Speak

Hailing from Seattle, the five members of Speak have forged their musical approach in the fires of collective improvisation, subversive compositional techniques and the unrepentant wearing of flannel shirts. From the collaborative efforts of pianist Aaron Otheim, saxophonist Andrew Swanson, drummer Chris Icasiano, trumpeter Cuong Vu (of Pat Metheny Group/Cuong Vu Trio fame) and bassist Luke Bergman, this band constantly seeks to challenge the tenets of traditional jazz. Brimming with distortion-laden trumpet solos, intricate contrapuntal piano playing, haunting bass lines, volatile reeds, and backbreaking drumbeats, it is evident that Speak is no ordinary band.