Alan Lewine’s AZ Xtet presents some of the finest players in Arizona playing an exciting mix of hard- hitting music drawing on the entire history of the jazz genre, with an emphasis on the 3 Big Ms: Mingus, Monk and Morton (Jelly Roll) – M cubed – M 3 – with a heavy emphasis on the sound of the Mingus ensembles of the early-mid-sixties in this his centennial year plus a selection of sweet Latin classics originating. From Mexico and Cuba but done our way The Xtet performs primarily original compositions and and also some covers of jazz and songbook classics with an original take or arrangement.

The Xtet draws on the classic jazz sound of the 60s, with reference to the early jazz tradition of simultaneous improvisation that characterized the early days of the music and the African roots that helped to spawn it. In the words of Jelly Roll Morton, “It’s not jazz without a Spanish (he meant Cuban) tinge”, and Cuban music is full of African influence. We also incorporate varied influences from around the world, including flamenco, North African, Baluchistani, Balinese gamelan and Latin American. The Xtet continues to grow and explore and import influences from around the world.

We are often sked, “What is an Xtet?” Often appearing as a sextet, the Xtet represents a collective organization of players where more or less of them may appear at any time depending on the opportunity. So, regardless of size, the Xtet has one name based on the algebraic unknown: “X”.
(Also the MPAA assigned this rating to the ensemble;-)

Alan Lewine plays bass, leads the ensemble, composes many of the tunes and arrangements, and gives the AZ Xtet direction with substantial input from every player involved.

Featuring musicians from among the following:
Glen Gross – tpt, flgl
Malik Alkabir, Garrett Jones, Frank Smith, Shea Marshall – saxes, clarinets, flutes, bassoon
Frank Valdes, Eddie Rodriguez – percussion
Arsen Nalbandian, Charlie Smith, Beth Lederman – piano, accordian, melodica
Emerson Laffey, John Rumbaugh, Arthur Vint– drums
Alan Lewine – bass, composer, leader