Terry Jenoure Septet: The Portal

Terry Jenoure (violin, vocals, compositions), Angelica Sanchez (piano), Brandon Ross (guitar), Wayne Smith (cello), Avery Sharpe (bass), Joe Fonda (bass), Reggie Nicholson (drums)

Unlocked: Homage to the Prisoner and the Key That Frees

Terry Jenoure’s high-powered Septet, The Portal, leads us into a rich terrain of sound. From poetry and art songs to guided soundscapes and groove, Unlocked pays tribute to her brother, his challenges and victories.

Terry Jenoure (violin, voice) is dedicated to the interdisciplinary life. Born to a Jamaican father who told the best stories in the world, and a Salsa-dancing Puerto Rican mother with an impeccable eye for beauty, Terry hopes to grow up and be even a little like them one day. Grabbing onto whatever it takes to tell a story, music and improvisation always seem to recruit her writing, dollmaking, research, painting, spirituality, theater, and teaching into the vision. A recipient of composing grants from MAP Fund, Creative Capital, New England Foundation for the Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, South Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts, in recent years, her focus has been on the power of unrecognized stories. Significantly influenced by the Black avant garde of the 1970s, and mentored by innovators of the Free Jazz movement, she has recorded and performed in the bands of Archie Shepp, Leroy Jenkins, John Carter, Henry Threadgill, and others, and has led ensembles internationally as she continues to build new and vibrant work. Terry holds master’s and doctoral degree in Education and taught at Lesley University for 20 years while concurrently serving as Director of Augusta Savage Gallery at UMass for 30 years. She is currently writing a book, part memoir and part methodology. Stay tuned!

The Portal

Brandon Ross (guitars) focuses primarily on the intimacy and agility of small ensemble music. Curiosity marks his approach. He has shared stages and studio sessions with Henry Threadgill, Tony Williams, Arto Lindsay, Me’Shell N’degeocello and many others.

Reggie Nicholson (drums) brings power and sophistication to every project, including his own group Brass Concept and ensembles led by Muhal Richard Abrams, Wadada Leo Smith, and Amina Claudine Meyers.

Joe Fonda (bass) listens and feels sound deeply. With a resume boasting collaborations with innovators such as Anthony Braxton, Randy Weston and many more, his mercurial style crowns every project with authenticity.

Avery Sharpe (bass) combines strength and energy, as exhibited in his soundtracks for movies, big bands, and orchestras, and as bassist for McCoy Tyner’s group for over 20 years. He has performed and recorded with Jazz Greats from Dizzy Gillespie to Wynton Marsalis.

Wayne Smith (cello) – is passionate about expanding the traditional boundaries of the cello.

Working across Broadway, chamber music, orchestral and improvised music genres, he is currently performing in CATS: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway, and serves as principal cellist of the Harlem Chamber Players.

Angelica Sanchez (piano), agile and fearless, seeks the high ground in her playing and composing. A bandleader and teacher, she has worked with Leo Smith, Nicole Mitchell, Tyshawn Sorey, Marilyn Crispell, and is on the music faculty at Bard College.