Saxophonist Remy LeBoeuf has had a road warrior’s spring, going on tour to support the LeBoeuf Brothers’ new record Hush (which you can check out below), followed by a trip to Denmark to lead the Nordkraft Big Band in concert.

This week, LeBoeuf returns to the Gallery with his big band, Assembly of Shadows. When he spoke with Jazz Speaks on the release of the band’s debut record, LeBoeuf examined how he deals with varieties of musical influence:

I rarely write something with the intention of drawing on a specific influence. I won’t say, for example “I want this to sound like a particular Bartók piece.” But there are important musical experiences that have become part of who I am. When I was growing up, for example, I was a boy soprano soloist, and sang Leonard Bernstein’s Mass in Italy. Leonard Bernstein has had a huge impact not only in the way that I write, but in the way that I understand music. While growing up, I was not just learning the language of music: I was figuring out who I was as a person. I still draw on Bernstein. I like the way he develops exciting textures, as well as the innocence and beauty of some of his writing. I also admire Aaron Copland: I like the openness of his voicings, the space that he creates with the way he orchestrates. In May, I’ll be living in Copland’s home and composing on his piano for a month through the Copland House residency. I can’t wait. I think there are some original scores there too, which would blow my mind.

I’ve been thinking about Benjamin Britten too, because I’m writing a choir arrangement after I’m finished with “Assembly of Shadows.” A lot of Britten’s ideas have found their way into my music too. He’s an incredible composer who I also enjoyed singing as a kid. I’ve been fortunate in my life to always have different influences around me. I got to play in a ska band growing up, I got to play jazz with my brother Pascal, you know. I’m always drawing on all kinds of influences.

Assembly of Shadows is about to head into the studio to record their third album, so this week’s performances are sure to feature exciting new material alongside old favorites. 

Remy LeBoeuf’s Assembly of Shadows plays The Jazz Gallery on Wednesday, June 21, and Thursday, June 22, 2023. The group is conducted by Gregg Robbins and features Remy Le Boeuf, Alejandro Aviles, Lucas Pino, John Lowery, and Carl Maraghi on saxophones; Brian Pareschi, Tony Glausi, Jonathan Challoner, and Matt Holman on trumpets; Alan Ferber, Sam Blakeslee (6/21), Mike Fahie (6/22), Javier Nero, and Jen Wharton on trombones; Julia Easterlin (6/21) and Danielle Wertz (6/22) on vocals; Alex Goodman and Max Light on guitar; Martha Kato on piano; Dan Montgomery on bass; and Peter Kronreif on drums. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. each night. Purchase tickets here.