Traditional Jazz Combo

8 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Bebop, JAZZ: Traditional Jazz Combo



Details:
"Rejuvenation" (ri-ju-ve-nat-shen): "to enliven, to empower with youthful vigor, to renew and refresh, to revitalize."
"Rejuvenation" is exactly that; a refreshment of the musical experience both for the musician and the ear of the listening. This new collection of compositions is interlaced with that same elixir, a tonic of complexity and movement, of color and contrast to enliven the senses. "Rejuvenation" also represents a satisfaction, the attainment of a musical passage and ascension to an openly expressed level of intuitive playing, with the realization that this has all been done before but has been lost, set aside in attention to other music and life influences. But the commitment found here in this collection more than signifies a triumphant return to the root fervor of âwhat is jazzâ and the force jazz music can impose.
It is with honor and humility that it is presented here. May you also feel and enjoy the powers of  "Rejuvenation."

Some notes about these compositions and the composing process.
Although the music seems to arrive âout of thin air,â the process is much more complicated, but with the âout of thin airâ magic. I have attempted many times to accurately explain the idea of original thought but still it remains vague. Maybe that is how it should be. My best reasoning is that original music or idea development is based on preparedness and skill. The invention of a theme is rooted in experience and memory along with life impressions and optimism. The optimism is most vital in that I can sense the nearness of something and give it positive passage to show itself and be born. This is a great responsibility as it will need a name and a respectable place in the world. Ideas for music are captured as to the present need or current harmonic study or sound I may be involved with at the time, but still there are other things.
A composer has his own emotions to deal with, his feelings of self, feelings for others, feelings for his world, and in composing, unknowingly the music is effected by all of these. Still, there are times when a composition will fly in quite out of nowhere and complete itself right there before you using your eyes, your hands, and your piano and be done in fifteen minutes. This is amazing!
The songs composed here were written quite rapidly as if poised for arrival. There was little struggle. There was a need, there was a harmonic study, there were some gigs, and there was a great excitement and desire.
Each song was a joy to discover and unique unto itself. Each suggested itâs name very clearly. âMister Pacificâ was a development of the harmonies of âRejuvenation.â âRejuvenationâ was conceived with the help of bassist Don Russo and represents an abandonment of old disciplines allowing a joyous release of energy. âOne Fin Upâ was conceived to be a relaxed idea played in the style of pianist Tommy Flannagan, allowing the music to breath and revitalize itself. âPegasusâ was originally meant to be mean and hard-shelled but with a soft center and thatâs just how it ended up. The odd one was âMontooth Dragon,â expressly written for Albuquerque  drummer Diego Arencon as a format for him to develop and expand in his own way. As a result Diego has become and will forever be the âMontooth Dragon.â
The two standards, âAutumn Leavesâ and Miles Davisâ âNardisâ are rendered respectfully as recognizable vehicles of the improvised jazz tradition. Don Russoâs opening solo clearly displays his passion for the song âNardisâ and exposes the rich sound of the bass.