Bassist/composer Ark Ovrutski has based a career on having an open mind to the melodic possibilities of the bass. Born in Ukraine, Ark started working in Poland where he performed and recorded with saxophonists Zbiegniew Namyslowski and Piotr Baron and trumpeter Piotr Wojtasik, among others. Ark made his way to the U.S. in 2005 and began to freelance with numerous musicians such as trombonist Curtis Fuller, saxophonist James Spaulding, and pianist Larry Willis. Ark’s latest release, 2018’s Journey Moments, was met with acclaim with All About Jazz stating “In these nine songs — five Ovrutski originals and four classics — we find light, depth, strength, humor and sensitivity.” At Tavern On George, Ark is joined by saxophonist Todd Bashore, pianist Brandon McCune, and a yet-to-be-announced drummer. EW