Originally formed in 2007 as a free improvisation ensemble, BHaG have evolved into one of the most compelling units on the Portland scene, balancing original compositions reminiscent of Don Cherry and Ornette Coleman and Loft Jazz era giants like Sam Rivers with spacious, lyrical landscapes, a la Paul Motian and Roscoe Mitchell—as well as a healthy dose of deeply conversational interplay and humor. The players bring a bevy and bandolero of experience to the stand (from work with Blue Cranes, Decemberists, an array of US and European avant-garde jazz innovators – such as Perry Robinson, Paul Plimley-Lisle Ellis, Wally Shoup, Gust Burns, Jack Wright, Marco Eneidi, Didier Petit, as well as with blues bands, Beijing Opera musicians, auctioneers, and Russian circus clowns) and deliver music that is cinematic, deeply human and ever engaging.
Battle Hymns & Gardens have appeared in Portland as part of the 2012 Portland Jazz Festival, the 2012 PDX Pop Now fest, and individually as part of the Creative Music Guild’s Improvisation Summit of Portland. They are also working on GATHER, an evening-length score for choreographer Tere Mathern Dance that will premiere in October/November 2012. Their first audio release will be available in 2013.