present
Saxophonist Bill Sears is the coordinator of Jazz Studies at the Interlochen Arts Academy, a position he has held since 1987. A native of Racine, WI, Bill attended Indiana University earning both Bachelor and Master of Music degrees, studying jazz with David Baker, George Ross and Dominic Spera, and the saxophone with Dr. Eugene Rousseau. Upon graduation in 1980, Bill embarked on a successful career in Chicago performing regularly with the Chicago Jazz Quintet, the Jazz Members Big Band and Marshall Vente’s Project 9. Bill can be heard on recordings with each of these groups as well as with Frank Mantooth, Dominic Spera and Ashley Alexander. Bill’s playing encompasses the entire spectrum of the history of the tenor saxophone- from rich, warm ballads to the searing intensity of today’s music. His versatility and fresh voice have allowed him to share the stage with jazz luminaries such as Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Bellson, Billy Hart, Bill Evans (saxophonist) and Geoff Keezer. In 1986 Bill toured the U.S. and Europe as the lead alto saxophonist in the Ray Charles Band.
Bill’s recording debut as a leader, “Chasin’s the Goal” on Manitou Records, finds him in the company of former Miles Davis saxophonist Rick Margitza, drummer Bob Meyer- a current member of Joe Lovano’s Symbiosis group, and two of Bill’s close musical associates from his days in Chicago- bassist Kelly Sill and pianist Mike Kocour.
1. Chasin' the Goal
2. The Touch of Your Lips
3. Free Smells
4. This One's for You, P.D.
5. Origin
6. With Malice Toward None
7. Due North
Bill Sears: tenor saxophone
Rick Margitza: tenor & soprano saxophones
Mike Kocour: piano
Kelly Sill: bass
Bob Meyer: drums
Recorded on March 22nd, 1996 by John Stites at Audio Sound Productions in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Mixed by John Stites & Bill Sears.
All songs by Bill Sears except "The Touch of Your Lips" by Ray Noble,
"Origin" by Rick Margitza and "With Malice Toward None" by Tom McIntosh.
Album cover graphic design by Paul G. Kohler.
Album cover photo courtesy of Carl Abernathy.
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