Jazz Standard welcomes the electrifying Michael Leonhart Orchestra (MLO) back to our bandstand for another evening of genre–crossing big–band modernism. In 2019, the MLO released its second album, Suite Extracts Vol. 1 (Sunnyside), featuring widely disparate compositions (including songs by Fela Kuti, Howlin’ Wolf and Ornette Coleman) curated into suites that formed anarchic yet coherent thoughts on many of the leader’s  chief musical passions. Suite Extracts Vol. 1 featured notable guests Chris Potter, Nels Cline, Donny McCaslin, John Ellis, Erik Friedlander and many others in the context of a vibrant and unclassifiable 20–piece ensemble. “There’s a certain abandon and freedom in all the material,” says Michael Leonhart of his latest release. “A lot of it has a backbeat, which the first album really didn’t. This album is more muscular in many ways. It reflects what we’re doing live: less of the pastoral, transcendent mood pieces, the sonic baths, and more of the groove interaction.” Michael Leonhart – leader, trumpet Jeff “Tain” Watts – special guest drummer Scott Wendholt, John Bailey– trumpet Michael Blake – tenor saxophone Dave Pietro –  woodwinds Jason Marshall – baritone saxophone, bass clarinet TBA – trombone Jeff Nelson – bass trombone Claudia Chopek, Ludovica Burtone,  – violin Robbie Mangano – guitar Joe Martin – bass Kevin Raczka – drums Elizabeth Pupo-Walker – percussion