Jazz Standard welcomes the electrifying Michael Leonhart Orchestra (MLO) back to our bandstand for a sixth consecutive monthly appearance! This genre–crossing fifteen–piece ensemble features players from such “name” aggregations as the Dap–Kings, the Mingus Big Band, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, and the “Tonight Show” band (The Roots), performing both Leonhart’s original compositions and his arrangements of songs by Wu–Tang, Duke Ellington, and more. “I realized a long time ago that it’s not even about the music you play, it’s the spirit with which you approach it. To me that breaks down the bar­rier between pop, rock, funk, jazz, classical, abstract, musique concrète — it’s all expression.” (Michael Leonhart) Tonight, the MLO welcomes a very special guest: Guitarist Nels Cline, of Wilco renown and an acclaimed Blue Note recording artist whose double CD Lovers was one of 2018’s best records in any genre. Michael Leonhart – leader, trumpet Philip Dizack, Jordan McLean, Billy Aukstik, Carter Yasutake – trumpet Frank Cohen – trombone Reggie Chapman – bass trombone Dave Pietro – tenor saxophone Jason Marshall – baritone saxophone Sara Schoenbeck – bassoon Pauline Kim – violin George Crotty – cello Robbie Mangano – guitar Ron Oswanski – accordion Kevin Raczka – drums Elizabeth Pupo-Walker – percussion Daniel Freedman – percussion With Special Guest Nels Cline – guitar