Album Notes

The CoolHeat album “Certified Cool” consists of 14 original songs written by Michael A. Gregory. The style is smooth jazz, with some R&B influence; a Samba and there’s even a reggae tune included. Real, live musicians play all of the instruments on the album. There is no sampling, programming or looping of any kind. I know it sounds crazy but it is true!

The band consists of five talented, seasoned musicians all playing and singing the parts as if they were in a live setting. On lead vocals we have the fine song weaving skills of Aimee Wild. She has studied jazz for years and knows how to put her silky voice through the paces on these songs. On alto and tenor sax is Bob Chapman, who has played in many big bands and jazz combos all over Northern California and Nevada. On guitar is singer, songwriter, Michael A. Gregory, who has appeared in concerts, studios, TV, radio and various clubs all over the east and west coast. On bass guitar we have Jim Irion who shines on this album with his very creative bass styling. He approaches each song with unique and very melodic concept. He plays both fretted 4 string and fretless 6 string basses with equal skill. Drummer John Basa is a “drummer's-drummer” and is highly respected for his very strong, diverse ability to play any styles of music and makes it look effortless. He teaches drums and was formerly with the US Army band. He has toured all over the US, Europe and the Orient.

We wanted to make the album sound as real as possible and be able to reproduce it in a live concert setting. I hope we have achieved that and perhaps you will come see us at our next event.