The Jazz Gallery Presents: Darcy James Argue's Secret Society

Album art courtesy of the artist.

15 years ago, composer Darcy James Argue received a large ensemble commission from The Jazz Gallery, resulting in the composition “Obsidian Flow,” later featured on his ensemble’s debut record, Infernal Machines (New Amsterdam). In the time since, Argue has been commissioned by large ensembles and arts organizations around the world, from the Newport Jazz Festival to the Danish Radio Big Band to his hometown of Vancouver’s Hard Rubber Orchestra.

This month, many of these commissioned pieces receive their studio recording debut with the release of Dynamic Maximum Tension (Nonesuch). In the wake of his project on misinformation and conspiracy theories Real Enemies, Argue has written works in honor of those with positive spirits, from musicians like Laurie Frink and Levon Helm, to deep thinkers like Buckminster Fuller and Alan Turing, to the actress and personality Mae West.

To celebrate the release of the album, Argue and company will play a rare 4-night engagement at The Jazz Gallery, from September 13 through 16. Before hearing the band share this exuberant music live, check out the official video for the Fuller-inspired “Dymaxion,” below.

Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society plays The Jazz Gallery September 13 through 16, 2023. The group features Dave Pietro, Alejandro Aviles, Sam Sadigursky John Lowery, John Ellis, and Carl Maraghi on woodwinds; Seneca Black, Chloe Rowlands Matt Holman, David Adewumi, Nadje Noordhuis, David Smith, and Ingrid Jensen on trumpets; Mike Fahie, Ryan Keberle, Jacob Garchik, and Jeff Nelson on trombones; Sebastian Noelle on guitar; Adam Birnbaum on piano; Matt Clohesy on bass; Jon Wikan on drums; Meg Okura and Sara Caswell on violin; and Ekep Nkwelle on vocals. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. E.D.T. each night. $30 general admission ($15 for members), $40 reserved cabaret seating ($25 for members), $20 livestream access ($5 for members) for each set. Purchase tickets here.