news
Annie Booth named Managing Director of the International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers (ISJAC) | Aug 2022
ISJAC is a professional organization for jazz composers and arrangers all over the world. I've been a member since 2019 and have found great value in my membership in the organization - I attended two of the International Jazz Composers Symposiums and presented my chamber jazz piece, Flowers of Evil at the most recent ISJAC Symposium in May 2022 in Austin, TX.
I'm thrilled to now be a lot more involved with the organization and look forward to doing all I can to help it grow and continue to serve composers worldwide. If you're a jazz musician, jazz composer, or jazz fan, I highly recommend you check out ISJAC and become a member!
New album ALPENGLOW out now!
Alpenglow is the latest release from pianist, composer, arranger, and educator Annie Booth and the Annie Booth Sextet. A versatile and award-winning musician, Booth has earned international recognition for her work as a composer and arranger. On this latest release, her distinct and joyful compositional voice bursts in technicolor.
The Annie Booth Sextet came together in 2015 as a multi-generational group of diverse and expressive improvising musicians who boast deep ties not only with one another within the group but also with the legacy of the great jazz scene in Denver, CO - the hometown of each member. Booth's memorable compositions and artful three-horn arrangements on Alpenglow highlight the unique individual voices and virtuosity of each band member throughout the album.
The music for Alpenglow developed during a period of mentorship between the Annie Booth Sextet and lauded pianist/composer/improvisor Art Lande as part of the Performance Plus Grant from Chamber Music America and the Doris Duke Foundation.
2022 Reno Jazz Festival // Commissioned Composer
After two years of hiatus, the Reno Jazz Festival - anchored by the jazz program at the University of Nevada, Reno - is back for 2022. I'm very honored to be the Commissioned Composer for the 2022 festival. The commissioned piece, Sagebrush, is for high school level big band and is available for all of the student groups who will participate in the Reno Jazz Festival. Sagebrush is an homage to the state flower of Nevada; its swing feel is wide and open, reminiscent of the beautiful landscape of the American West.
I'll be in Reno in-person for a few events as part of the festival (which takes place April 28-30, 2022) including an artist talk, a masterclass, and I'll be hosting a jam session. There is a big virtual aspect of the festival this year, so if you are a student or a band director (anywhere!), look into participating in this great festival - you'll registration will give you access to my new chart and there are countless educational benefits as well.
Atlantic Center for the Arts // February '22
I'm very excited to be an associate artist at the Atlantic Center for the Arts for three weeks spanning February into March 2022. I'll be working on several big band pieces and a film score, in addition to working with my mentoring artist, composer Timo Andres and the incredible fellow artists at ACA. Much, much gratitude for the Atlantic Center for the Arts!
Westword Article // August '21
Thanks to Jon Solomon at Westword Magazine for including me on this list of "Denver's Ten Best Jazz Musicians." Every one of the fellow musicians featured on the list is a mentor or a hero or both, and so I am truly honored be in their presence. Cheers to the great city of Denver!
Chamber Music America // 2021 Performance Plus Grantee //
Annie Booth Sextet + Art Lande
Thanks to Chamber Music America and the Doris Duke Foundation for the incredible support of the 2021 Performance Plus Grant.
This grant program is aimed toward female bandleaders in jazz and the grant allowed me and my group, the Annie Booth Sextet (Greg Gisbert, John Gunther, Anisha Rush, Patrick McDevitt, and Alejandro Castaño) to get together with master musician-educator Art Lande for 9 hours of rehearsal time. We then went into the studio in early December 2021 to record the music we worked on with Art. This album (yet to be titled) will be released in June 2022. Stay tuned!