The Indianapolis-based saxophonist opens up about his move from Broadway sideman to big band leader, the creative challenges of leading a seventeen-piece jazz ensemble, and the community spirit that shaped his debut album 'Communal Heart.'
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Today, the Spotlight shines On saxophonist and composer Sean Imboden.
Sean spent years touring with Broadway shows and working as a sideman, but something was missing. He stepped away from a lucrative career path and took a leap, returning to Indianapolis, where he ultimately formed his 17-piece orchestra. Now that ensemble releases Communal Heart, an album that captures the community spirit Sean has built around his music, as well as his transformation from comfortable sideman to big band leader.
Sean joined me to discuss this ambitious project and share how he has created what he calls "identifiably human-made music" in an increasingly digital world.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Sean Imboden Large Ensemble’s album Communal Heart)
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00:01:29 - Leading a 17-piece ensemble: balancing control and creative freedom
00:04:45 - The trombone challenge: why some instruments are harder to write for
00:08:17 - Learning from musicians: how players teach composers
00:09:45 - Compositional process: from voice memos to full arrangements
00:13:25 - Technology in arranging: MIDI, Finale, and hearing orchestrations
00:16:59 - Recording logistics: managing seventeen musicians on a budget
00:23:06 - Working with producers Steve Allee and Rich Dole
00:27:55 - Musical family legacy: growing up with working musician parents
00:33:38 - Broadway touring: the security and creative limitations
00:41:49 - Road stories: finding treasure in small-town pawn shops
00:45:59 - Building community: from individual vision to collective heart
00:53:47 - Current listening: Dalia Stasevska and modern classical music
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Visit Sean Imboden at https://www.seanimboden.com
and follow him on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/seanimboden
and YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/c/SeanImboden
Purchase Communal Heart by Sean Imboden Large Ensemble from Qobuz → https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/communal-heart-sean-imboden/ztkg10kzcdoda
and listen on your streaming platform of choice → https://found.ee/Seam-Imboden-Communal-Heart
For extensive show notes, links, and podcast information, go to https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com
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