Dave Miller, piano

… beautiful tone, clear articulation, ability to dig deep into the meaning of the lyrics and the joy that she displays while singing are unchanged as is Dave Miller’s swinging solos and tasteful accompaniment…many of the songs (even the vintage ones) relate to the pandemic, and the singer contributed two originals.

John Fedchock – trombone
Scott Wendholt – trumpet & flugelhorn
Walt Weiskopf – tenor saxophone
Allen Farnham – piano
David Finck – bass
Eric Halvorson – drums

Pianist Dave Miller has been a fixture on the Northern California jazz scene for quite a few years. Early in his life he discovered the music of George Shearing whose quintet made bebop accessible in the 1950s, and he considers
Shearing an important influence on his own playing although Miller has his own voice in straight ahead jazz.

Haruna Fukazawa – Flute and Alto flute

This new recording once again features the multi-Grammy finalist’s composing – arranging, along with some of his solo work on vocals and trombone.

The Shakespeare Project – Deborah Shulman

John Fedchock’s Reminiscence is the exciting sequel to his critically acclaimed quartet recording Fluidity. This collection of timeless standards and fresh originals showcases Fedchock’s dynamic trombone and the sensitive rhythm section of pianist John Toomey, bassist Jimmy Masters, and drummers Dave Ratajczak (tracks 1-6) and Billy Williams (track 7).

“…she’s Maria Schneider on steroids…”  -Harvey Siders, Jazz Times/ Clairvoyance  –  Ayn Inserto’s DOWN A RABBIT HOLE exhibits her continued exploration and adventures for the modern big band. Featuring jazz greats John Fedchock, Sean Jones, and George Garzone, Ayn’s new album tells a new story with each carefully composed piece. Her compositional design allows the genuine expression of the soloists to shine, while maintaining the style and sound of this large ensemble that is uniquely Ayn’s. Ayn’s exceptional ability to collaborate is illustrated in her thoughtful arrangements. In her compositions, her visionary melodic and harmonic concepts are executed with precision by her long-established band that loves and understands her music. The energy, creativity, and craft of Ayn’s DOWN A RABBIT HOLE is simply magical and inspiring.

“I think you’ll really enjoy this CD there are absolutely no dull moments, you are going to be taken on the ride of a lifetime, so enjoy it and let me know when you come back to Earth!”  – Randy Brecker.   Randy Brecker is back in LEAD Large Jazz Ensemble form w/ Mats Holmquist’s incredible writing and arranging – with UMO Jazz Orchestra!

Directed by Chuck Bergeron, 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.

Simply Stunning original compositions performed solo.  Critically acclaimed Michika Fukumori on thirteen moving solo piano tunes, which are conversations between the piano and Michika. On “Piano Images” she combines music from her favorite composers (Rodgers, Porter, Jobim) with her stunning original compositions…there is ‘one’ piece, “Oceans in the Sky” that is ‘four-hands’ (with Steve Kuhn) that lights up the program…