Adjunct Professor of Music Samuel Heifetz has teamed up with renowned jazz musician Mark Kramer to release “Secret Society of Sound Vol. 1,” an album that combines jazz, classical, and world music–and features another Arcadia adjunct professor, Sean J. Kennedy–to create a new, distinct sound. 

“Creating this project was an incredible experience, especially working alongside the legendary pianist, composer, and producer/engineer Mark Kramer,” Heifetz said. “It was both inspiring and humbling to collaborate with someone who has worked with some of the greatest names in jazz—including Michael and Randy Brecker, Charles Fambrough, Stanley Clarke, and most notably, the iconic bassist Eddie Gomez.”

Hextet, a string ensemble of Peabody Conservatory graduate students, and Kennedy, who teaches drums, percussion, and jazz, also play on the album. Heifetz had high praise for both.

“A special shoutout goes to Sean J. Kennedy, whose contribution was invaluable,” Heifetz said. “His solo on ‘Rahel la Fermosa’ is a cornerstone of the composition, both powerful and essential.”

“Our string ensemble, featuring the incredibly musical and virtuosic members of Hextet—Sangwoo Kim and Josephine Kim on violins, Kenneth Fuji and Amelia Eckoff on violas, and Tim Becini and Alex Wu on cellos—delivered flawless performances that brought the music to life,” he added.

The album features ten original works, five by each composer.

Compositions by Prof. Heifetz:

Compositions by Mark Kramer:

“Secret Society of Sound Vol. 1” is now available on all major streaming platforms.