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University of Northern Iowa Jazz Band One 2014-15: Local Color
By"I Broke the Dam," written and arranged by Jazz Band One's lead trombonist, Crew, uses star turns by brass, reeds and rhythm to set the stage for ardent solos by guitarist Elvis Phillips, alto saxophonist Ryan Middleton and drummer Chris Jensen leading to a high-spirited resolution that ends with a whimper. Cooper's eloquent tone poem "Amur in Her Heart" enlists the talents of Conrad (organ), guest trumpeter Justin Kisor and UNI faculty member Dr. Mitra Sadeghpour (voice) to weave its special brand of magic around an entrancing theme, while Hirsch's picturesque "Mirage" paints an irresistible picture of sand, sea and sky whose emphatic rhythms enfold robust statements by trombonist Paul Lichty, flutist / tenor saxophonist Sean Koga and trumpeter Jordan Boehm. After a leisurely introduction, "Gerry's Timepiece" settles into a more zestful groove that well suits Middleton's instinctive digressions on alto.
Crew, trumpeter Ryan Garmoe and vibraphonist Patrick Cunningham share solo honors on "Fee Fi Fo Fum." Koga (tenor) and Phillips are out front on "Freedom Jazz Dance," Lichty, Cunningham, Koga, Jensen and Boehm on "The Egyptian," while Garmoe's flugelhorn is showcased on "My Ship." The band as a whole is exemplary, and director Chris Merz deserves three cheers for having his young charges primed and ready to face the erraticisms of the recording studio. In sum, Local Color proves a worthy addition to UNI's growing catalog of admirable recordings.
Track Listing
Gerry’s Timepiece; Fee Fi Fo Fum; I Broke the Dam; Amur in Her Heart (for Oksana); Freedom Jazz Dance; Mirage; My Ship; The Egyptian.
Personnel
Chris Merz
saxophoneChris Merz: director; Dan Meier: trumpet; Andrew Teutsch: trumpet; Ryan Garmoe: trumpet; Jordan Boehm: trumpet; Michael Prichard: trumpet; Ryan Middleton, Sam Bills, Sean Koga, Mark Northrup, Mason Meyers: saxophones, woodwinds; Brian Crew: trombone; Paul Lichty: trombone; Brent Mead: trombone; Thomas Rauch: trombone; Elvis Phillips: guitar; Seth Butler: piano; Riley Scheetz: bass; Chris Jensen: drums; Patrick Cunningham: vibraphone, percussion. Guests – Michael Conrad: composer (1), organ (4); Dr. Mitra Sadeghpour: voice (4); Justin Kisor: trumpet (4).
Album information
Title: Local Color | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Self Produced