Mike Kaplan (arranger/tenor saxophone) envisioned the Nonet as a unit combining the strength, cohesion and varied tonal colors of a big band with the spontaneity and flexibility of a small group. The Nonet features 6 horns out front, an intuitive rhythm section and plays original arrangements in a variety of styles and genres all filtered through the 21st century Jazz sensibilities of the leader and bandmembers. In addition to featuring original compositions, the band also re-examines and re-works deserving compositions of others from Duke Ellington to Herbie Nichols to George Adams. Mike studied saxophone with Warne Marsh, Joe Lovano, Mack Goldsbury and Fred Amend and graduated William Paterson University with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance. In addition to freelancing in the NJ/NY area, he has had his arrangements performed by the Composers Big Band and recorded by Orquesta Royal and la Progressiva.

Bill Mobley’s (trumpet/flugelhorn) original combination of fire and logic on his horn has graced many bandstands and recordings since he moved to the NYC area in the late ‘80s. Among others, Bill has performed with Marvin “Smitty” Smith Sextet, Clifford Jordan Big Band, George Coleman Octet, James Williams, Mingus Dynasty Band and Maria Schneider Orchestra. He leads, composes and arranges for his own big band, which has 3 CDs (“Live At Small’s Volumes I & II” and “New Light”) released. Bill has sextet recordings released under his name (“Triple Bill” and “Mean What You Say”) and is also featured as a sideman on CDs by Donald Brown, Geoff Keezer, James Williams, Billy Pierce, Jean Toussaint and others.

Rob Henke (trumpet/flugelhorn) brings a wealth of diverse musical experiences (from Downtown NYC/Knitting Factory to Salsa to R’n B and more) to the Nonet. Rob’s high spirit, great musical range and willingness to take chances in the service of the music serve him well for the Nonet. He has recorded, worked and toured with many NYC area bands including Dr. Nerve, Spirit of Life Ensemble, Phillip Johnston, Gary Lucas’ Fast and Bulbous, Marie McAuliffe, Joe Gallant and Illuminati, Diane Moser’s Composers Big Band. He also toured with Luis “Perico” Ortiz and Ray Barretto and has released CDs under his own leadership, “The Bride”, “Listening” and “White Paws”.

Pete McGuinness’ (trombone) facility on the horn, great harmonic knowledge and sly wit have been an integral part of the Nonet since the late ‘80s. Pete has performed and been featured with Maria Schneider Orchestra, Woody Herman Big Band, Jimmy Heath, Lionel Hampton, Dave Liebman, Joel Frahm and others. A fine composer and arranger in his own write, Pete’s compositions and arrangements have been featured on the New York Nonet’s CDs “Tunnel Vision”, “So You Say” and “Bullet Trane” (on which he was also a featured soloist), New York Trombone Conspiracy’s “A Matter Of Time” and his own debut CD as a leader, “Sliding In”.

Ben Williams (trombone), lauded by the New York Times for his “sassy and barrel-voiced trombone”, has been a dynamic recent addition to the Nonet. Ben has performed with George Coleman, Oliver Lake, Claudio Roditi, Andy Bey and others. He is currently featured on recordings “Looking Forward, Looking Back”(Diane Moser Quintet) and “Blues For Sparky” (Aaron Alexander Sextet). Ben is also a co-recipient of a Jazz Fellowship Grant from the National Endowment of the Arts.

Bob Hanlon (alto saxophone/clarinet) has fused a combination of influences from “Lockjaw” Davis to Eric Dolphy into a very personal saxophone style. Bob has performed with George Russell’s New York Big Band, Pat Martino, Ted Curson, Cecil Payne, Jack Walrath, Richard Wyands, Bob Cranshaw and Gary Valente. He has recorded with George Russell, Gunther Schuller, Gunter Hampel, Bill Warfield Big Band and others. Bob earned a Masters Degree in Music Composition from Hunter College and was the recipient of a Meet the Composer grant.

Ed Xiques’ (baritone and soprano sax/flute) great musicality and wealth of experience has made him a valued member of many bands in the NYC metro area. Ed has performed and recorded with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Jaki Byard, McCoy Tyner, Frank Sinatra, Woody Herman Orchestra and Liza Minnelli. A member of the BMI Jazz Composer’s Workshop, Ed’s compositions and arrangements have been featured on the New York Nonet’s “So You Say” and his own CDs, “Little Bear” and “Spacewalk”.

Matt King’s (piano) virtuosity and versatility have been showcased prominently with the Nonet since the late ‘80s. He has recorded and/or performed with Rufus Reid, Chris Potter, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Joe Lovano, Jon Hendricks, John Patitucci and Bob Moses. Matt is also the recipient of a Composition Fellowship from the NJ Council of the Arts, the winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition (2000) and a semi-finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition (1998). Matt has released his own CDs, “Kaleidoscope” and “Welcome Christmas”.

Doug Weiss’ (bass) deep sound, rock solid time and flawless intonation has been very much in demand of late on the New York jazz scene. Currently recording and touring with vocalist Lizz Wright, Doug has performed and recorded with Al Foster, Chris Potter, Randy Brecker, Joe Williams, the Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band, Joe Lovano, Walt Weiskopf and many others.

Pete MacDonald (drums) is one of New York’s most versatile free-lance musicians prompting Jon Pareles of the NY Times to comment, “MacDonald gives clarity and drive to every rhythm”.  He has been performing regularly with singer/songwriter Jane Kelly Williams, and has recorded and toured with Jeannie Bryson, Tony Trischka, and Bill Ware’s Club Bird All Stars. Pete’s debut CD as a leader, “Portraits On My Wall” will be released soon.

Contact Mike Kaplan