SUNG/UNSUNG is Ben Schachter's new band; a world-class ensemble based in Philadelphia, PA. (Ben's previous band TRIO OF MANY also made significant critical impact recording and performing over a five year period.) Ben Schachter is a powerful and original saxophonist and composer. His five recordings as a leader provide ample evidence. He has performed and recorded throughout the world with; Sam Rivers, Tim Hagans, Conrad Herwig, Jeff "Tain" Watts, John Zorn, Dave Holland, Gary Bartz, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Uri Caine, George Garzone, Marc Ribot, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Jack Walrath, etc. He has been recognized with awards from the American Composers Forum, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts,and the Pew Fellowships in the Arts. Jef Lee Johnson (guitarist) is the type of musician who frightens other musicians. An "underground legend" who should be much more widely recognized, Jef's reputation spans genres, and is global in scope (there is a Jef Lee Johnson fan club in Japan!). Jef has eight recordings as a leader, and has also performed and/or recorded with; McCoy Tyner, Shannon Jackson, Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Rachelle Ferrell, Jeff Beck, D'Angelo, The Roots, Common, James Carter, Chaka Khan, and countless other varied artists. He is a 2003 Pennsylvania Council on the Arts fellow. Matthew Parrish is a virtuoso acoustic bassist. Truly an astounding player, Matthew is also a prolific composer and accomplished pianist. His 2001 debut CD received rave reviews and "choice" awards. More recordings are on the way! He has performed around the world with; Greg Osby, Stefon Harris, Kenny Barron, Regina Carter, Gary Thomas, James Newton, Ralph Peterson, etc., etc., Craig McIver is an amazing drummer/percussionist with an impressive background in classical music as well as jazz and other forms. A 2003 Pennsylvania Council on the Arts fellow, he is a unique and fascinating composer and has so far recorded one CD of his music. He has also performed and/or recorded with; Max Roach's M'Boom, Odean Pope, Michael Brecker, Johnny Coles, Joe Lovano, James Carter, and numerous orchestras and contemporary music ensembles. "If the news hasn't reached you, then listen up! Philadelphia-based saxophonist Ben Schachter is one of the sharpest improvisers in modern jazz." AllAboutJazz "...a new style of freedom and democracy." JazzTimes "...beautifully arranged interludes offset by passages of boundless improvising...something special is happening here." JazzImprov "...the power of...Dave Holland...or Steve Coleman...the authority of Joe Lovano..." Cadence "...advanced harmonic capabilities and fluid, sure-fire rhythmic drive....a personal and present-tense sound." Philadelphia CityPaper "...Schachter writes peppery tunes that tapdance on the subconscious before his searing saxophone takes over to blow down the house." Philadelphia Inquirer "...artistic prowess...reams of finely-honed phrases that contain a trace of lyricism within their full-bodied texture." Cadence "...has a fire in his soul that he vents through angular, topsy-turvy modified bop explosions." Philadelphia CityPaper "...Ben Schachter's Sung/Unsung will blow your mind." Philadelphia Arts Writers