Double Vision Jazz Ensemble

Double Vision: A Modern Jazz Quartet Redefining Boundaries

Hailing from Austin, Texas, the acoustic jazz quartet Double Vision (Showcase at 2024 SXSW) brings together the creative energies of keyboardist and composer Hank Hehmsoth, co-composer flute and saxophonist John Mills, bassist Utah Hamrick, and drummer Aaron Easley. Known for their intuitive interplay and bold exploration of modern jazz, the group continues to push musical boundaries, delving into the intersection of jazz and art music.

Their latest album, Blu-Escape, showcases the quartet's dynamic synergy through nine original compositions. Highlights include the edgy title track “Blu-Escape”, the hypnotic “Chernobyl Cha Cha”, the Santa Fe-inspired “Turquoise Rendezvous”, and the playful yet poignant “Sophie’s Danse,” a tribute to Hehmsoth’s cat Sophie.

Beyond the music, the album reflects Hehmsoth’s artistry as an accomplished abstract painter. His large-scale works, featured as cover art, complement the music and amplify its emotional and conceptual depth. This innovative blend of music and visual art is exemplified in pieces like “Chernobyl Cha Cha,” “Circling In,” “Cabo,” and “Code Blue.” Together, these compositions and their visual counterparts create a multisensory experience that captivates audiences and redefines the modern jazz landscape.

Explore their creative journey at hanksjazz.com.

Hometown: Austin, Texas

Awards

— honored with a grant from the Aaron Copland Fund for Music

The award will support Hehmsoth’s and Mills' ongoing musical innovation with the Double Vision Jazz Ensemble, the group they co-lead as composers and band members.

“This grant is a tremendous honor, reflecting our commitment to pushing jazz boundaries while celebrating the rich traditions of American music,” said Hehmsoth. “With this support, Double Vision will continue to expand the jazz repertoire, create new works and inspire the next generation of musicians."

Double Vision will utilize the grant to further its mission of enriching the Central Texas jazz scene while showcasing the region’s unique contributions to the genre. Upcoming projects include performances at SXSW 2025 and new recordings that promise to capture the ensemble’s innovative sound.

Gear

All acoustic jazz quartet

Grand Piano, Upright Bass, Drum kit, Tenor Sax, Flute

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