"Volume 16 is a stunning big band interpretation of The Bagatelles. Brilliantly arranged by Sam Eastmond (Spike Orchestra) this is one of the most exhilarating instillments in the series. Sam outdoes himself here with a set of expansive arrangements that touch on jazz, rock, classical, sound-tracks and more. Spine-tingling music from one of the most creative ensembles in the world."

John Zorn

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“The surprises this freewheeling music delivers defy minute description and are perhaps inexhaustible”

Downbeat

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“Eastmond has produced something truly awesome, a cavalcade of music that rides the paradoxes and juxtapositions of Zorn’s methodology with absolute assurance and delivers a properly integrated whole every time.” 

Jazzwise

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13 Piece ensemble playing John Zorn's Bagatelles, arranged and conducted by Sam Eastmond and featuring some of the most outrageous improvisers on the scene.

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WEIRD MUSIC FOR OUTSIDERS

Eastmond's latest project, a big band formed to play the music of its disparate and diverse membership. Formed with musicians Eastmond met in his first NYJO residency and fellow young punks this is a high energy, unpredictable and challenging crucible.

Freely improvised music from a core trio of Eastmond, Celeste Cantor-Stephens, and Andy Watts.

An album of new music each month with a guest and sporadic underground performances.

 "...the Spike Orchestra, whose sparkling arrangements of Masada compositions were a highlight of both The Book of Angels and Zorn's Book Beri'ah. Filled with startling instrumental colors, fiery solos, driving rhythms and moody harmonies, the music is brilliantly performed by this tight 15-piece big band"

John Zorn

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Eastmond's longest running project, the Spike Orchestra have recorded Cerberus and Binah in Zorn's MASADA series and Splintered Stories, for Tzadik Label.They have performed at Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, the Southbank Centre, the Vortex, and numerous grimy, long-forgotten dives with sticky floors and stained walls that have sunk into insolvency and obscurity.

"heavy and dissonant'

Long Jazz News

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Small group intensity and intimate, raw, exploration of Eastmond's compositions from an incandescent group of generational talents.

Debut release on Chant Records and live Abbey Road sessions for the University of Mexico.