“The only thing better than hearing this recording would be seeing the band live.” –Downbeat

Moondog, aka Louis Hardin, was one of the 20th century’s most imaginative composers. He lived in NYC from the late 40s up until 1972, during which time he could be found costumed in Viking attire, busking on 6th Avenue and 52nd Street, selling records and performing poetry. Blinded as a teenager, he wrote hundreds of beautiful songs, madrigals and symphoniques in Braille which inspired minimalist composers such as Philip Glass and Steve Reich, who deemed Moondog “the godfather of minimalism.”

With their new record Songs and Symphoniques, NYC’s Ghost Train Orchestra reimagined the work of Moondog into a large-scale production, inviting the trailblazing Kronos Quartet and many special guest vocalists to take a variety of approaches to Moondog’s music. Ghost Train Orchestra presents their Album Release Show at Roulette.

Brian Carpenter arranger, conductor, trumpet, vocals, harmonica
Andy Laster arranger, alto saxophone, flute
Curtis Hasselbring arranger, trombone, guitar
Matt Bauder arranger, woodwinds
Dennis Lichtman clarinet
Sara Schoenbeck bassoon
Brandon Seabrook guitar
Ron Caswell tuba
Chris Lightcap bass
Rob Garcia drums
David Cossin marimba, percussion
Max Moston arranger, violin
Sara Caswell violin
Karen Waltuch viola
Alex Waterman cello
Joan Wasser vocals
Karen Mantler vocals, harmonica

A livestream will be available free of charge at 8pm on the day of the performance and archived for future viewing. Watch below or on YouTube.

Ghost Train Orchestra is a large ensemble based in Brooklyn and founded by Brian Carpenter in 2006. The group is known for their unique re-imaginings of under-appreciated and often obscure composers. They have recorded and performed extensively in NYC and beyond. They have released four albums, each one critically acclaimed for its originality and vision. 

Brian Carpenter is an American musician, producer, songwriter, composer, and arranger. He is the lead singer and songwriter for the Boston experimental music ensemble Beat Circus and Brian Carpenter & The Confessions. He has been the musical director of Ghost Train Orchestra since its founding in NYC in 2006. He has collaborated with dozens of artists across mediums.

Joan Wasser is an American musician, singer-songwriter and producer who releases music as Joan As Police Woman. She began her career playing violin with the Dambuilders and played with Black Beetle, Antony and the Johnsons, and Those Bastard Souls. Since 2004 she has released her solo material as Joan As Police Woman. She has released five regular studio albums, one EP, a number of singles and two albums of cover songs.

Karen Mantler is an American jazz pianist, singer, songwriter, and composer. She is the daughter of Carla Bley and Michael Mantler. She has performed and recorded with a wide variety of musicians and released several solo albums of songs.