Lifeforce Jazz to Release James Leary New CD Release
On Tuesday May 8th, 2012 Lifeforce Jazz releases a stellar CD of original compositions and arrangements, Together by James Leary, recorded in two outstanding recording sessions.
After years with the Count Basie Orchestra winning two Grammy's along the way, Sammy Davis Jr. Bobby Hutcherson
Bobby Hutcherson
b.1941
vibraphone
, Max Roach
Max Roach
1925 - 2007
drums
, Randy Weston
Randy Weston
b.1926
piano
, and Dizzy Gillespie
Dizzy Gillespie
1917 - 1993
trumpet
to name a few James Leary delivers with grand excellence!
Tracks 1-7 were originally released on vinyl that featured a host of Bay Area legends including Joe Henderson, Eddie Marshall, George Cables, and two master percussionist Babatunde Lea and Kenneth Nash! Unfortunately a lack of promotions left this jewel unheard by national jazz lovers.
The final six were recorded in the Los Angeles area with a different group of masters including Eric Reed
Eric Reed
b.1970
piano
, George Harper, Dwight Trible and Lifeforce Jazz co-founder Billy Higgins
Billy Higgins
1936 - 2001
drums
!
While the recording is loaded with musical brilliance its the writing, arranging and playing of the leader James Leary that holds everything together and locks it in place and moves the music forward. As label CEO Dawan Muhammad recalls Joe Henderson saying “this recording was the inspiration for me in getting my West Coast Big Band back together”
The title track features Dwight Trible and Billie Higgins and while it shifts in moods it swings with great madness!
Whether its the super arranging of the big band tunes, the soaring, scorching sax soloing of Joe Henderson, the tenderness of the bass and piano duo with George Cables or James' gentle fluidity throughout track 7, Wajumbe James Leary's bass is at the bottom of it all!
With the commitment of Lifeforce Jazz, James Leary and his CD Together will reach the top!!
