COMMUNAL HEART

PRESS QUOTES

“Communal Heart consists of five original compositions that are masterfully arranged with lush woodwinds, stabbing brass, and a nimble rhythm section that grooves hard and shifts moods on a second’s notice. I am supremely glad there are big bands today that are expanding the lens of big band music like Imboden’s ensemble does on these outstanding tracks. Challenging yet listenable, funky but not rigid, swinging yet not old and musty, well played yet not chops laden and intellectual...Imboden’s music is simply indescribable, yet thoroughly enjoyable.” – Modern Drummer Magazine

“This is contemporary big band composition at a high level, liberating form and harmony from prior constraints while still approachable and enjoyable for all by way of his fluidity of phrase and natural gift for creating a melody that will leave you humming for days. (4/5 stars)” – All About Jazz - Dean Nardi

“What Imboden calls ‘a modern big band’ blends exuberance with control, creating bouncing and interlocking rhythms that captivate both the ear and the mind.” – Indianapolis Monthly

“Communal Heart is an epic, wildly adventurous, 37-minute celebration of Sean and the full 17-piece group’s synergistic magic, sensuality, swing and high octane brass and woodwind excitement…showcasing five stellar, imaginatively arranged original pieces that evolve into fascinating individual journeys all their own.” – JW Vibe

“The independence of the sections is vast and ever-changing. Imboden's contrapuntal skill is immense and continually exercised…Imboden's solo turn on soprano sax was brilliant.” – Jay Harvey Upstage

“Listen to 'Fire Spirit'…Hear the liveliness, the speed that the piece has acquired by playing with the dynamics between the diverse brass. In addition to the two 'older' pieces, we get three new tracks of which 'Certified Organic' with an almost orgasmic energy is the best that Sean Imboden has to offer. (8/10)” – Maxine.nl - Jeroen Mulder

“Imboden is gaining a reputation as a new face in developing exceptional original compositions for big bands…Imboden's compositions are inspiring and moving - featuring complex arrangements and solos that blend traditional elements with the contemporary influences of modern jazz.” – Nuvo - Mark Sheldon

“They open this album with an original tune called ‘Fire Spirit.’ The fire spits out of the arrangement during the Sean Imboden bold saxophone solo.” – MakingAScene.org - Dee Dee McNeil

“Playing tenor and soprano sax, Sean Imboden leads a big band through some modern yet accessible charts on this five song release. The charts are quite exciting, with Imboden’s tenor teaming with the sections on ‘Fire Spirit’ while his soprano is gentle around the soft harmonies of ‘Dance of Inquiry’. Modern muscle.” – Jazz Weekly - George Harris

“Bold, fresh energy…an experience packed with talent and heart.” – WISHTV - Jeremy Jenkins

“This captivating project represents the culmination of Sean’s artistic journey—from his early days as a journeyman musician to becoming a bold, imaginative big band leader. The album’s dynamic and multi-hued compositions are not only musically rich, but serve as an autobiographical reflection of risk, passion, and creative vision. Imboden’s leap into the big band world is a testament to following one’s artistic calling.” – Neon Jazz

“This confidently-charged new recording opens on the triumphantly soaring, cinematic Fire Spirit…the melodiously free flowing Dance of Inquiry, the stridently-sculptured Certified Organic, the collection rounding out on a rhythmic yearn that resides within Someone To Watch Over Us, coming to a close on the emboldened Portal Passage.” – Anne Carlini

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Listen to interviews with Sean here.

See radio play for Communal Heart on our Crossover Media page.

See the press release on our DL Media Music page.

View the SILE photo archive.