Sean Imboden: Into the Heart of Big Band Jazz

Spotlight On

Today, the Spotlight shines On saxophonist and composer Sean Imboden.

Sean spent years touring with Broadway shows and working as a sideman, but something was missing. He stepped away from a lucrative career path and took a leap, returning to Indianapolis, where he ultimately formed his 17-piece orchestra. Now that ensemble releases Communal Heart, an album that captures the community spirit Sean has built around his music, as well as his transformation from comfortable sideman to big band leader.

Sean joined me to discuss this ambitious project and share how he has created what he calls "identifiably human-made music" in an increasingly digital world.

(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Sean Imboden Large Ensemble’s album Communal Heart)

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Dig Deeper

Artist and Album:

• Visit Sean Imboden at seanimboden.com and follow him on Instagram and YouTube
• Purchase Communal Heart by Sean Imboden Large Ensemble from Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choice
• Sean Imboden’s ‘Communal Heart’: A Quiet Subversion of the Big Band Canon

Collaborators and Producers:

• Steve Allee - producer and Indianapolis jazz veteran
• Rich Dole - producer and bass trombonist
• Tucker Brothers - Indianapolis quartet featuring Sean
• John Raymond - trumpeter featured on the album

• Dig into this episode's complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com

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