The New Jazz Composers Octet arose from a shared desire among its participants both to celebrate contemporary mainstream jazz and to generate original compositions in that idiom. Formed in New York City in 1997, the ensemble is directed by founding trumpeter and arranger David Weiss. The group confines itself to acoustic instruments and draws inspiration from the harmonically sophisticated work of Tadd Dameron, Gerry Mulligan, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Gil Evans, Benny Golson, and Sam Rivers.
Weiss first encountered several future colleagues in 1996 during engagements with Carl Allen and Vincent Herring. Already recognized for his transcription work on behalf of major labels and the Rahsaan Roland Kirk Project, he identified the rhythm section of pianist Xavier Davis, bassist Dwayne Burno, and drummer Nasheet Waits. While preparing charts for Freddie Hubbard, Weiss conceived the notion of a self-governing octet and began assembling additional brass and reed players.
The initial roster comprised tenor saxophonist Greg Tardy, alto saxophonist Myron Walden, trombonist Andrew Williams, and baritone saxophonist James Farnsworth. Following Farnsworth’s death after the octet’s February 1998 debut album, First Steps into Reality, issued by Fresh Sound/New Talent, Dave Rickenberg assumed the baritone chair. In his dual role as archivist and bandleader, Weiss contributed both reinterpretations of admired jazz works and newly written material.
On the second recording, Walkin’ the Line, the group welcomed saxophonist and flutist Jimmy Greene—who had appeared as a guest on the debut—along with trombonist Steve Davis and baritone saxophonist Chris Karlic, while extending honorary status to saxophonist Craig Handy and drummer Joe Chambers. The octet earned recognition for its distinctive presentation of fresh repertoire and issued its third album, The Turning Gate, on the Motema label in 2008. That release introduced the ensemble’s fourth baritone saxophonist, Norbert Stachel.
