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.
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)
William Flynn - guitar
Emily Merrell - voice (4,6)
Roger Wilder - piano
Sam Copeland - bass
Brian Steever - drums
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
Midwest Record (Chris Spector)
Go figure. A Kansas guitarist takes a month vacation in Florida with a bunch of his pals and the result is a high octane Wes flavored date that recasts daddio in modern threads and just plain smokes. Hot and tasty throughout, you can't turn up the heat like this if you're sitting around in the sticks smoking jimson all day. These cats are here t ...