A New Ecology for Revolutionary Jazz with the Eco-Music Big Band

By Simon Rentner

Published June 3, 2017 at 6:00 AM EDT

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Marie Incontrera is the pianist, composer and leader behind the Eco-Music Big Band, a multigenerational, socially conscious ensemble determined to leave a positive stamp on society. She's a student and protégé of Fred Ho, the baritone saxophonist who founded the Afro-Asian Music Ensemble, and who succumbed to cancer in 2014.

In this Checkout podcast, Incontrera talks about learning the ways of the Ho — the underground, self-proclaimed revolutionary artist — and why it's important to nurture a new ecology for the avant garde.

The Eco-Music Big Band will perform on Saturday night at Zankel Hall, playing music from their latest album, Colors of Resistance, along with other Fred Ho compositions.

Assistant Producer: Molly Fichter

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Simon Rentner

For more than 15 years, Simon Rentner has worked as a host, producer, broadcaster, web journalist, and music presenter in New York City. His career gives him the opportunity to cover a wide spectrum of topics including, history, culture, and, most importantly, his true passion of music from faraway places such as Europe, South America, and Africa.

See stories by Simon Rentner