Zoh Amba Sun Ensemble w/ David Ross Quintet

The Sun Ensemble is a new project from Zoh Amba with pianist Lex Korten, bassist Caroline Morton and percussionist Miguel Marcel Russell. The project was conceived through a commission from Roulette 2023-2024. The Sun Ensemble blends avant-garde, noise, and devotional hymns. Working together in energy and pushing to reach the highest places in sound and heart.

Zoh Amba is a composer and instrumentalist from Tennessee. She began her musical journey steeped in the musical traditions of the South. Zoh released her first two records in 2022. Her debut record O, Sun which was produced by John Zorn and released on Tzadik. Zoh Amba’s The second record, Bhakti features Micah Thomas, and Tyshawn Sorey. She has collaborated with a variety of musicians such as Chris Corsano, Vijay Iyer, Myriam Gendrom, Glen Hansard, gabby fluke-mogul, William Parker, Bill Orcutt. Amba has also performed at well respected venues and festivals ReWire (NL), BRDCST Festival (BE), Roulette (NY), Jazz En Agosto (Portugal), Saalfelden Festival (AU), and Big Ears Festivals (Knoxville) and Willisau Jazz Festival. Bhakti has become the moniker for Amba’s ongoing live and recording ensemble project with ever changing members.

David William Ross is a New England based guitarist, recording artist, and educator, with a range spanning jazz, classical and contemporary music. An advocate of new music, he has worked closely with composers from around the world in creating new works for the guitar. He has premiered works by Frank Wallace, Ferdinando DeSena, Peter Dayton, Pierre Schroeder, Georges Raillard, Mel Mobley, Jordan Chase, among others. David’s playing appears frequently on the Ravello, Navona, and Naxos labels, his most recent recording, a 3-part guitar work, Upon the Blue Guitar, by John Rommereim was released in March, 2025 under Navona.

As a composer, David’s work draws from the jazz idiom and classical tradition alike to create textures that are both structured and spontaneous. His work continues the tradition of the New York School of Feldman, Cage and Brown as well as minimalists like Steve Reich but grounds itself in the visceral creativity of jazz improvisation.

David’s work as a session player has led to an extensive working knowledge of the recording studio. He has developed an approach to engineering and recording that not only captures and present music in hi-fidelity but also as an artistic tool itself. He creates organic and original recordings that elucidate the creative motive of the artist and clarify the underlying aesthetic of the music. According to Seven Days VT, “Ross does more than simply produce… he covers his work in gossamer and weaves a foundation of lush beauty and haunting sounds.”

David holds degrees in music theory, composition, and guitar. He attended the Peabody Conservatory and the University of Southern California. As an educator, he has taught courses at Fitchburg State University, Keene State College, and the Vermont Jazz Center in guitar, jazz improvisation, music theory, ear training, composition, music history, and aesthetics. He is currently the Director of Music at The Putney School in Vermont.

Doors are at 7pm and music will begin at 730. The show is all ages and seating is first come first served.

Host or Publisher Nova Arts