CHESTERTOWN, MD—The Jonathan Scales Fourchestra brings its innovative jazz to Washington College on Friday, November 7, as part of the 12@Hotchkiss series of free lunchtime concerts. The concert will take place at noon in Hotchkiss Recital Hall, Gibson Center for the Arts, on the College campus, 300 Washington Avenue. 

The Jonathan Scales Fourchestra features composer and steel drummer Jonathan Scales , percussionist Chaisaray Schenck (who recently replaced Phill Bronson), and bass player Cody Wright. The group recently released “Mixtape Symphony,” which rose to the number six spot on iTunes jazz album list, and collaborated with Grammy winners Victor Wooten and Howard Levy on the 2013 album “Jonathan Scales Fourchestra” (Ropeadope). The Fourchestra has recorded several self-produced albums as well: “One Track Mind,” “Character Farm and Other Short Stories,” and “Plot/Scheme.” 

Based in Ashville, North Carolina, the group has performed across North America and Europe. It is known for its inventive approaches to sounds and instruments, especially the way Scales incorporates his steel drums into the mainly jazz repertoire. A reviewer in Chicago wrote that their performance “combined the best of two music worlds — the ultra smooth sounds of jazz rhythms and vibrant energy of rock — with the cool taste of the Caribbean. For more information on the group, or to hear some of its music, visit www.jonscales.com. 

The 12@Hotchkiss Series brings acclaimed artists from the Mid-Atlantic region to Washington College for informal concerts every first Friday of the month during the academic calendar. Designed to respond to the community’s growing interest in jazz, classical, and world music, the concerts are free and open to the public. A Q&A session follows many of the events. 

– Kaitlyn Fowler ’17