Stephen Philip Harvey Octet - Recording Release
The Stephen Philip Harvey Octet presents “Mythos,” an original suite commissioned by Chamber Music America through its 2025 New Jazz Works program. The music draws on mythology from Africa and the African diaspora, as well as American folktales shaped by that often-overlooked cultural history. The page describes the performance as the suite’s commission premiere and connects it to Harvey’s broader season of original compositions inspired by influential cultural voices.
Philadelphia-based saxophonist, composer, arranger, bandleader, and educator Stephen Philip Harvey leads the ensemble. His work combines jazz tradition with contemporary Black American music, expressive improvisation, and cinematic, narrative-focused composition. He also leads the chordless trio SPH+2, electric quintet Sphinx, and Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra.
When: Sunday, November 1
Showtimes: 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM
Venue: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007
Tickets: $35, plus a $7 fee
Food and beverage minimum: $15 per person, not included in the ticket price
Seating: First come, first served at the door
Doors: 4:30 PM for the earlier Sunday performance and 7:15 PM for the later performance
Performer: Stephen Philip Harvey Octet, led by Stephen Philip Harvey
Program: “Mythos,” a new suite inspired by African mythology, traditions of the African diaspora, and folktales from the United States
Artist background: Harvey’s recordings and compositions have been recognized for their storytelling and orchestral imagination. His compositions have been performed by the Orchestre National de Jazz, National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Peabody Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, and University of North Texas. He has received support from Chamber Music America, the Maryland State Arts Council, South Arts, the Jazz Education Network, and Seton Hill University.
Related recordings: The page notes Harvey’s 2026 trio album, *Golden Hour*, and a planned February 2027 octet release titled *The Pen is Mightier*, inspired by Black American literature. It also references his 2025 large-ensemble recording, *Multiversal: Live at Bop Stop*.
Run time: Not specified
Age guidance: Not specified
Accessibility: Not specified
House policies: Tickets are final sale, nonrefundable, and nontransferable. Photography and recording are prohibited during the performance, and audience members are asked to keep conversation to a minimum.