Bobby was recently awarded the Chamber Music America 2011 New Jazz Works: Commissioning and Ensemble Development grant funded through the generosity of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
This grant offers support for the creation and performance of new chamber works by U.S. jazz ensembles, and also funds activities that extend the life of the work and encourages the development of career-related business skills over a three year period.
Avey's project will draw inspiration from events
surrounding the subversive 18th century slave rebellion in Haiti. Led predominantly by first generation kidnapped West Africans, this movement became the first successful slave revolt in history resulting in a Declaration of Independence from France on January 1st, 1804.
This project will incorporate elements of Haitian drumming along with myriad world rhythms to create a rich rhythmic tapestry for composition and improvisation.

Bobby will be making a trip to Haiti to document Haitian Vodou drumming this winter.

The band:
Miguel Zenon – alto sax; Ben Monder – guitar;
Bobby Avey – piano; Thomson Kneeland – bass; Jordan Perlson – drums.

This project will premiere in November 2012.