When you can listen to the iconic 'Space Oddity' and hear it anew - without a trace of irony - you know this project has met its goal.
Chicago's Metropolitan Jazz Octet partners with the acclaimed vocalist Paul Marinaro to create an inspired tribute to the durability and pure magic of David Bowie's songwriting legacy. Reinterpreting without replicating, due in no small part to Marinaro's riveting vocals paired with creative arrangements, the octet palette reveals transparency and intimacy, coaxing nuanced colors more indicative of a larger orchestra, laying out an inventive complement to Bowie's lyrics. The MJO was originally founded in the '50s by saxophonist/arranger Tom Hilliard and documented first in 1959's The Legend of Bix on Argo Records. Its re-awakening in 2014 by Hilliard's former student, Jim Gailloreto, extends the rich legacy of Hilliard's library of compositions and devotion to this elegant chamber ensemble.
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Metropolitan Jazz Octet:
Paul Marinaro - Vocals
John Kornegay - Alto Sax/Clarinet/Alto Flute
Jim Gailloreto - Tenor Sax/Soprano Sax/Flute
Peter Brusen - Baritone Sax/Bass Clarinet/Bassoon
Doug Scharf - Trumpet/Flugelhorn
Russ Phillips - Trombone
Bob Sutter - Piano (1-3,5-7,10-11)
Ben Lewis - Piano (4,8,9)
Mike Freeman - Vibes (1,3,5-7,9-11), Marimba (11)
Doug Bistrow - Acoustic Bass
Bob Rummage - Drums/Percussion
Produced By Jim Gailloreto, John Kornegay & John McCortney
Recorded By John McCortney
at AirWave Recording, Park Ridge, IL
and remote locations, 2020 through 2022
Mixed by John McCortney
at AirWave Recording, Park Ridge, IL
Mastered by Mat Lejeune
at Chicago Recording Company, Chicago, IL
Liner notes by Neil Tesser
Paul Marinaro photo by Frank Orrico
Cover Design & Layout by John Bishop