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THE STRATOS ENSEMBLE

(We believe the below webzine reviews kind of say it best.)

 

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of The Stratos Ensemble, an alternative jazz group based in Los Angeles, known for its daring improvisations and captivating soundscapes. ---- Since 2004, under the direction of producer Dean De Benedictis, The Stratos Ensemble has challenged conventions by skillfully blending electronic sounds with modern and ambient jazz performances. This collective of artists, with changing personnel, explores aural textures as much as musical virtuosity, making each piece an epic odyssey of sonic discovery. -Tiana Testa (EXTRAVA FRENCH)

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The Stratos Ensemble, led by Dean De Benedictis, has been redefining alternative jazz in Los Angeles since 2004. ---- Departing from traditional free-jazz norms, their improvisational approach is complemented by meticulous production, resulting in a polished yet adventurous sound. With a rotating lineup and the addition of vocalist Nichole Michelle Jones, the band continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of musical expression. -Simão Reis (Where The Music Meets)

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Rare is the band that has a unique sound with a feel  of experimentation but still be accessible to modern ears. Such is the success of The Stratos Ensemble, consisting of Dean De Benedictis/p-key-voc, TJ Sammut/g, Robert Gross/b, Coco Roussel/dr-synth, Shaunte Palmer/tb and Nichole Michelle Jones/voc. The album mixes styles and moods, with ideas gleaned from Weather Report in terms of textures and drive, Brian Eno for ambience and sonic wallpaper and even a dash of Kraftwerk for techno pulses, with Palmer’s trombone bringing in a jazz feel and Jones’ voice veering between earthy poetics and fiery declarations. -George W. Harris (Jazz Weekly)

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OUR OLDER BIO

is a band and project that has been using improvisation to blur the margins between progressive rock, jazz, world, experimental music and electronic-ambient music ever since 2004. It is lead by producer Dean De Benedictis, originally a fusion keyboardist who is known as electronic musician Surface 10. The term stratos is a metaphoric reference to the idea of space and expanse, the infinite and amorphous nature of the sky, and the idea that truly exploratory music reaches beyond the fringes of conventional moods and atmospheres.  

 

Usually comprised of experienced players, the ensemble's format is almost completely improvisational, but their techniques sometimes yield the affect of being pre-arranged music. Each improvised piece can vary wildly in style, making the band a difficult genre to classify, but a common thread they try to maintain is a generally cinematic mood, something that still appears to be a novelty within the improvisational jazz scene and movement. The band was even interestingly referred to once as "sophisticated space rock". Championing fairly obscure pioneers of the 70s, such as those involved in the early ECM Records movement, and the deeper side of early progressive rock, The Stratos Ensemble approaches their work from a melodic-ambient style template, rather than the traditionally non-idiomatic or tamboral school of thought usually reserved for improvised jazz genres, or the down-home grit usually reserved for jam band genres. The Stratos Ensemble prides themselves in having a broader sonic expanse than most improvisational bands, usually ushered by a dramatic use of audio effects. 

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Everytime The Stratos Ensemble performs, either in public or in private, it is a rather special occasion. It is both the first and last time this music will likely ever be performed. Whenever it is recorded, the band and the audience are literally witnessing permanent work being created and tracked, for all time. This is work that is not merely noise or experimental indulgence, but spontaneous composition and spontaneous sonic innovation. The Stratos Ensemble typically records their performances, and often releases them to the public later, in one form or another.

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MORE ABOUT THE CONCEPT

​The basic artistic direction of the Stratos Ensemble's music, ever since it's inception, has been a long-time dream and idea of founding member Dean De Benedictis. Aside from him, The Stratos Ensemble is currently a band of circulating members, evolving over time based on member availability. The Stratos Ensemble does gear itself towards a concrete list of personnel, but it simply rides the tide according to the ebb and flow of it's players. 

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Dean De Benedictis uses methods like melodic motifs and sonic textures to sometimes guide the general direction of each performed set by the Stratos Ensemble, but only enough to trigger what is clearly a collaborative creation. In general, Stratos players are all joining together to interactively sculpt new passages and musical realities by the sheer joy of their raw skill, talent, creativity and musical understanding. 

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Ever since the band's very first album in 2007, their main record label has been Dean's own Fateless Flows label. However, they have also occasionally appeared on compilation albums for other labels and organizations, always a Google search away.

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Visit the music page for an audio glimpse into the Stratos Ensemble's concept and experience.

 

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OUR PRESENT CORE TRIO CONSISTS OF THESE MUSICIANS

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Coco Roussel - drums and electronic drum pads

Bob Gross - bass & bass effects

Dean De Benedictis - piano, synths, embellishments, flute, melodica, voice, production

TJ Sammut - guitar & guitar effects

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PREVIOUS MEMBERS AND CIRCULATING MEMBERS

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Shaunte Palmer - trombone

Nichole Michelle Jones - vocals

David Strother - violin & violin effects

James Musser - guitar & guitar effects

Dean Pachares - guitar

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Brandon McGregor (guitar & effects)

Brian De Benedictis (B1) (spoken word)

Rod McDowell (bass)

Mick Stevens (bass)

Dave Boswell (guitar & guitar synth)

Jim Goetsch (sax and embellishments)

Frescia Belmar (bass)

Perry Lopez (drums and percussion)

Doug Lunn (bass)

Angie Swan (guitar)

Dylan McGee Jones (guitar & guitar effects)

Daniel Coffeng (guitar & guitar synth)

Brock Avery (drums)

Angelo Elonte (violin and 12 string guitar)

Kent Baxter (upright bass)

Brock Bowers (drums)

Carl Royce (upright bass)

Hector Quintanilla (drums)

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