Ghost Train Orchestra

Ghost Train Orchestra is a boundary-pushing ensemble founded in Brooklyn in 2006 by composer, arranger, and trumpeter Brian Carpenter. Known for reviving obscure jazz and dance band music from the 1920s and 1930s, the group brings an eclectic mix of vintage swing, avant-garde jazz, and chamber music flair to historically rich repertoire. Ghost Train Orchestra first gained attention with their 2011 debut album, Hothouse Stomp, which reimagined forgotten gems from Harlem and Chicago’s underground jazz scenes.

As they've evolved, the orchestra has expanded their scope, collaborating with diverse artists like Kronos Quartet and vocalists such as Karen Mantler and Elvis Perkins. Their creative reinterpretations continue with ambitious projects like Songs & Symphoniques: The Music of Moondog, highlighting the idiosyncratic 20th-century composer. With a rotating cast of talented musicians and Carpenter at the helm, Ghost Train Orchestra lives at the crossroads of tradition and experimentation, keeping early American music vibrant and relevant for today's audiences.