Beckett has not only added instruments that were not on his previous CDs, such as the vibes, trombone, and acoustic guitar, but he has chosen several new collaborators who have the right chemistry and who have fulfilled his musical vision. Gerald plays his flute with a fierce, uninhibited passion, and virtuosity. His challenging, memorable compositions reflect his appetite for all things musical and that philosophy extends to FLUTEVIBES.
_ Paula Edelstein (from the liner notes)

There is so much to like about this album: so much talent, so many great tunes, and a leader whose vision the rest of us can now enjoy. Art Lillard the drummer is a lot like Art Lillard the person: thoughtful, intelligent and a great listener. So have a listen, yourself. Gravity will keep your feet on the ground but this date with the Heavenly Big Band will surely make your spirit soar.
– John J. Cooper (from the liner notes)

Critically acclaimed Brass group, Carolina Brass, powers ahead with the NC Master Chorale to create an unforgettably warm and tasty holiday recording. Recorded Live. Founded in 1942 as the Raleigh Oratorio Society, the North Carolina Master Chorale is committed to bringing the very finest in choral music performance to Raleigh- Durham-Chapel Hill audiences. Under the direction of Dr. Alfred E. Sturgis since 1993, the Chorale boasts a 170-voice symphonic chorus and a 22-voice professional chamber choir. Hailed by critics as Raleigh’s premier choral ensemble, the Chorale primarily performs choral masterworks with orchestra.

There is so much to like about this album: so much talent, so many great tunes, and a leader whose vision the rest of us can now enjoy. Art Lillard the drummer is a lot like Art Lillard the person: thoughtful, intelligent and a great listener. So have a listen, yourself. Gravity will keep your feet on the ground but this date with the Heavenly Big Band will surely make your spirit soar.
– John J. Cooper (from the liner notes)

Critically acclaimed Brass group, Carolina Brass, powers ahead with the NC Master Chorale to create an unforgettably warm and tasty holiday recording. Recorded Live. Founded in 1942 as the Raleigh Oratorio Society, the North Carolina Master Chorale is committed to bringing the very finest in choral music performance to Raleigh- Durham-Chapel Hill audiences. Under the direction of Dr. Alfred E. Sturgis since 1993, the Chorale boasts a 170-voice symphonic chorus and a 22-voice professional chamber choir. Hailed by critics as Raleigh’s premier choral ensemble, the Chorale primarily performs choral masterworks with orchestra.

Beckett has not only added instruments that were not on his previous CDs, such as the vibes, trombone, and acoustic guitar, but he has chosen several new collaborators who have the right chemistry and who have fulfilled his musical vision. Gerald plays his flute with a fierce, uninhibited passion, and virtuosity. His challenging, memorable compositions reflect his appetite for all things musical and that philosophy extends to FLUTEVIBES.
_ Paula Edelstein (from the liner notes)

From a hip-hop flavored opening to pure jazz and blues, David Schumacher succeeds with what he has set out to do ñ his third album as a leader!

If you haven’t lived it won’t come out of your horn! There are a lot of fine young musicians on today’s scene. However, to my ears the most meaningful music is often made by people who are under-exposed and unrecorded until mid-career. Mike Hackett has been playing and living jazz for over two decades. He has accumu-lated musical and life experiences that give him something to say and a personal voice with which to say it. If you haven’t heard Mike Hackett until now you will find a beautiful combination of soul, lyricism, and story telling in his music. Music is communication and that is what Michael does.
– Pat Harbison