Ryan Meisel Quartet
Ryan Meisel Quartet “Spirit Dance” show is a tribute to the Spiritual Music of John Coltrane and the profound impact it has had on Meisel as saxophonist, composer, and band leader. The group will be performing original music from their new record along with a presentation of music from John Coltrane that has spiritual connections to Meisel and the rest of the ensemble.
“Spirit Dance” Album Press Release- Ryan Meisel 2024. “This album is a tribute to the Spiritual Music of John Coltrane and the profound impact it has had on my life. Whether it was a blues or a ballad, Coltrane shaped the world of Jazz with his technique and virtuosic musical concepts, later taking inspiration from world religions and cultures. These songs, these improvisations, are my stories, and are my way of contributing to his legacy. I'd like to thank Jake, Matt, and Doug for contributing their music to this project and sharing in the creative process.”
Bios:
Ryan Meisel- Saxophones: Madison & Milwaukee Wisconsin have a long tradition of providing the incubation for many of the midwest’s best creative musicians! From the swing days of Chuck Hedges and Al Jarreau, to the avant-garde musicians like Roscoe Mitchell and Hanah Jon Taylor. Ryan Meisel is an up-and-coming lion of Wisconsin sax- men who performs at jazz festivals and venues in the area. Ryan’s group features music from his prolific compositional pen inspired by many great jazzmen including Chicago’s Fred Anderson and Von Freeman as well as classic John Coltrane, Joe Henderson and Dexter Gordon!
Ryan is a musician, educator, and composer. Ryan grew up outside of Milwaukee and honed his jazz skills under the tutelage of legendary bassist Richard Davis at the UW Madison and master jazz educators Ron Carter and Rodrigo Villanueva at Northern Illinois University. Ryan has frequented the many jam sessions in Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee and currently imparts that knowledge to his students as a teacher at Arrowhead High School. He strives to share music that is original, unifying among musicians, and uplifting for audiences.
Jake Polancich- Drums: is a musician and music educator based in the Milwaukee Area. He is the director of bands at Arrowhead high school and teaches music theory. Jake is an accomplished bassoonist and percussionist, having performed in a variety of ensembles throughout the United States, Canada, England and the Republic of China. He performs regularly throughout the Midwest with the Ryan Meisel Quartet and Montauk Project and his trio Sincerely, Linus. He has explored further collaborations with the Milwaukee Ballet School of Music and Academy, various chamber music opportunities, and improvised music. He continues to serve as an adjudicator, performer, and guest conductor for various festivals and concerts. Polancich is a proud endorser/artist with Dream Cymbals and Gongs and Pork Pie Drums. Polancich is the longest tenured member of the Ryan Meisel Quartet, being in the band since 2011.
Matt Rodgers: Bass- Is a musician and educator from Madison WI who first performed with Ryan in the early 2000’s and has since reunited since 2018. Along with performing Rodgers is a general music teacher to elementary school students in Madison Public Schools. Rodgers has a background as a vocalist receiving his degree from the University of Wisconsin Madison in Choir performance. Rodgers performs in many different ensembles around Madison from Chamber music shows to folk and bluegrass. Rodgers does it all.
Doug Brown: Guitar- is a staple of guitar and banjo performance in the Madison area and tours the country with many different jazz/folk/bluegrass/rock/classical music groups. Originally from the Spring Green area of Wisconsin’s driftless region, Brown brings a style of music to the band steeped in blues, soul, and creative energy that brings the band together. Brown joined the Ryan Meisel Quartet in 2018. Brown is also a Tai Chi master and instructor who brings positive energy and an aura of enlightenment to his performance.