Oxygen Ensemble is a collective of musicians led by bassist Thomas Bell that includes many of the finest improvising musicians in Seattle. The recent bi-coastal expansion of the collective to New York City is picking up steam, and in 2005 there will be Oxygen Ensemble performnces on both coasts. Look for the Ensemble to perform in the Seattle area in early July 2005.

From its start in Florida (Jan. 1999) to its reformation in Seattle (April 2000), the group has taken an
' improvised collective composition' approach to its music which provides a relentless groove heavily steeped in the traditions of Acid-Jazz / Free-Jazz / Funk & Avant-Garde. The Ensemble's imposing groove is reminiscent of Miles Davis' early 70's work mixed with the unyielding explorations of Sun Ra's various incarnations of his Inter-stellar Arkestra. The music is based on rhythm, spontaneous composition and group improvisation which allows exploration of nearly every style of music.

After a nine month weekly series in 1999-2000 with a seven member line up, Oxygen Ensemble began experimenting with larger line ups, which led to a two year period when the Ensemble performed about once a month with 12 to 13 musicians, with many other Seattle notables sitting in. Recently the Ensemble returned to a reduced line up (six to eight) yet will still often throw down with as many as space will allow.

No matter the number, Oxygen Ensemble's rhythm section lays down a nasty and relentless groove allowing the horns and melodic instruments to spontaneously create a fusion of all styles that pushes the envelope of today's music through an avant-garde mix of free-jazz, funk and drum 'n' bass flavored jazz.