The Outer Bridge Ensemble

The Outer Bridge Ensemble originated in New Jersey in 2003. Led by pianist/composer Steve Hudson, the group included bassist Mike Noordzy, drummer David Freeman and saxophonist Mark DeJong. Collaborating with the likes of Steve Bernstein, James Zoller, Oscar Noriega, David Braid, Craig Brenan, Claire Daly and Achille Succi, the Outer Bridge has evolved to present original music in numerous configurations and venues.

The group performs original music that reflects various musical influences and traditions, with key elements emerging from the jazz tradition. The band has given special emphasis to the use of varied textures, unique instrumentation, changing rhythmic meters, and ensemble interaction.

In July of 2003 the quintet entered the studio, recording tracks for their debut CD “Outer Bridge”. Hudson's composition “Mingus Moon” was a finalist in the 2003 International Songwriting Competition, selected among 11,000 entries.

Audiences responded enthusiastically to the unique concept of the group sound, compositions, and the level of interaction within the ensemble. The Steve Hudson Quintet were featured regularly at various clubs in New York City, including Club Detour, 55 Bar, the C-note and the Knitting Factory.

In September of 2004 and 2005 the group recorded material for their second CD, which was released in August, 2006. With assistance from the Canada Council for the Arts, a tour took the group back to western Canada in September 2006 to promote their second CD. "Klezmer", a composition written by Freeman, went on to be selected as a semi-finalist in the 2007 International Songwriting Competition.

In 2007 he group was featured on the mainstage at the Ottawa International Jazz Festival, and the same year performed at the 2007 SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival.

In 2008 members of the group performed at various clubs in Italy, including stops in Vincenza, Bologna, Venice, Florence, and Taranto. That same year band member Mark DeJong released his debut cd "The Unknown" which featured the Outer Bridge Ensemble on 7 of his original compositions. In 2009, Steve Hudson released "Shine" a cd featuring his compositions that included Mike, Jerome, David, Mark and guests Peter Eldridge, Oscar Noriega and James Zollar.

In the fall of 2009 the group completed two 10-day tours that took them throughout western Canada, including Vancouver, Victoria, the Okanagan, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Regina.

Current projects being explored include a new cd, a european tour, and performances in the eastern United States.