All of Darcy James Argue’s tunes are available in an mp3 format. Click on each title below to get directions to audio clip.
"Darcy James Argue has developed an experimental yet accessible voice as a composer... his gifts are outstanding." - Bob Brookmeyer
"A big, broad musical vocabulary came together easily, without jump-cutting or wrenching shifts of style. Mr. Argue made all these elements belong together naturally." — Ben Ratliff, New York Times
"The latest leader to create a stir downtown is Darcy James Argue." — Steve Smith, Time Out NY
A rising composer on the New York jazz scene, Darcy James Argue directs Secret Society, a dynamic 18-piece band featuring his original works. The group includes fiery players like trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, saxophonist Erica vonKleist, pianist Mike Holober, and drummer Jon Wikan. Secret Society is a forward-looking ensemble, influenced by contemporary big bands like the Maria Schneider Orchestra and the John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble, but also atmospheric indie rock bands like Tortoise and Calexico, and adventurous new music groups like Anti-Social Music and Alarm Will Sound. Secret Society made their New York debut at the CBGB Lounge on May 29, 2005. They perform regularly around New York at venues like the Bowery Poetry Club, Union Hall, and Flux Factory.
In October of 2006, Argue made his European debut, leading the Cologne Contemporary Jazz Orchestra in a performance of his music at the jazz.cologne festival. He is a founding member of the New York composers’ federation Pulse, who have presented projects featuring John Abercrombie and John McNeil. In May of 2005, the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra of Los Angeles commissioned and premiered "The Golden Age." Argue’s awards include the BMI Charlie Parker Composition Prize, an American Music Center CAP grant, the SOCAN Award for Composition, several major Canada Council Grants, and a Down Beat Student Music Award. He has written arrangements for alt-country singer Shelby Lynne, jazz pianist Renee Rosnes, the Klezmer Conservatory Band, and in 2007 will be arranging the music for a concert featuring Lizz Wright with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to Secret Society and Pulse, Darcy’s music has been performed by the Cologne Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, the BMI New York Orchestra, the Eastman New Jazz Ensemble, the NEC Jazz Composers Orchestra, the McGill Jazz Orchestra, and ensembles of the Peabody Conservatory.
Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Argue holds a Bachelor of Music from McGill University and a Master of Music from New England Conservatory, where he studied with legendary jazz composer and trombonist Bob Brookmeyer. He has also studied with composers Lee Hyla, Maria Schneider, and John Hollenbeck.
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