Hi All,
I’m still catching my breath after what has been an all consuming last couple of weeks of nonstop activity, the culmination of more that two months of concentrated work. The basic tracking for my first ever big band album is complete! Over seven days of recording in Miami, an outstanding and dedicated group of musicians came together to record nine of my original works for large ensemble. A combination of players from my incredible Frost School Of Music family including faculty, alumni, and current students, along with eminent figures from the South Florida musicians community and special guest artists, outdid themselves with their skill and devotion in the execution and interpretation of some challenging music. Their creative talent in solo and ensemble work was copiously exhibited throughout. In other words, they crushed it!
I want to express so much thanks to all the musicians who made this possible, the fulfillment of a lifelong dream! The players:
Saxes: Tom Kelley (lead alto, flute, soprano sax), David Leon (alto, flute, clarinet), Gary Keller (tenor, flute, clarinet), Chris Thompson-Taylor (tenor, clarinet), Mike Brignola (baritone, bass clarinet)
Trombones: Dante Luciani (lead), Carter Key, Steven Robinson, John Kricker (bass trombone)
Trumpets: Michael Dudley (lead), Jean Caze, Jason Charos, Alec Aldred
Rhythm: Alex Brown (piano), Lowell Ringel (bass, electric bass); Hilario Bell, Kyle Swan (drums); Murph Aucamp (percussion)
I also want to give my appreciation to the amazing work of engineer Chris Palowitch and the incredible drumming of Grammy© Award winner Dafnis Prieto, who was featured on one composition and is one of a number of special guest artists that will be part of this project.
Now the next phase begins, of taking the music through the rest of the process to finished work of musical art. I invite you all to stay tuned as my creative team and hone this work and its message! There will be much to reveal.
Brian