Steve Hudson’s Outer Bridge Ensemble

The Steve Hudson Quintet originated in New Jersey in 2003. Led by pianist/composer Steve Hudson, the group includes bassist Mike Noordzy, drummer David Freeman and saxophonist Mark DeJong, and often includes Steve Bernstein, James Zoller, Oscar Noriega, Barb Hamilton, Craig Brenan, Claire Daly and Achille Succi.

The group performs original music that reflects various musical influences and traditions, with key elements emerging from the jazz tradition. The band has given special emphasis to the use of varied textures, unique instrumentation, changing rhythmic meters, and ensemble interaction.

In July of 2003 the quintet entered the studio, recording tracks for their debut CD “Outer Bridge”. Hudson's composition “Mingus Moon” was a finalist in the 2003 International Songwriting Competition, selected among 11,000 entries.

Audiences respond enthusiastically to the unique concept of the group sound, compositions, and the level of interaction within the ensemble. The Steve Hudson Quintet is currently featured regularly at various clubs in New York City, including Club Detour, 55 Bar, the C-note and the Knitting Factory.

In September of 2004 and 2005 the group recorded material for their second CD, which was released in August, 2006. With assistance from the Canada Council for the Arts, a tour took the group back to western Canada in September 2006 to promote their second CD. "Klezmer", a composition written by Freeman, went on to be selected as a semi-finalist in the 2007 International Songwriting Competition.

The group was a featured performer on the mainstage at the 2007 Ottawa International Jazz Festival, and taught and performed at the 2007 Saskatoon Jazz Festival Jazz Intensive.

Future tours are currently being explored, following invitations for the group to perform in the United States, Italy, Switzerland, and Sydney, Australia.

The Outer Bridge Ensemble