Discovering Freedom in Frameworks and the Forgotten Borough with Julie Maniscalco

Julie Maniscalco sits down to explore the logistical nightmares and creative triumphs of managing an 18-piece jazz orchestra in New York City. We discuss her writing process, contrasting the exposed nature of small group writing to the lush, vibrant colors of a big band, drawing on influences ranging from Tower of Power to Maria Schneider and Arturo O'Farrill. Julie shares the surreal experience of premiering three original pieces at Carnegie Hall—Songbird for Hoyt, Medusa, and Ripple Effect—and explains how writing within strict frameworks actually fuels her creativity. We also shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked Staten Island jazz scene, discussing her Outer Borough Project, the legendary Cargo Cafe, and local artist residencies at Snug Harbor. Finally, we look ahead to her upcoming Chamber Music America grant-funded dectet album, In Flux, slated for release in the summer of 2027.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: The logistics of managing an 18-piece band02:47 - The compositional process: Why writing for a big band is like mixing a cocktail06:07 - Premiering three original pieces at Carnegie Hall10:46 - Writing for the Susan Wagner High School Wind Ensemble12:28 - Finding creative freedom within traditional musical frameworks18:50 - Major compositional influences: Maria Schneider, Arturo O'Farrill, and Miggy Miyajima23:13 - The Outer Borough Project: A musical tribute to Staten Island29:22 - The history and current state of the Staten Island jazz scene39:29 - Outro: Chamber Music America grant and the upcoming album In Flux

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