Franklin Kiermyer - drums
Emilio Modeste - tenor saxophone
Davis Whitfield - piano
Otto Gardner - bass

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary the act of emancipation is "to free from restraint, control, or the power of another, especially : to free from bondage or to free from any controlling influence (such as traditional mores or beliefs)."

According to Wikipedia, "Emancipation is any effort to procure economic and social rights, political rights or equality, often for a specifically disenfranchised group, or more generally, in discussion of such matters” These definitions speak to the bondage imposed by others, vivid proof of our inhumanity.

Emancipation can also mean to free our spirit, soul or true nature. To free ourselves from the concepts and habits that hold us back is to be fully emancipated. That freeing-of-the-soul is music’s greatest purpose.

EMANCIPATION SUITE ~ Scatter The Atoms That Remain
Limited-edition 180 gram audiophile 12" vinyl coming soon ...

Music can open our hearts. That’s what we want the music to do. Our goal is to rest in that openness and let go. The more we practice this, the more our natural faith develops. The music finds its strength in that. That’s what we want to share.

"... a sense of shared catharsis through music that is at once majestic, ferocious, and relatable ... the words “ecstasy” and “ecstatic” appear almost predictably, but sometimes a word is just right. Scatter The Atoms That Remain channel the kind of beautiful, disciplined intensity exemplified by the late John Coltrane. This type of universal, non-denominational spirituality simply feels good." ~ Jazz At Lincoln Center

Drummer, composer and bandleader Franklin Kiermyer is known mostly for his expansive style of drumming, distinct sound and the spiritual focus of his music.

“Kiermyer plays and composes with an almost evangelical belief in jazz as a form of pure inspiration.” Entertainment Weekly

“Drummer Franklin Kiermyer is that rare jazzman – blessed with the ecstatic quality of his free-bop attack.” Rolling Stone Magazine

“Kiermyer supercharges spiritual modality … he plays with volcanic authority.” Down Beat

Saxophonist Ben Solomon, born in 1993 in Chicago, Illinois, began his musical journey at the age of ten. In 2012 Ben left school to go on tour with trumpeter Wallace Roney.

Roney was a great mentor and positive influence and the five years Ben spent with the band performing, traveling and recording had a profound effect on his growth as a person and as a musician.

Solomon has also had the great opportunity to play alongside other master musicians such as Buster Williams, Lenny White, Patrice Rushen, Gary Bartz, Ron Carter, Chick Corea, Steve Gadd and many others.

Pianist Davis Whitfield, born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1993, grew up immersed in the music. Coming from a lauded musical family, he has accomplished a lot at a young age.

While still in high school, Davis was appointed Assistant Director of the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra in New York City. Continuing his studies at Berklee, he was the recipient of their top honor, the Presidential Scholarship.

Davis has toured in the United States, France, Spain, Japan and Scandinavia. Still in his early 20’s, he already has a voice of his own on the piano.

Bassist Otto Gardner came up in the heady creativity of the loft jazz scene of 1970’s New York.

He cut his teeth with the legendary Arthur Rhames, with whom he had a close musical association for most of Rhames’ all too short career. Arthur held Otto in such high regard that he refused to use a bass player when Otto was not available.

With his unique and daring approach, Otto has the uncanny ability to make the music feel deeply rooted and swinging at the same time as very free and open. His sound is strong, warm and heartfelt.