On SUITE THEORY, composer and arranger MICA BETHEA has turned a devastating, life altering accident into an inspired work of art. When he was just 21 years old, a car accident left him a quadriplegic, but his artistic drive and deep musicality remained unscathed. This is Bethea’s third CD. His previous projects have established his reputation as a distinctive voice whose big band writing is infused with soulfulness and a satisfying complexity. Although he’s drawn on personal experiences in his previous releases, SUITE THEORY is a thoroughly biographical project. It follows the arc of his life from before the accident until today. Since this was going to be an extended composition, he decided to write it as a symphony in four movements with each movement corresponding to a period of his life. Although Bethea’s music is rooted in the big band genre, he has a voice that’s all his own. That’s largely because he writes for himself and doesn’t worry about categories or stylistic purity. His music is both fun and complex. It’s brimming with originality and technical sophistication. Although his body is limited, his mind, heart, and artistic soul are flying free and unfettered in the musical cosmos.
“Mica Bethea’s third album reinforces his growing stature as a leading contributor to contemporary big band jazz.
Throughout, the music heard here demonstrates yet again that Mica Bethea brings a new, distinctive and exciting flavor
to contemporary big band jazz.” -- Bruce Crowther, Jazz Mostly
1. Crystal Clear 11:20
2. Destiny’s Boat 9:02
3. Miniscus 9:13
4. Guardian of Forever 8:10
5. Destiny’s Boat (alternate take) 8:50
All music composed and arranged by Mica Bethea
trumpet Greg Balut, Dave Champagne, Daniel Rollan, Ray Callender
trombone Michael Deese, Diego Herrada “de la Vega” Ventura, Lance Reed
bass trombone Gina “Badeeduh” Benalcazar
alto/tenor/soprano sax/flute Todd DelGiudice
alto/tenor/soprano sax/flute Daniel Dickinson
tenor/alto sax/flute Juan Carlos Rollan
tenor/alto sax/clarinet Jose Rojas
bari sax/bass clarinet Seth Ebersole
piano/Rhodes Josh Bowlus
guitar James Hogan
bass Dennis Marks
drums John Lumpkin Jr
percussion Terry “Doc” Handy
