Hard charging, high octane stuff that never lets you down, or even comes up for air, this is a must for big band fans...Killer stuff.
Saxophonist, composer, arranger Greg Yasinitsky created his YAZZ Band project as a laboratory for his contemporary, original little big band compositions. Made up of mostly Pacific Northwest-based improvisors and ensemble veterans, New Normal reflects the times when gathering as a group is not an option. Recorded ensemble tracks from before COVID-19 emerged were combined with recordings done in isolation from faraway outposts including Los Angeles, Baton Rouge, and Italy, allowing for some dynamic new musical options to be explored. From the blazing "G.P." and "Diva," to the heartfelt "Song for Laura," or the funk of "Blues for Brecker," Yasinitsky's YAZZ Band offers a wide ranging set of hard-swinging and joyful original music.
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Track Listing
1. G.P. 8:102. Song for Laura 5:30
3. Blues for Brecker 6:28
4. Blues for a King 7:32
5. New Normal 7:11
6. Diva 6:00
7. Synergetic 5:57
8. Hangtown Fry 5:59
Performers:
Greg Yasinitsky - Alto Sax, Soprano Sax (3), Tenor & Baritone Saxes (2,3,5,6,8), Bari solo (7)
Vanessa Sielert - Alto Sax (1,4,7,8)
Horace Alexander Young - Tenor Sax (1,4,7,8), Alto solo (6)
David Larsen - Baritone Sax (1,4,7,8)
John Harbaugh - Trumpet, Flugelhorn (lead)
Vern Sielert - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Dave Glenn - Trombone (1,4,6,7,8)
Francisco Torres - Trombone (2,3,5)
Gabe Condon - Guitar (3)
Jake Svendsen - Piano (1,3,4,6,7,8)
Teo Ciavarella - Piano (2)
Willis Delony - Piano (5)
F. David Snider - Bass (1,4,6,7,8)
David Bjur - Bass (2,3,5)
Dan Bukvich - Drums (2,4,5,8)
David Jarvis - Drums (1,3,6,7)
Production Info:
Produced by Greg Yasinitsky
Tracks 1,4,6,7,8 - Recorded by David Bjur at Washington State University Recording Studio, Pullman, WA on August 25-26, 2019
Tracks 2,3,5 - Recorded individually at home studios in Washington, Los Angeles, Baton Rouge, Italy, during July & August, 2020
Mixed by David Bjur at Washington State University Recording Studio, Pullman, WA
Mastered by Raúl E. Blanco, Houston, TX
Band Photos courtesy of Washington State University Photo Services, except:
Willis Delony photo by Vito Cheong, Vanessa Sielert photo by Greg Yasinitsky,
Francisco Torres photo by Frances Scanlon
Cover Art by Finlandia
Cover Design & Layout by John Bishop
