Trumpet and flugelhorn player John Raymond returns to Firehouse 12 on Friday November 16, in a new collective project, Kind Folk. In this ensemble, Raymond is joined by Alex LoRe (alto saxophone), Noam Wiesenberg (bass) and Colin Stranahan (drums). The group takes its name from a Kenny Wheeler composition, and on their new album Why Not, Kind Folk cover the eponymous song, as well as "Silence" by Charlie Haden. These two compositions stake out an aesthetic territory the band explores on the albums eight other original cuts: cool, chamber jazz, sculpted with an attention to atmosphere and pulse.

While the players have forged a strong collective voice, individually, they have also received acclaim. Recently voted a Rising Star Trumpeter in the Downbeat Magazine Critic's Poll, John Raymond has performed with some of most well-respected names in jazz including Billy Hart, Gilad Hekselman, Orrin Evans, and Linda Oh among others. He has released five albums as a leader, three with his trio Real Feels. 

Saxophonist and composer Alex LoRe is "…making connections among about 70 years worth of contemplative, articulate and light-toned players" (Ben Ratliff, New York Times). LoRe’s playing and compositions are influenced by a variety of genres, ranging from European classical music through today’s most influential artists on both the jazz and popular music scenes. He has released two albums - "Dream House" (2014), and "More Figs and Blue Things" (2016)—on acclaimed saxophonist Greg Osby’s label, Inner Circle Music. 

Noam Wiesenberg has worked with luminary musicians such as Antonio Sanchez, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Billy Hart, Ari Hoenig, Aaron Goldberg, Lage Lund, Seamus Blake, Dave Liebman, and more. In May 2018 Noam has released his debut album "Roads Diverge". 

Colin Stranahan is one of the most sought-after drummers in jazz music today. Stranahan was a finalist in the 2012 Thelonious Monk Drum Competition. Since then, he has worked with artists such as Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jonathan Kreisberg, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Fred Hersch, Terence Blanchard, Theo Bleckmann and many others.

Learn more at:
http://kindfolkband.com