Album Mastered, Newly Titled!
My first album has been mastered and is inching closer to release. Obviously, I’ve been overly optimistic in predicting WHEN the album will be out, but it’s looking like late spring/early summer is more than a distinct possibility. With more time to listen back and think about where this album fits (and doesn’t fit) in the larger scheme of things both from an individual, group, and listener perspective, I’ve decided to change the title to “Some Stories Tell No Lies.” Rather than gloss over flaws, imperfections, or any individual/group weaknesses, I’m attempting to present an honest snapshot of a group of musicians in progress. It seems like a fitting opportunity to highlight how music can be helpful in telling stories and aiding narratives, especially those that capture both highs and lows.
Read MoreOn The Horizon: The Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet
This January, I had the privilege of joining Jason Marsalis in the studio, along with Austin Johnson on piano and Dave Potter on drums, to record our second album as Jason’s Vibes Quartet, which will be entitled “In a World of Mallets.” All tracking is complete, and the album is due out in fall of 2012.
Read MoreRhythm!
2/8/2012: I found these thoughts sitting, unpublished. Figured I’d put it out there, fairly unedited, just to complete these thoughts and open them up for feedback.
12/8/2011:
The guitarist/banjoist from the Carolina Chocolate Drops last night got me thinking….he functioned like the drummer for the group, in addition to providing accompaniment you’d expect from a guitarist. All sorts of different ways to create a variety of sounds and percussive effects. And groove. I’ve found that there’s a gap in many modern guitarists really providing a rhythmic backbone for a band- not that many of them are not capable, rather, it’s just rarely a primary focus. 
Sharing More Than Birthdays
Just over a week ago, on September 9th, 2011, I was reminded of the relatively obscure fact that two of my favorite musicians, Elvin Jones and Otis Redding, share a birthday.
Now clearly, in and of itself, this isn’t especially noteworthy. After all, with all of the wonderful musicians on this planet, many share birthdays over the years. However, I found the juxtaposition of Elvin and Otis to be especially pleasing. Mostly because they share so many wonderful qualities, despite the fact that they are almost never mentioned in the same sentence. Individually, and when examined comparatively, they have quite a lot to teach us, especially when considering the marginalized position the jazz art form finds itself in.
Read MoreCurrently mixing “Out In The Open”
After a successful recording session during the Atlanta blizzard of January, 2011, I’m excited to be finishing up all aspects of post production on my first album, “Out In The Open.”
The album features Marcus Printup, trumpet, Chad Eby, Saxophones, along with Austin Johnson, piano, and Dave Potter, drums. The music varies from originals penned by members of the group, to compositions spanning over 75 years and a diverse group of composers.
Anticipated release: Winter 2011/2012
Read More“Out In The Open” Kickstarter Campaign A Success!
Update: Kickstarter campaign successful, thanks to all who contributed!
I just wrapped up a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for post-production of my first album “Out In The Open.” I encourage you to take a moment and check one of my original compositions from the record, “A Little Blue Circle” in the video preview below or listen to an audio sample of “The Soldier In White”. Please enjoy the music, and if you’d like, make your thoughts known!
Read More- New title is "Some Stories Tell No Lies" http://t.co/dXGDKLLc
- So close to record release I can taste it....liner notes done...
- Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City, Michigan, with Marcus Roberts and Jason Marsalis, trio gig. http://t.co/14RB4HwS
- Heading to the hit, 9 PM with Marcus Belgrave at Studio 281.