Geof Bradfield, professor of jazz studies and jazz performance in the NIU School of Music was awarded a Chamber Music America New Jazz Works grant for his latest recording, “Colossal Abundance.” The CMA New Jazz Works grant is the fourth that Bradfield has receieved.
Colossal Abundance features a 12-piece ensemble features a stellar lineup including Dana Hall, Russ Johnson, Ben Goldberg, Greg Ward, Anna Webber, Greg Beyer, NIU professor of music and director of percussion studies, among others. “Colossal Abundance” promises “radical interpretations” of classics by John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Henry Threadgill and Jaki Byard as well as Bradfield’s original compositions.
The 2025 New Jazz Works and Classical Commissioning programs provide grant funding to U.S.–based presenters and ensembles to create new compositions. A total of $543,000 was awarded to 19 ensembles and presenters, located in 13 cities across 10 states. These programs complete CMA’s 2025 grant cycle, which, through 68 awards, has provided a total of $1,261,350 to 338 musicians (and 20 presenting organizations) in more than 20 states.
“Colossal Abundance” is available now for download, CD and double record vinyl for $10
His work is featured on 50+ CDs, including seven albums as a leader that have garnered critical accolades from the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune and NPR. Bradfield has been recognized in Downbeat Critics Polls as a Rising Star Tenor Saxophonist and Arranger, and his 2017 release “Birdhoused” received 4 1/2 stars from the magazine.
