This is the 2nd album of original jazz by this drummer/composer. His quintet has an open, organic sound, reminiscent of the hard bop era, though the Cuban jazz influence of pianist Julio Jauregui adds a refreshing twist to this swinging mix.

7 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Hard Bop, JAZZ: Afro-Cuban Jazz



Details:
âSong for the 9th Wardâ is the 2nd album of original jazz, by drummer/bandleader Jeff Busch. The tunes were written for the play âKatrina: I too am worthyâ, by Seattle play write, Donte Felder. The music, and script are based on the stories of Hurricane Katrina victims, and the sound of this quintet still conjures memories of the hard bop era. Buschâs writing continues to have a strong Afro 6/8 rhythmic presence, but he also draws upon the brilliant Cuban piano skills of Julio Jauregui, on tunes such as âFlamencoâ, and upon the spontaneous âfree playingâ of horn men Brian Kent and Tony Grasso on a piece called, âThe Struggleâ. Bassist Evan Flory Barnes always seems at home no matter what the style, and his bowed solo on âLamentâ adds an emotional texture to this albumâs range of sounds. Buschâs writing is influenced from many years of work in both the traditional jazz and Latin jazz scenes. As he says, "Afro 6/8 rhythms and swing are like brothers...from the same mother, just variations on the same rhythmic theme". While this influence remains at the core of his writing, his band continues to play with a fresh, soulful, sound, that is open & honest, optimistic, and always musical.

Based in Seattle, Washington, the Jeff Busch Quintet is an outstanding young band that draws on the talents of a unique blend of players.

Busch, a first call percussionist in the Brazilian jazz community and a member of the Jovino Santos Neto Quinteto, nominated for a Latin Jazz Grammy in 2004, is also an extremely versatile drummer. His work outside of the Brazilian music scene has included drumming for legendary Gospel singer Patrinell Wright and the Total Experience Choir, Gospel singer Edna Baptiste, jazz pianist Chris Blacker, Costa Rican singer Carlos Cascante and his group Tumbao, and Cuban dance band Mango Son to name a few. His music is deeply rooted in the connectedness between West African drumming and swing. âEverything you hear in contemporary jazz, latin music, and even hip hop can be traced right back to West African drum beatsâ¦itâs the source, and a never ending one at that!â

On this CD, âSong for the 9th Wardâ Busch has drawn upon the talents of his quintet, a varied group of players, who each bring something special to the music.

Pianist Julio Jauregui, from Mexico City, is a brilliant Cuban jazz player. His musicianship is highly respected, and he has performed with some of Latin Musicâs greatest players, including Giovanni Hidalgo, Joe Santiago, and Pablito Rosario. Heâs an extremely grounded player, but is also equally at home playing swing. âHeâs rhythmically aware, and knows how to comp, and I like hearing a jazz player who can shift gears stylistically on such a profound levelâ.

Bassist Evan Flory Barnes is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young players on the scene. A University of Washington graduate, he is masterfully at ease playing jazz or classical musicâ¦or just about anything in between. Heâs extremely creative beyond his years and is a very open minded player. He currently plays with jazz pianist Marc Seales, Industrial Revelation, as well as with his own band Threat of Beauty to name a few. His extraordinary musical gifts bring out something extra special in those around him.

Trumpeter Tony Grasso is a wonderful improviser who sounds like an impressionistic painter, exploring shades and shapes of sound with his horn. A graduate of the Naval School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia, Tonyâs musical concepts are extremely varied and open. Heâs always ready to explore in a new direction which keeps things exciting! Over a 10 year span, Tony worked with bands in Connecticut, Chicago, and San Francisco. While in Chicago, he studied with legendary tenor player Joe Daley, and later in San Francisco with pianist/author Mark Levine. Tony is not only highly creative performer, he is also a prolific writer, who can shift effortlessly in his musical approach. He has written a wide range of music, from straight ahead bop to âfree chamber-jazzâ which is featured in his own 1999 release âThe Tony Grasso Saxophone? Quartet!

Tenor player Brian Kent is instantly recognizable for his gorgeous tone, rhythmic precision and natural musical sense. A graduate of Bostonâs Berklee School of Music, Brian is the consummate professional. Stylistically he is extremely versatile and completely at ease with straight ahead, Cuban or Brazilian jazz, or âfreeâ improvisation. His close work with Tony Grasso over the years has helped them evolve into a remarkable duo with an intuitive musical synergy. Brian has worked on countless projects with soloists and groups such as; Edmonia Jarrett, Barney McClure, Michael Bisio, Rumba Abierta, The Chris Spencer Quartet, and the Tony Grasso Saxophone? Quartet! Brian is currently the musical director of the play 'Kerouac.'

For more information about the Jeff Busch Quintet go to: www.Jeffbusch.net. Or send an email to jeffpbusch@yahoo.com. Thank you!