised music freely across many styles.  The music is energetic, imaginative, and playful, based around a love of great grooves expressed with soulful spirt and deep musicianship.

In Orbit brings together musicians from both sides of the Canada-USA border, centered on the original compositions of its co-leaders; American saxophonist Jeff Coffin, and Canadian guitarist Michael Occhipinti. Rounding out the group is a who's-who of musicians that includes the brilliant electric bassist Felix Pastorius, Nashville/Toronto pianist Tom Reynolds, and Toronto drummer Davide Direnzo.

Jeff Coffin is an omni-present saxophonist in Nashville, who is best known for his work with Dave Matthews BandBela Fleck and the Flecktones (1997-2010).  Jeff has been composing and releasing albums with his M’utet for many years, and can be spotted as a guest and collaborator with a number of groups including the Band of Other Brothers (with Nir Felder, Jeff Babko, Will Lee and Keith Carlock) and Snarky Puppy. Coffin is also a 3x Grammy Award winner.

Guitarist/composer Michael Occhipinti is one of Canada’s most acclaimed and diverse musicians.  A  9-time JUNO nominee (Canada’s Grammy), Michael’s own groups have explored everything from modern big band, to Sicilian folk, to chamber music and the music of John Lennon, and included guests such as Don Byron, Bruce Cockburn, and Italian vocalist Pilar.

Felix Pastorius is the son of legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius, and in recent years has established himself as a gifted bassist with an approach all his own.  As the Rochester CITY newspaper noted, his “chops rival that of Victor Wooten. Pastorius's playing had a glorious, liquid flow to it, up and down the fretboard.”

Pianist Tom Reynolds was one of Nashville’s busiest pianist before moving to Toronto, and his versatility had him working in Gospel, blues, and jazz, and he was music director for some of the biggest names in country music. Tom is also a Doctor of Theology at the University of Toronto and teaches there full time.

Davide Direnzo is one of Toronto’s most versatile and in-demand drummers, touring internationally as a member of Bruce Cockburn & singer Cassandra Wilson's bands.

In Orbit was a headliner at a number of festivals in 2017, including the Ottawa Jazz Festival, the Iowa City Jazz Festival, Rochester Jazz Festival , and the Kaslo Jazz Festival.  The group is now booking shows for 2019 and beyond.