 Joe
Fonda is a composer, bassist, recording artist, interdisciplinary
performer and producer. An accomplished international artist, Fonda
has performed as leader of his own ensembles throughout the United States
and Europe and as sideman with Anthony Braxton, Archie Shepp, Bill
and Kenny Barron, Ken McIntyre/Charlie Persip, Lou Donaldson, Leo Smith,
Mark Whitecage, Curtis Fuller and others. Currently Fonda has been
recording and touring the United States and Europe with world-renowned
Anthony Braxton in various ensembles, large and small. Fonda sits
as President of the Board of Directors of the newly formed Tri-Centric
Foundation and performs with the 38-piece Tri-Centric Ensemble under the
direction of Anthony Braxton. As composer for his own ensemble, Fonda
has been the recipient of numerous grants and commissions and has released
many recordings.
From 1979 - 1985 Fonda was a member of the Creative Musicians’ Improvisers
Forum and Orchestra directed by Leo Smith. In 1989 he performed with
Fred Ho’s Jazz and Peking Opera in its world premiere at Brooklyn Academy
of Music during the BAM Opera Series. From 1982 to 1985, Fonda played
bass and danced with the Sonomama Dance Company. He was bassist with
the American Tap Dance Orchestra in New York City from 1995 - 1997.
An independent producer since 1978, Fonda is Founding Director of Kaleidoscope
Arts and Musical Director of the interdisciplinary Kaleidoscope Performance
Ensemble which has been in existence since 1982.
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Artist’s Statement
My work is threefold. First is the development of a music and
body of work that embraces pluralism and is rooted in inclusive thinking.
This is a music that has respect for the continuum: a music that
embraces that which has come before, that which is here now and that which
will be in the future. My music draws influences from this continuum,
yet never takes so much from any one place or time that the music becomes
imitation. In this way my music is a living, breathing, evolving
and connected music.
Second is the development of musical ideas and concepts that I see,
hear and feel to be the most natural to me. These ideas and concepts
(the ones most natural to us) are the most empowering things that we as
individuals have and can bring as our contribution to the continuum of
the music and to the quality of life as a whole while we are on this planet.
My work is about paying close attention to these and honoring them.
Third is my involvement with interdisciplinary activity. I feel
the various disciplines that the arts offer us have been more or less isolated
from each other. I have learned so much and have benefited greatly
through my involvement with dancers, painters, healers, sculptors and poets.
My work is about bringing these various disciplines together with my music
to widen the scope of possibilities.
Discography-CD's
1998
The Fonda Stevens Group Live In
Brugge-Dewerf Records
The Fonda Stevens Group Evolution
Leo Records
1997
Braxton - Fonda - Bufalino - Dodd Joe Fonda and From the Source
Konnex Records
The Fonda Stevens Group Parallel Lines
Music and Arts
1996
The Fonda Stevens Group The Wish
Music and Arts
1995
Braxton - Fonda - Duo 10 Compositions
Konnex Records
Fonda - Mareno ? Hershfield What We’re Hearing
Dewerf Records
1983
Fonda - Perrone - McCraven Up From the Sky
Kaleidoscope Records
1979
Joe Fonda Ensemble Looking for the Lake
Alarca Records