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The New World Jazz Composers Octet Releases Second CD: Transitions

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The New World Jazz Composers Octet is releasing its second CD, TRANSITIONS, on the Big and Phat Jazz Productions label. This exciting new CD features eight stylistically diverse compositions written by five of the most talented jazz composers on the scene today. Each piece is presented with a combination of precise ensemble performance and inspired solos.

The New World Jazz Composers Octet is led by saxophonist/flutist Daniel Ian Smith. Most of the featured composers and performers are part of a thriving jazz community based in the greater Boston area. Many are faculty members at either the Berklee College of Music or New England Conservatory. All have extensive musical pedigrees.

The members of The New World Jazz Composers Octet are:

Daniel Ian Smith - leader & woodwinds (Arturo Sandoval, Mark Walker); Dino Govoni - woodwinds (Henry Hey, John Allmark, Eddie Gomez); Ken Cervenka - trumpet and flugelhorn (George Russell, Oliver Lake); Walter Platt - trumpet and flugelhorn (Mighty Sam McClain, O'Jays); Tim Ray - piano (Orange then Blue, Tre Corda); Keala Kaumeheiwa - bass (Jimmy Heath, Patrice Williamson); Steve Langone - drums (Enclave, Jerry Bergonzi, Purple Toucan Trio); Ernesto Diaz - percussion (Mango Blue, Dave Samuels, Danilo Perez).

The five contributing composers are:

Ted Pease - (Buddy Rich, NEA awards recipient); Edgar Dorantes - (JAZZUV Mexico, Oscar Stagnaro, Francisco Mela); Matthew Nicholl - (Chair Contemporary Writing and Production, Berklee); Ken Schaphorst - (Chair Jazz Studies New England Conservatory); Richard Grudzinski - (Karen Akers, George Russell).

With TRANSITIONS, The New World Jazz Composers Octet has expanded upon musical concepts featured on its debut CD, NO PLACE TO HIDE. Notably, the group is introducing an exciting new approach to the programming of the music. The eight original compositions are connected musically by improvised interludes performed by individual soloists or duos from within the group. These interludes provide musical transitions that glue the compositions together into a seamless musical continuum. The result is a collaborative jazz suite - a complete seventy-plus minute musical statement that features jazz stylings as diverse as be-bop, salsa, samba, funk, third stream, and New Orleans parade music.

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