Stephen Philip Harvey Octet - Recording Release
1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington DC 20007
Sunday, November 1, 5:30PM
Stephen Philip Harvey
Stephen Philip Harvey Octet - “Mythos” Commission Premiere | The Stephen Philip Harvey Octet presents “Mythos,” a new original suite. Commissioned by Chamber Music America as part of the 2025 New Jazz Works, Harvey’s mid-sized ensemble shares new works based on mythology found in the African continent, mythology spread through the African diaspora, and the folktales right here in the USA that evolved from this sometimes forgotten past. This premiere comes on the heels of the ensemble’s second studio album, The Pen is Mighter, in February 2027. Coupling a new season of original compositions inspired by impactful cultural voices.
Stephen Philip Harvey is an award-winning, Philadelphia-based saxophonist, composer, arranger, bandleader, and educator whose music bridges jazz traditions with the pulse of contemporary Black American music. Balancing expressive improvisation with cinematic, narrative-driven composition, Harvey leads four distinct ensembles: the chordless trio SPH+2, electric quintet Sphinx, Stephen Philip Harvey Octet, and Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra.
His 2026 trio album, Golden Hour, places his voice as both saxophonist and composer at the center of SPH+2’s intimate, chordless interplay. The season also includes the October premiere of Mythos, his Chamber Music America-commissioned suite, followed by the February 2027 release of The Pen is Mightier, an octet project inspired by Black American literature.
Harvey’s 2025 large-ensemble recording, Multiversal: Live at Bop Stop, earned praise for its comic-book-inspired storytelling and orchestral imagination. DownBeat Magazine described him as “a composer and bandleader with a knack for translating comic-book action into instrumental jazz fireworks,” while UK Vibe called the album “a bold, super-powered live album.”
His compositions have been performed by ensembles including the Orchestre National de Jazz, National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Peabody Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, and University of North Texas. NEA Jazz Master Roscoe Mitchell calls Harvey “an exceptional musician with a very bright future.”
A Chamber Music America New Jazz Works recipient, Harvey has also received support and recognition from the Maryland State Arts Council, South Arts, Jazz Education Network, and Seton Hill University. Most of his recordings are released through his artist-run imprint, Hidden Cinema Records.
1. Final sale, no refunds, not transferable.
2. $15 food/beverage minimum per person not included in ticket price.
3. Seating first come at the door. Doors open 6 PM & 8:45 PM respectively Monday thru Saturday, and 4:30 PM & 7:15 PM Sundays.
4. No Photography or Recording of any kind during the performance.
5. Keep conversation to a minimum during the performance.