June 9, 2011
To: Listings/Critics/Features
From: Jazz Promo Services
Press Contact: Jim Eigo, jazzpromo@earthlink.net
Lisle Atkinson’s NEO BASS ENSEMBLE celebrates its annual concert at Symphony Space, Leonard Nimoy
Thalia Theater, Friday, June 10, 2011 @ 8pm. Founded by well-respected leader and bassist, Lisle Atkinson
and his wife, bassist Karen Atkinson, the NEO BASS ENSEMBLE is a superb ensemble inspired by the knowledge
that the double bass can do lyrically what any other instrument can do, the NEO BASS ENSEMBLE takes
the double bass beyond its traditional accompanying role to featuring the bass as “lead” instrument with a
unique “bass choir” inner core utilizing bow technique to put the full range of the double bass on display: from lead instrument, harmonic front line, solo and rhythm section.
This year’s celebrated summer fete focuses on the music of the legendary pianist/composer/conductor, DukeEllington.
Featured are the contrasting piano stylings of two of New York’s finest pianists –Valerie Capers and Danny Mixon.
Also appearing is Caper’s fantastic duo partner, Bassist John Robinson with a showcase performances by NEO
BASS ENSEMBLE and Piano Master, Richard Wyands.
NEO BASS Ensemble Founder
Lisle Atkinson
Previous versions of the NEO BASS ENSEMBLE (NBE) have included such great supporting players as Al
Harewood (d), the late Jamil Nasser (b), Akua Dixon (cello), Newman Baker (d), Andy Bey (voc) with the 2010
concert dedicated to bassists featuring Jazz luminaries Ron Carter and Richard Davis. The NBE has performed
at such noted venues as Symphony Space,Merkin Hall, Manhattan Center, The Hartford Connecticut Jazz
Festival and The Lake George Jazz Festival.
Expect an evening of elegance and swing at NEOBASS Meets Ellington at Symphony Space, June 10 @ 8pm
2010 NEO BASS ENSEMBLE Concert @ Symphony Space
Photo Credit: Richard Conde Photographer
NEO-BASS ENSEMBLE (NBE) Core: An inner core “bass choir “(*Lisle Atkinson, Founder,
Karen Anduze Atkinson (Co-Founder), Phillip Wadkins, Darnell “Jay” Starkes, Sam McPherson, Paul
West), Marsha Perry Starkes (African perc./vocals), Janet Steele (vocals.), Richard Wyands (p), Richard
Allen (d). Check out pictures from last year’s show @ www.lisleatikinson.com
