About Mary Halvorson

The success of her acclaimed 2008 debut, Dragon’s Head (Firehouse 12 Records), led critics to call Ms. Halvorson “probably the most original jazz guitarist to emerge this decade” (Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader) and “the freshest, busiest, most critically acclaimed guitar-slinger out of downtown Manhattan/Brooklyn right now” (Howard Mandel, Jazz Beyond Jazz). “A singular talent,” adds AllAboutJazz.com’s Troy Collins, “Brooklyn-based guitarist Mary Halvorson has come into her own as a composer and improviser…light years ahead of her peers, she is the most impressive guitarist of her generation. The future of jazz guitar starts here.”

A veteran of the ensembles of esteemed saxophonist/composer Anthony Braxton, Ms. Halvorson has been active in New York since 2002, following jazz studies at Wesleyan University and the New School. In addition to her trio, which also recently expanded to a quintet, she co-leads a chamber music duo with violist Jessica Pavone and the avant-rock project, People, with drummer Kevin Shea. She has also performed in ensembles led by Tim Berne, Taylor Ho Bynum, Trevor Dunn, Curtis Hasselbring, Tony Malaby, Myra Melford, Nicole Mitchell, Jason Moran, Tom Rainey, Marc Ribot, Matana Roberts, Elliott Sharp, John Tchicai and Matthew Welch among many others.

Featured Discography

Mary Halvorson Trio, Dragon’s Head (Firehouse 12 Records, 2008)

Old Nine Two Six Four Two Dies

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Momentary Lapse

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Mary Halvorson & Jessica Pavone, Thin Air (Thirsty Ear, 2009)

Barber

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Thin Air

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Mary Halvorson/Reuben Radding/Nate Wooley, Crackleknob (hatOLOGY, 2009)

Caldwell, 1925

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The Cadence Of Her Dying Breath

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The Thirteenth Assembly, (un)sentimental (Important Records, 2009)

Unfinished Ballad

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Chantal

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