The Virgil Moorefield Pocket Orchestra is a finely tuned ensemble that marries the architecture of classical composition with the propulsive spirit of rock and the colour of jazz instrumentation. By forgoing improvisation in favour of fully composed works, the ensemble unfolds symphonic richness on an intimate scale. Each piece unfolds as a carefully shaped musical form, built through an intense process of composition and revision into a seamless, unfolding whole. This bold, orchestrated sound stands apart from traditional jazz or rock ensembles, offering a compelling musical experience.
Virgil Moorefield is an American composer who spent his formative years in downtown NYC and is now living in Zürich, Switzerland. With his own groups he has previously had releases on Tzadik, Cuneiform, and Innova, among others. In past lives he drummed with such groups as Swans and Glenn Branca. yet these discs tread new ground.
He has just finished a new double lp with his Swiss ensemble, “A Wish For The Displaced”. Available at https://www.virgilmoorefield.com/
critical praise of previous works:
“keenly disciplined works that still stomp convincingly.” -time out new york
“beautiful…impressive….complex” radio France, Paris
“the vibrant colour palette of the compositions and their vitality are captivating.” tonträger, berlin
“one is captivated by the physicality, the distinctive energy of the sounds, their structure. what sounds this “pocket orchestra” produces, and with what unparalleled intensity!” neue zürcher zeitung, zürich
“gives an impish spin to a big-band sound…did not fail to entertain…absorbing.” new york times, new york
The Rocker - The Artist Formerly Known As Zeitgeist. TAFKAZ 
Leave a comment