chet doxas
rich in symbols
september 8
Rich in Symbols represents the culmination of years of experience in the intensely varied and dynamic career of saxophonist and composer, Chet Doxas. Based on his love of the visual arts, Rich in Symbols is inspired by the art movement of New York City’s Lower East Side between the years 1975-85.
Chet has gathered together several of the most acclaimed musicians in modern music today including, Matthew Stevens (guitar), Zack Lober (bass), Eric Doob (drums) and special guests, John Escreet on piano, multi-award winning trumpeter Dave Douglas and guitarist Dave Nugent to lend his definitive sound to several of the album's songs. Produced by Liam O'Neil (Kings of Leon, Metric, Broken Social Scene), Rich in Symbols keeps its feet planted firmly in the worlds of rock, jazz, improvised music and cinematic soundscapes.
With Rich in Symbols, Chet Doxas explores the world of transcendence and credits the listener by asking them what do paintings sound like?
About chet doxas
Chet Doxas is quickly becoming one of the most well respected and sought after saxophonists and composers of his generation. He is best known for his ability to add his unique voice to a wide variety of musical settings and styles.
Raised in Montreal in a musical family, his love of music was fostered by his father, a professional musician/teacher and recording engineer/producer and his older brother and drummer, Jim, with whom he regularly performs.
Chet’s band, Rich in Symbols, is an ensemble whose repertoire is informed by his love of the visual arts. The music for this group is composed as Chet visits museums and stands in front of his favorite works with blank manuscript paper. Later, the music and a projection of the work are presented simultaneously with live musicians in a concert setting.
Since 2014, he has also co-led the group Riverside, with trumpeter Dave Douglas. Their first album is comprised of original music from Doxas and Douglas as well as Jimmy Giuffre, their inspiration for the creation of this quartet. The band also features, Steve Swallow on bass and Chet’s brother, Jim Doxas on drums. Their next album will be released in the spring of 2017 and features original compositions from its members as well as Carla Bley, the focus of their second recording.
Chet is also part of the Brooklyn-based group Yes Men No, with pianist Jacob Sacks, bassist Zack Lober and drummer Vinnie Sperrazza. This band performs regularly in many of New York City’s premier listening venues.
Chet Doxas is a Juno nominee and has appeared on over one hundred recordings. He has released seven albums as a leader and co-leader. He has worked with a wide range of artists including, Carla Bley, John Abercrombie, Rufus Wainwright, Maria Schneider, Sam Roberts Band and Oliver Jones. Chet’s formal musical studies were completed at McGill University where he earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in music. When he is not touring he can be found in his Brooklyn recording studio working on his next project or producing for other artists.