The mention of Wichita inevitably recalls the title of the Pat Metheny/Lyle Mays album "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls." In this case it is an apt comparison, as Flynn's music shares similar bucolic atmosphere and song-like melodicism.
Halfway through his fourth year teaching at Wichita State University, guitarist William Flynn found himself on the road through the plains of Kansas to Florida's Gulf Coast for a month-long artist residency in the idyllic panhandle community of Seaside. The isolation of the ocean-front cottage, away from his life and job allowed for a barely imaginable creative focus, diving into a daily composing regimen and added time for reflection. With a band of Kansas City-based musicians - pianist Roger Wilder, bassist Sam Copeland, drummer Brian Steever, and a guest visit from vocalist Emily Merrell - Seaside deals an inspired modern jazz sound, revealing melodies and harmonies captured during a particularly rich creative episode in Flynn's career.
Track Listing:
1. Follow the Leader 4:39
2. January 6:54
3. Blue Ridge 6:03
4. 30A 5:02
5. Birthday Song 5:48
6. Sea Song 6:50
7. Heatwave 7:21
8. New Year 4:59
9. House of Savannah Street 5:57
10. Sundog 6:11
Music composed by William Flynn (ASCAP)
Performers:
William Flynn - guitar
Emily Merrell - voice (4,6)
Roger Wilder - piano
Sam Copeland - bass
Brian Steever - drums
Production Info:
Produced by William Flynn
Recorded by Duane Trower at
Weights and Measures Soundlab,
Kansas City, MO, December 13-14, 2019
Mixed by Tommy Poole, Tulsa, OK
Mastered by Dave Darlington at
Bass Hit Recording, New York, NY
Photos by William Flynn & Lindsey Kernodle
Cover design & layout by John Bishop