Bio/Ensembles
Composer and arranger Brad Cox is co-founder of Owen/Cox Dance Group and founder and director of The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City, a musicians’ collective dedicated to the performance of new large ensemble jazz music. Cox’s musical influences range from liturgical chant and traditional folkloric music to popular music and free jazz, with a particular interest in the communal aspects of music making. A composer in the uniquely American Ellington tradition, he has dedicated his work to forming creative collaborative relationships with musicians and to writing music for those musicians. Cox studied composition at UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance under James Mobberley and Gerald Kemner and is a recipient of the 2010 Charlotte Street Foundation Generative Performing Artist Award and the 2009 Tanne Foundation Award.
Brad Cox is currently active with the following ensembles:
The People's Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City--a musicians' collective dedicated to the creation and performance of new large ensemble jazz.
Owen/Cox Dance Group--a contemporary dance ensemble lead by Jennifer Owen focussed on creative collaborations among dancers, musicians, composers and visual artists.
Brad Cox Octet--an eight-piece ensemble made up of two saxophonists, two bass players, two drummers, and two keyboardists.
Brad Cox is currently active with the following ensembles:
The People's Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City--a musicians' collective dedicated to the creation and performance of new large ensemble jazz.
Owen/Cox Dance Group--a contemporary dance ensemble lead by Jennifer Owen focussed on creative collaborations among dancers, musicians, composers and visual artists.
Brad Cox Octet--an eight-piece ensemble made up of two saxophonists, two bass players, two drummers, and two keyboardists.