Description
The return of the 20+ member SFJO performing w/ exquisite vocalists on the first full big band recording of tunes from Gary Lindsay’s (a University of Miami Music School legend) composing and arranging vault in over 40 years of vast experiences. Led by jazz veteran, Chuck Bergeron, an amazing mix of “out of towners” joined members of the SFJO.
Featuring: Nicole Yarling, Julia Dollison and John Hart
ABOUT THE MUSIC…
MOMENT IN TIME: I wrote this Brazilian-influenced composition a few years back to feature trumpeter Alex Norris, who was a DMA student in the Frost School at the time. Alex shines on this updated version. Also featured is my colleague from Frost School of Music, the great guitar- ist John Hart. Frost alum Brian Potts is heard on pandeiro complementing the groove.
SPRING IS HERE / UP JUMPED SPRING: Written to exemplify the colors of spring, this medley features Julia Dollison, an enormously gifted singer with the vocal flexibility of a gym- nast. Lightness, fluidity, swing and bold brass represent some musical elements integral to this chart, along with great solos by Dante Luciani (tbn), Julia Dollison and Phil Doyle (tenor).
TOWARD HOPE: This original was written just before the sessions in 2017. After the slow introduction, the soprano saxophone plays the opening motive accompanied by a piano ostinato. The piece slowly evolves from classical roots to chamber jazz. Rick Margitza is featured on tenor saxophone in acrobatic flight. Interweaving lines of counterpoint and countermelodies add to the momentum. Hope is an island in Rhode Island, but this title may mean something else to you.
EASY LIVING: I was inspired by the opportunity to accompany Nicole Yarling on this classic. She is a true jazz singer who can scat with a soulful lack of inhibition. This arrangement borrows from Duke Ellington’s “jungle music,” with its cast of musical characters and features Greg Gisbert (on eof New York’s finest) on trumpet.
BETTER DAYS AHEAD: From Pat Metheny’s catalogue, this arrangement features colleagues John Hart on guitar and Chuck Bergeron on electric bass. Soprano sax and flugelhorn double the lead on a saxophone soli with a tip of the hat to Thad Jones.
ARE WE STILL DREAMING: This original was inspired by a guest appearance by Kenny Wheeler at the University of Miami Frost School of Music. Julia Dollison was featured, along with Kenny and the Frost Concert Jazz Band (directed by Whit Sidener) in Kenny’s concert, so it was only natural to include her on my tribute composition. Her voice blends beautifully with members of the ensemble. John Hart, along with my longtime friend and colleague Gary Keller, play beautiful solos.
‘ROUND MIDNIGHT: Inspired by the Stan Kenton sound, I performed this arrangement on my masters’ recital in 1978. Here I feature one of the foremost voices on saxophone – Ed Calle – with a soulful rendition.
UMMG: Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn are important influences on my music; so this Strayhorn composition was a natural choice for this CD. Two master musicians, Mike Brignola (bari sax) and Major Bailey (bass trombone), are featured on the theme. Solos by superb pianist and colleague Martin Bejerano and longtime friend trumpet virtuoso Jason Carder add to the substantial written counterpoint.
