by Bud Fulginiti
photo by Bud Fulginiti
You can see a symphony orchestra led by a conductor, but they play composed music, not improvisational. A jam band may improvise, but they will lack persistent, focused direction. For the completely singular experience of seeing and hearing live music being improvised and performed on the spot under the guidance of a conductor, you must check out Everyone Orchestra.
At each stop on tour and along the festival circuit from coast to coast, Everyone Orchestra assembles a rotating ensemble of all-star musicians to create a spontaneous, unique show. The project is conductor Matt Butler’s brainchild, and he recently spoke with me about its genesis, history, and upcoming local appearance.
“I grew up in an orchestral-oriented household with many conductors in our circle of friends, who were influential in creating that role for myself. In the 90’s I played drums in a group called Jambay that toured all over the US with Phish, moe., and Dave Matthews Band, which introduced me to the jam band world. I began thinking outside box the box from my musician’s standpoint, looking at a different way of performing, interacting with the audience, taking ritual to a new place. Everyone Orchestra is really an experiment, trial and success of seeing what works, discovering what we’re going to play, a format to explore within.”
photo by Bud Fulginiti
At its inception in 2001, Butler produced EO shows, hired a conductor, and played drums. After five years of varying successes and trainwrecks which were largely dependant on the conductor, he tried conducting had his “Ah-Ha!” moment, which was validated by a Philly native.
“Up until that point, the conductor was a chaos controller, because there’s usually a large amount of players onstage. The first night I conducted, Marc Brownstein (Disco Biscuits) was part of EO. Afterward he said, ‘Dude, you were MADE for this, that was awesome!’ I realized the conductor had the potential to help facilitate the group to compose beautiful music- that while it’s spontaneous and freely improvisational, it’s not chaotic at all. The piece of order is that the band is agreeing to use the conductor as a pivot point. I had a new inspiration, and that’s the trip I’ve been on ever since.”
In 2013, Everyone Orchestra was chosen to headline the legendary 10-hour farewell concert to The Blockley, just prior to its closing. The Blockley’s management and staff has since taken over Ardmore Music Hall (formerly Brownies 23 East), where Butler will bring together an eclectic lineup.
Matt Butler photo by Michael Weintrob
“Right off the bat, The Blockley’s fans, staff, and community felt like home. I absolutely get the same feeling at Ardmore Music Hall, all of our shows there have been packed, I just wish we were playing two nights! Steve Kimock (Zero, Ratdog) is his own genre of music. I’ve know his son John Kimock (XVSK, JMMY) since he was seven years old, one of the most phenomenal drummers out there. It’s no mistake Mike Gordon has hand-picked him for his band. Chris Jacobs (The Bridge) is turning into one of the preeminent East Coast singer songwriters, his star is fully rising. Ashish Vyas (Thievery Corporation) is just a groove meister, he’s all about the groove. Todd Stoops (RAQ, Kung Fu) is a kind of a funk keyboardist, but can play a lot of styles. It will be super interesting to see how these cats mesh in a compositional sandbox.”
Everyone Orchestra, presented by Starr Hill Brewery, will appear Friday November 20th at Ardmore Music Hall with Zach Deputy opening.
