DCist Preview: Bobby Muncy

Woodwind artist Bobby Muncy has become a fixture on the local jazz scene over the past several years, playing with no fewer than six groups. These collaborations range from his own band, to avant-garde explorations with guitarist Anthony Pirog (***), and the in-your-face grooves of Three Stars alum Will Rast's Funk Ark. Muncy will step into the spotlight on Sunday and celebrate the release of his own new album, On the Outside Looking In, with an event at the historic Bohemian Caverns.

The seeds for this project were planted over two years ago, when Muncy landed a residency at Adams Morgan's Columbia Station. Over time, Muncy forged a steady ensemble, which convened in the studio for this recording.

"It was a steady gig and I just hired guys I liked playing with," Muncy said. "The goal of this album is to document that band and get some of my own compositions played."

This ensemble presents some of the District's best young talent, and many of them went through the recently profiled jazz program at the University of Maryland. In addition to guitarist Pirog, the band features Three Stars alum Brad Linde, trumpeter Joe Herrera, vocalist Lena Seikaly, and a rhythm section of pianist Nathan Lincoln-Decusatis, bassist Kevin Pace, and drummer Dennis Hoffman. Like most artists, Muncy is self-critical of his playing, but is pleased with the results captured on tape.