* "Further proof that there is a whole lot of really good music being made outside the big cities." - Philip Egert, Drimala.com
* "Upon subsequent listenings, you really appreciate the musicianship of each member of this quintet, and how he supports and blends so effectively with the others. These guys work really well together." - Joseph Henry, San Francisco, CA
* "This is classic Blue Note-inspired Jazz...a lot of influence of Jackie McLean and Art Blakey showing...All of the players are strong...The compositions are fine and they are played with real conviction." - Phillip McNally, Cadence Magazine 4/03
***This cd is dedicated to the memory of late, great jazz drummers: Billy Higgins, Edward Blackwell, and Vernel Fournier.***
http://www.chadanderson.com/
CHAD ANDERSON-DRUMS:
Born and raised in Mississippi, Chad started learning to play the drums at age eleven and participated in his school's band programs while in grade school. Having been aware of Jazz early on, it wasn't until the end of his high school career and the first year of college that Chad began devoting his musical development towards Jazz. While in college, Chad met Master Drummer, Alvin Fielder, one of the founding members of the AACM in Chicago in the 60's. He began private studies with Fielder and developed new ideas and approaches to drumming, not to mention taking advantage of Fielder's encyclopedic knowledge of Jazz history. Over the years, Chad has performed with musicians such as: Herman Green, Henry P. Warner, Andy McCloud, Delfeayo Marsalis, Hugh Masakela, Alvin Fielder, Joel Futterman, Kidd Jordan, London Branch, Toby Tenhet, Mark Applebaum, Calvin Newborn, John Birdsong, Darryl Reeves, Rahsaan and Roland Barber, and many more.
http://www.chadanderson.com
JONATHAN WIRES-BASS:
Jonathan Wires is originally from New Hampshire where he played bass in high school bands and in his own groups. Wires decided to uproot and move to Memphis to study music. He soon became a regular contributor to the Memphis music scene playing in various rock, blues, and jazz groups. Wires then began collaborations with saxophonist, Chad Fowler and pianist, Chris Parker and became intensely interested in jazz and improvisation. His development as a skillful improvisor has frequently placed him in performances with saxophonist, Frank Lowe, violinist, Billy Bang, and percussionist, Abbey Rader. He has also performed with saxophonist, Michael Marcus and master percussionist, Alvin Fielder.
CHRIS PARKER-PIANO:
Chris Parker was born in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He first learned from local Arkansas musicians, most notably: Charles Thomas, Art Porter, Sr., Bob Steele, Lee Tomboulian, and Michael Bates. Chris moved to Memphis, TN in 1991. There he received his BA degree from the University of Memphis and learned from/ studied with musicians including Gene Rush, James Williams, Herman Green, Fred Ford, Calvin Newborne, Bill Mobley, Alvin Fielder, Kidd Jordan, Joe Jennings, and Vernel Fournier.
Chris also spent several years in New York City where he learned from masters including: Benny Powell, Chris Anderson, Walter Perkins, Sonelius Smith, Barry Harris, George Braith, Warren Smith, and Bill Fielder.
Chris has worked regionally all over the south in festivals and other performance settings. He has also worked in NYC in clubs and other venues, and also in other countries including Portugal, France, Austria, and Germany.
Chris has performed/worked with: Harold Ousley, Benny Powell, Frank Lacy, Michael Marcus, Warren Smith, Andy McCloud, Roy Campbell, Jr., Wendell Harrison, Kiane Zawadi, Frank Lowe, Alvin Fielder, Joe Jennings, Earl May, Fred Ford, and Herman Green. Also informally with: Rashied Ali, George Braith, Frank Grant, Talib Kibwe, and Sonny Simmons.
Chris has performed in various venues, such as: Paine College Jazz Festival (Augusta, GA), Jazz Lights (Little Rock, AR), Memphis in May Fest (Memphis, TN), Southern Heritage Fest (Memp
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