Album Notes

Saxophonist, flutist and composer Jim Repa has put together an ensemble of some of the finest players in the Boston area to record “Destinations,” his first CD as a leader. The album features engaging and distinctive jazz and world music drawn from influences around the globe. Nine of the twelve pieces were written by Jim, and they are inspired by the sounds and sights of South Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil, France, Spain, the Middle East and the trails of New Hampshire. Rounding out the program are the Rodgers and Hart classic “With a Song in My Heart”, Lionel Bart’s “Where is Love?” from the musical “Oliver,” and singer/composer Mili Bermejo’s “Como Hacemos.”

Jim has recorded and performed with the Mark Snyder Quartet, the Steve Langone Group, singers Lynne Jackson and Mike Palter, and a host of small and large ensembles. He has performed in numerous venues around New England and the midwest, as well as Paris, France; Cape Town, South Africa; and Ojai, California. As a saxophonist, Jim draws his influences from Paul Desmond, Cannonball Adderley, and John Coltrane.

On the CD, Jim plays alto sax, soprano sax, flute and alto flute. The ensemble features pianist Doug Johnson, bassist Keala Kaumeheiwa, drummer Steve Langone, trumpeter Ken Cervenka, tenor saxophonist Rick DiMuzio and trombonist John Pierce. There are guest appearances by John Baboian on guitar, Anita Quinto on congas and percussion, and Bob Sinicrope on bass. The rhythm section smoothly moves through a variety of rhythmic styles on the album, ranging from Afro-Cuban to straight-ahead jazz to unique rhythms in 5/4 and 7/4 time. The CD also is a showcase for fine improvisational skills of all its players.

Altogether, Jim’s compositions and arrangements, with their captivating melodies and distinctive rhythmic moods, performed by an excellent ensemble, add up to a CD you’ll want to hear again and again.