Rabble Without A Cause
Wednesday February 8th, 2017 with Bernard Stepien
Trumpeter Bill Dixon with the Exploding Star Orchestra

What ever happened to trumpeter Bill Dixon that in the ’60 was one of the prominent figures of Free Jazz. The answer is relatively simple, he went to the economic comfort of teaching for Bennington College, Vermont from 1968 to 1995. As a founder of the Jazz Composers Guild, obviously his interest was in composing. he also collaborated with dancer Judith Young until 1983. His style can be summarized into episodic impressionism especially with larger ensemble. In 2002, Dixon rejoined Cecil Taylor for a while. Tonight we will sample his involvement with a Free Jazz big band in 2007, Chicago’s Exploding Star Orchestra led by cornetist Rob Mazurek.