Brian Krock

Saxophonist Brian Krock stands out as an innovative soloist, composer, and bandleader whose forward-thinking jazz blends avant-garde group improvisation with post-rock and prog-metal elements. Attention first came his way in 2018 through the self-titled debut album from his energetic big band Big Heart Machine, which he assembled in Brooklyn.

Born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Krock began with classical training on guitar during childhood. Heavy metal and prog rock captured his interest in his teenage years, particularly through repeated listening to Rush, Yes, Porcupine Tree, Megadeth, and Pantera. His tastes broadened to include jazz, which he pursued in depth while completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He later obtained a Master’s Degree in Composition from the Manhattan School of Music, working there with instructors Jim McNeilly and Dr. J. Mark Stambaugh. After relocating to New York, he formed a friendship with Darcy James Argue, the arranger and leader of Secret Society. Argue went on to produce Krock’s 2018 debut for the stylistically expansive big band Big Heart Machine. Additional recognition arrived via the 2011 ASCAP Young Jazz Composer’s Award, the 2012 Manhattan Prize in Composition for “String Quartet No. 1,” and the 2018 Aaron Copland Recording Grant. Krock followed with his first small-group solo release, Liddle, in 2019; the album featured guitarist Olli Hirvonen and bassist Marty Kenney, both also members of Big Heart Machine.