Ratchet Orchestra

**Ratchet Orchestra** is a sprawling Canadian avant-garde jazz collective from Montreal, founded by bassist/composer Nicolas Caloia in the 1990s. Known for their massive, genre-blurring sound, the group often features a rotating cast of up to 30 musicians, blending free jazz, experimental improvisation, and global influences into chaotic yet cohesive performances. Their work—like the albums *Hemlock* (2012) and *Coco Swirl* (2020)—showcases a playful, boundary-pushing ethos, balancing intricate compositions with raw, spontaneous energy.

Live recordings like *Ratchet Orchestra Alive* capture their infectious communal spirit, while releases such as *Goldstein: Soweto Stomp* nod to their knack for weaving political themes and cross-cultural rhythms into their sonic tapestries. Over decades, they’ve become staples of Montreal’s vibrant experimental scene, collaborating with icons like Sun Ra Arkestra’s Marshall Allen and staying fiercely dedicated to keeping jazz weird, wild, and wonderfully unpredictable.