Return Trajectory

Michael Dease brings artistic identity to music of the masters. This album features compositions by Gregg Hill, J.J. Johnson, Ray Noble and himself, using the dynamic voices of Michigan State University musicians. This new album celebrates the return of the Michael Dease Big Band after a fifteen-year absence. It was worth the wait!

Michael Dease is a multi-instrumentalist who is also inspired to teach and "pass it on" to generation after generation.

"Mike's a musical genius and probably the most talented musician I know," Gregg Hill, the 80-year-old Michigan philanthropist, jazz patron, and prolific composer writes in the linter notes of the newly released Dease album.

In 2001, Dease left Augusta, Georgia to attend Juilliard on a full scholarship. At that time, he was part of the historic first class of jazz students at Julliard. This master musician has been a member of many magnificent big bands under the leadership of such legends as: Rufus Reid, Nicholas Payton, Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Heath, Illinois Jacquet, The Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, Christian McBride and the famed Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. His tone, fluidity and command of the baritone saxophone thrills me every time I hear it! For example, his soloing on the "Cherokee" tune is impeccable.

The band opens with a beautiful ballad, a Dease original titled "You Know That I Love You." It features solos by Dennis Adu on flugelhorn, a special guest who Dease warmly refers to as "The Wynton of Ukraine" and MSU faculty member, Erena Terakubo on alto saxophone. During this arrangement, Dease play trombone.

Michael Dease composed "Up South" as a spontaneous improvisation. He performs it solo, without referring to specific chord changes.

"For me, Michigan is the 'up-south' where I meet Southern expats like bassist (Rodney) Whitaker, who although born in Detroit has roots in Albany, GA, and others in the tradition of great Southern jazz players like the late Russell Malone and the Marsalis brothers," writes Dease in his liner notes.

This is an exceptional celebration of big band excellence. It's also a reminder of the remarkable talent that bandleader, composer, trombone and baritone saxophone mastery, Michael Dease displays. He brings his talents to the studio, to the classroom, to the stage, to the world, and every time he puckers his mouth or poises his pen to play and write music.

"Return Trajectory" is not a direct return but instead is a continuation of the Dease arc of excellence, guided by experience, dedication, and propelled by the next generation of music masters.