The Bill Sears Quintet - Chasin' The Goal (2016) ART OF LIFE RECORDS

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The Bill Sears Quintet - Chasin' The Goal (2016

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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Chris Rogers - Voyage Home (2016) ART OF LIFE RECORDS

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Chris Rogers - Voyage Home (2016)

About the Music

Art of Life Records is proud to present the debut release by trumpeter and composer Chris Rogers. "Voyage Home" features the late saxophonist Michael Brecker, guitarist Steve Khan, saxophonist Ted Nash, pianist Xavier Davis, bassist Jay Anderson, drummer Steve Johns, saxophonist Roger Rosenberg, trombonist Art Baron, keyboardist Mark Falchook, percussionist Willie Martinez and a digital sample of the late trombonist, Barry Rogers. Recorded at Sound on Sound Studios in New York City, New York on February 2nd & 4th, 2001. All songs were composed and arranged by Chris Rogers.

Liner Notes 

About "Voyage Home":

At its heart this music truly IS a voyage. Surely the songs here represent my debut as a solo performer and composer, but they also can be viewed as the spiritual and sonic offspring of some of the incredible musicians whom I have personally known my entire life. I am speaking specifically of Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Don Grolnick, Eddie Palmieri, Tom Harrell, Lew Soloff, Mike Lawrence, James Taylor and Barry Rogers. These unique artists - plus others like Hal Galper, Chick Corea, Woody Shaw, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, Igor Stravinksy, The Beatles, David Sanborn, Freddie Hubbard and Miles Davis - make up much of my musical palette. The incredibly accomplished musicians on "Voyage Home" were handpicked for their value to me both as musicians and friends. Finally, in the true Jazz tradition ALL solos were tracked live.

In Honor of Michael Brecker:

Michael Brecker is commonly referred to as "the most influential tenor saxophonist since John Coltrane". His recorded legacy as a bandleader, co-leader (with brother Randy) and sideman, as well as his 15 Grammys tell only part of the story. Mike was a gifted human being who has profoundly touched peoples lives all across the globe. I am deeply grateful to Mike for his friendship and presence on this album. He is dearly missed but never forgotten.

Selected Quotations

This highly anticipated CD by Chris Rogers has finally hit the shelves! I've known Chris since he was 6 years old. His father, the great trombonist Barry Rogers, was a close friend and mentor to me and my brother Mike. I've watched his progress through the years and can categorically state that Chris is AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME on this CD, and it's so great to hear previously unreleased solos of Mike's (and Barry too!). So check this CD out: Just a heart-felt first-rate endeavor that is sure to bring Chris Rogers the critical and fan-based attention he deserves! ~ Randy Brecker

Chris Rogers: trumpet, keyboards

Michael Brecker: tenor saxophone

Ted Nash: tenor & alto saxophone

Steve Khan: guitar

Xavier Davis: piano

Jay Anderson: bass

Steve Johns: drums

Roger Rosenberg: baritone saxophone

Art Baron: trombone

Barry Rogers: trombone

Mark Falchook: synthesizer, keyboards

Willie Martinez: congas, percussion

Counter Change

Voyage Home

Whit's End

The Mask

Ballad for B.R.

Rebecca

Ever After

Six Degrees

The 12-Year Itch

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