Through the commissioning of all-new works and the creation of immersive, live multi-media concert programs for the MAIN STAGE, METTA QUINTET is committed to challenging convention and expanding the boundaries of the live jazz experience.

The quintet released its critically acclaimed debut recording, Going to Meet The Man (Koch) in 2002 featuring eight commissioned works by the then-emerging, now-renowned composers, Brad Mehldau, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Larry Goldings and George Colligan. All works were inspired by short stories by celebrated American author James Baldwin. In July 2006, Sunnyside Records released the quintet’s second critically lauded CD Subway Songs, which features eight all-original commissioned compositions inspired by the sociological dynamism of the New York City Subway experience.

In early 2012, the quintet, in partnership with the digital music distributor, The Orchard, released the globally-themed, Big Drum/Small World to unanimously positive reviews! The project features a diverse array of all-new music by renowned composers from eight different countries including Lionel Loueke, Miguel Zenon, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Yosvanny Terry, Omer Avital and Metta Quintet’s very own, Marcus Strickland. The project explores the globalization and ever-broadening definition and sound of jazz.