Either Orchestra

The Either/Orchestra is a jazz group that was formed by Russ Gershon in 1985 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US. It is configured as a "small big band", with three saxes, two trumpets, and one or two trombones. The group is characterized by a heavier and more orchestrated sound than that of a smaller jazz combo, but remains more streamlined and improvisation-oriented than most big bands. The group draws on Gershon's experience on the Boston rock scene as well as the diverse musical backgrounds of its members, which include references to Duke Ellington, Gil Evans, Charles Mingus, and Sun Ra. The group also makes significant references to pop and rock music, and the full range of jazz styles, from early jazz to the avant-garde. This is reflected in the compositions recorded by the band over the years, which include "Doxy", "Brilliant Corners", "Nutty", "Lady's Blues", "Odwallah", "Willow Weep for Me", "Circle in the Round", "I Got it Bad", "In a Sentimental Mood", "Timon of Athens", "Red", "Ode to Billie Joe", "Lay Lady Lay", "I Want You/She's So Heavy". The group's repertoire also includes original compositions by Gershon, Nieske, Hasselbring, and others.