Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra - Album Release Show

Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra - Album Release Show

Friday, March 20th, 7:30 PM

Nashville Jazz Workshop

The Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra makes its return to NJW, celebrating its acclaimed second release, Multiversal: Live at Bop Stop—a bold, cinematic large-ensemble project inspired by the worlds of comic books and superheroes.

Rather than reimagining familiar themes, composer, arranger, and conductor Stephen Philip Harvey creates an original musical universe: expansive, story-driven works that draw inspiration from specific characters, archetypes, and narrative arcs found in comics. The result is a vivid, high-energy program that blends modern jazz orchestration with the dramatic sweep of film scoring, delivered by a powerhouse 17-piece ensemble.

Recorded live at Cleveland’s legendary Bop Stop, Multiversal captures the orchestra at full throttle, combining intricate writing, explosive ensemble passages, and fearless improvisation. The music moves fluidly between intensity and introspection, evoking heroism, conflict, transformation, and triumph—while remaining deeply rooted in the jazz tradition.

The release has drawn international praise:

“A composer and bandleader with a knack for translating comic-book action into instrumental jazz fireworks… making the listener feel not just like a reader of the story, but a participant.” — DownBeat

“A bold, super-powered live album that cements his place as one of contemporary jazz’s adventurous large-ensemble voices.” — UK Vibe

“Colorful instrumentation, brilliant solos, and admirable interplay between the orchestra’s sections.” — Jazz’n’More

Led by Harvey on the podium, the orchestra features a dynamic lineup of saxophones, brass, and rhythm section musicians, delivering a thrilling live experience that is both intellectually rich and viscerally exciting.

This NJW performance offers audiences an exciting chance to experience Multiversal live—where modern jazz, cinematic storytelling, and large-ensemble power collide in real time.