O3
A collaborative trio, founded by longtime collaborators, friends, and Hartt graduates Brian Simontacchi, Matt Dwonszyk, and Corey Garcia. Influenced by the 1960s work of Jackie McLean, Ornette Coleman, Grachan Moncur III, Tony Williams, and others, the trio’s long history, deep emotional ties, and deep musical communication give them the option to be conventional or experimental, often blurring the lines and taking unplanned directions. The trio is set to record their first album at the end of 2026.
Brian Simontacchi Sextet
A new group, dedicated to the hard bop period. An extension of the quintet edition which often features the compositions of Elmo Hope, Charles Tolliver, John Coltrane, and more, drawing from compositions by members of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. This group is about playing compositions that force emotional climaxes, digging in, active communication, playing the lineage of one’s instrument, and direct melodic and rhythmic playing, honoring the past while bringing it into the present moment. It will feature tenor saxophonist Danny Raycraft, trumpeter Joshua Mercado, and other horn and rhythm section players, depending on availability and fit. The group will make their debut at Smalls Jazz Club in November 2026.
Brian Simontacchi Quintet
In development
A different version of the sextet, active in 2026. It uses more adventurous and modern sounds, still drawing from music from 1955 to 1995 but with an emphasis on post bop composers, such as Charles Tolliver and Woody Shaw. A more open sound with more adventurous chemistry. This group gives me the opportunity to feature different frontline and rhythm section players I have admired, including all trombone frontlines.
The Quartet, which has been dormant since 2022, will make occasional appearances. This group will have elements of O3 as well as the Quintet: adventurous composers and maximum exploration, but within standard rules of time, harmony, and form.
Two more groups have been workshopped but are not ready to debut - mostly because I’m still assembling the music and personnel in my mind.
A new chordless quartet project will focus primarily on exploration within a spiritual context.
and
A new electric / avant-garde quintet, a reimagining of the group from my college senior recital which featured Matt Knoegel, Andrew Renfroe, Matt Dwonszyk, and Jonathan Barber.