This is the instrumentation of the group I formed for my very first gig as a leader. From the beginning, my conception of the band was to be a vehicle to explore the best non-avant-garde jazz of the 1960s, along with the best non-fusion jazz of the ’70s; in other words, the best creative jazz of that era that developed organically from earlier jazz styles.
Of all my bands, this one has the most challenging repertoire, including compositions by Chick Corea (Song of the Wind), Steve Swallow (Portsmouth Figurations), and Bill Evans (Fun Ride, Twelve Tone Tune Two).
Chris Bacas, saxophone
Tom Guarna, guitar
Thomson Kneedland, bass
Chuck Braman, drums
Donny McCaslin, saxophone
Paul Bollenback, Pete McCann, Nate Radley, guitar
Noriko Ueda, Evan Gregor, bass
Brake’s Sake
Brilliant Corners
Coming On The Hudson
Gallop’s Gallop
Introspection
Jackie-ing
Played Twice
Fun Ride
Loose Bloose
Re: Person I Knew
Twelve Tone Tune Two
Le Mistral
Memories Of Tomorrow
Bleeding Orchid
Song of the Wind
Paris Eyes
Ritha
Agua & Vinho (Egberto Gismonti)
The Bat (Pat Metheny)
Ballad For Billy (Leni Stern)
Black Narcissus (Joe Henderson)
Cyclic Episode (Sam Rivers)
Dark Light (Mike Nock)
De Pois Do Amor O Vazio (Wayne Shorter)
Elm (Richie Beirach)
Foolish Door (John Abercrombie)
Moon Germs (Joe Farrell)
Paul’s Pal (Sonny Rollins)
Portsmouth Figurations (Steve Swallow)
Trumpet-Tenor Saxophone Quintet A quintet drawing inspiration primarily from the brilliantly inventive compositions of trumpeter Kenny Dorham, saxophonist Joe Henderson and others featured on classic Blue Note recordings of the 1960s.
Guitar Trio/Quartet With a front-line featuring either one or two guitarists, this band performs the music of Thelonious Monk, John Abercrombie, Pat Metheny, Paul Motian, and others.
Vibraphone Trio/Quartet With a front-line consisting of vibraphone, either alone (trio) or supported by guitar or piano (quartet), this group explores a mixture of standards, Brazilian, and jazz compositions that lend themselves to the sound of the vibraphone.
Piano Trio This group explores rarely-performed compositions of Bill Evans and Antonio Carlos Jobim, among other great jazz composers.
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