The Rita Collective

The Rita Collective is a new acoustic ensemble that takes a Jazz slant on world music. Currently busy arranging a diverse collection of melodies from around the world for it’s unusual instrumentation of bass clarinet, marimba, acoustic bass, and altered drum kit, the group has a sound and feeling rarely found in the Jazz world. The bass clarinet is at times hauntingly lyrical and at other times deeply sinister, a fascinating compliment to the beautiful woody tones of the marimba. Acoustic bass supports the melodies with a strength and warmth that rounds out the group, and an altered drum kit reaches beyond the traditional color pallet of drum set to infuse the music with a diverse world beat. Together, these wooden instruments resonate with a warmth and clarity that connects the listener to the music.

Listeners are likely to hear melodies from the Middle-East and Africa interpreted with a stroke of Jazz, but the group may also surprise listeners with a re-invented Jazz tune from one of the masters like Miles, or a re-imagined pop tune from Rage Against the Machine or the Beatles. The unifying thread for this group is the improvisatory approach to the music, and the deft playfulness of the musicians that create it.

The Rita Collective is an acoustic ensemble that takes a Jazz slant on world music. This acoustic ensemble is rich enough to fill a room, and quiet enough to hold a conversation. Performing diverse melodies from around the world arranged for bass clarinet, marimba, acoustic bass, and altered drum kit, an evening of music will include melodies from the Middle-East and Africa interpreted with a stroke of Jazz, re-invented Jazz tunes from masters like Miles, and re-imagined pop tunes from Rage Against the Machine, Michael Jackson, or the Beatles.

The Rita Collective is a refreshing alternative to the standard jazz quartet and could be the secret ingredient that makes your event truly memorable. Check out live recordings of the Rita Collective on soundcloud.

The members of The Rita Collective are:
Dean Keller - bass clarinet
Kristen Shiner McGuire - marimba
Kyle Vock - acoustic bass
Jimmy Grillo - altered drum kit

The Rita Collective is an all acoustic, self contained group with minimal space and technical requirements. One electrical circuit and a 20' X 10' space is all we need to fill your event with beautiful music.