spontanea is a collective of four Seattle-based improvisers of diverse backgrounds and influences. The interactive work of three soloists defines Spontanea'a music: Guitar innovator Matt Benham employs a custom array of effects to stretch the sonic borders of his instrument. Carol J. Levin plays an electrified harp, producing a span of textures unique to that instrument’s pedigree. Kenny Mandell, an award-winning jazz performer and educator, uses reeds, woodwinds and percussion in myriad ways. Scott Schaffer adds strings to the mix and facilitated the recording process.
Together, Spontanea is more an improvising framework than a band. The group recorded its first album, Flow, in two 2018 sessions, conceiving the music (spoiler alert) spontaneously. Flow is a freewheeling tapestry of quartets, trios, duets and solos linked together in a single narrative.
Matthew Benham – electric guitar, effects
Kenneth Mandell – tenor saxophone, flute, percussion
Carol J. Levin – electric harp, effects
Scott Schaffer – acoustic and bass guitars, mandola
