Jeff Rupert has performed and recorded with Kevin Mahogany, Mel Torme, Maynard Ferguson, Sam Rivers, and Diane Schuur. Drummer Marty Morell was a member of the Bill Evans trio for 7 years. Richard Drexler and Per Danielsson have performed with numerous jazz musicians, as well. This latest release by the Jazz Professors is jazz and mood music at it's best. Standards include "I remember you" and "Where or When". The title track "Do That Again" and numerous others are original compositions. The UCF voice and trumpet faculty join the recording on the remake, "Cristo Redentor". ~ CD Universe
With the release on January 22, 2013 of "Exposition" (Outside In Music OIM 1201), trombonist Nick Finzer delivers a debut recording that announces in no uncertain terms the addition to the international jazz community of a virtuoso instrumentalist, versatile improviser and a composer with the ability to not only pay tribute to the illustrious jazz heritage that inspires him but also expand the tradition's stylistic horizons. At the helm of a dynamic young band featuring saxophonist Lucas Pino, guitarist Alex Wintz, pianist Samora Pinderhughes, bassist David Baron and drummer Jimmy Macbride - fellow emerging artists who are also adding their distinctive voices to New York City's vibrant jazz scene - Finzer pays tribute to classic trombone- tenor quintets like those led by legendary jazz masters J.J. Johnson and Stan Getz and Curtis Fuller and Benny Golson as well as by his mentor Steve Turre. The addition of the guitar as both a melodic voice and a member of the rhythm section contributes a fresh new dimension to the music on the recording. In total Finzer premieres 10 original compositions he wrote between 2008 and 2012 on the CD, the initial release on his new label Outside In Music. ~ CD Universe
Through the soulful chords and jazzy grooves played on his five or six-string bass, Michael Norwood has an uncanny ability to captivate audiences far and wide, and is taking the world by storm! Over the years, Michael has been blessed to share his bass blends around the globe and across borders. In fact, his versatility from genre to genre has brought him to the stage with both Grammy Award and American Music Award Winners. Notable hits include works with Crystal Nicole, Herbie Hancock, Norman Brown, The Rippingtons, Charlie 'Uncle Charlie' Wilson, Marcus Miller, Karen Clark-Sheard, and Algebra Blessett. Whether it's R&B, Gospel, Contemporary Jazz, Reggae, Rock or just straight Funk, Michael Norwood's vibe says music is his first love! Whether performing at Jazz Festivals, Soul-Festival Concerts, or Live Gospel recordings, this talented musician will surely get you up out of your seat and on your feet! The world of music has been waiting for a vibrant bassist; well Michael Norwood is here and already making a powerful impact... ~ CD Universe