Mary Halvorson (guitar) John Hebert (bass) Ches Smith (drums)
with special guests Jonathan Finlayson (trumpet) and Jon Irabagon (alto saxophone)

On Friday, February 13th, Brooklyn-based guitarist/composer Mary Halvorson and her trio will perform at Roulette in New York. The group, which also features bassist John Hebert and drummer Ches Smith, will be premiering brand new music in addition to performing selections from its acclaimed 2008 debut, Dragon’s Head (Firehouse 12 Records). The record, Ms. Halvorson’s first at the helm of her own ensemble, is featured on best-of-the-year lists in AllAboutJazz-New York, Hartford Courant and The Wire.

Critics called Dragon’s Head “an auspicious debut” (Bill Meyer, DownBeat), “a powerful experience” (Brian Morton, Jazz Review) and “among this year’s standout jazz albums and one of the more original recent statements by any jazz guitarist, let alone a female jazz guitarist” (Nate Chinen, New York Times). “A singular talent,” adds AllAboutJazz.com’s Troy Collins, “Brooklyn-based guitarist Mary Halvorson has come into her own as a composer and improviser with her trio debut, Dragon’s Head…light years ahead of her peers, she is the most impressive guitarist of her generation. The future of jazz guitar starts here.”

A veteran of the ensembles of esteemed saxophonist/composer Anthony Braxton, Ms. Halvorson has been active in New York since 2000, following jazz studies at Wesleyan University and the New School. In addition to her trio, she co-leads a chamber music duo with violist Jessica Pavone and the avant-rock duo, People, with drummer Kevin Shea. She has also performed in groups led by Tim Berne, Taylor Ho Bynum, Trevor Dunn, Curtis Hasselbring, Tony Malaby, Nicole Mitchell, Jason Moran, Matana Roberts, Elliott Sharp, John Tchicai and Matthew Welch among many others. Learn more at http://www.maryhalvorson.com