Spontanea is a collective of Seattle-based improvisers representing diverse backgrounds and influences. 
The interaction of these three soloists defines Spontanea's music: guitar innovator Matt Benham employs a custom array of effects to stretch the sonic borders. Carol J Levin plays an electrified harp, producing a span unique to that instrument, adding percussion & kalimba and effects. Kenny Mandell, award-winning jazz performer and educator, uses reeds, woodwinds and percussion in myriad ways. Scott Schaffer adds bass and other strings to the mix and facilitates their recording process.

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The group recorded its first album, Flow, in 2018, a freewheeling tapestry of quartets, trios, duets and solos linked together in a single narrative. Just before the coronavirus lockdown began, they recorded two free-ranging new records with special guest, cellist James Hoskins. Their 2020 release, Chromasonic, explores synesthesia, the blending of senses, with songs inspired by the work of visual artist Ellie Polk. A third album, Quintaphonic, was released in February 2021. Spontanea has appeared live in Seattle and at the Olympia (WA) Free Jazz Festival.