Album Notes

This CD features Herb Robertson on trumpet, Mark Whitecage on saxophones, Harvey Sorgen on drums, Joe Fonda on bass and Michael Jefry Stevens on piano.


"Over the past fifteen years and the course of nine CD's, the Fonda/Stevens Group has evolved into one of Jazz/improvised music's most accomplished ensembles.
Straddling the line between post-bob and free, they have come up with consistently satisfying albums. What's impressive is how these four create a cohesive unit without grandstanding egos getting in the way." - Cadence Magazine

With over 20 years of performing together in various ensembles, this powerful acoustic NYC based jazz ensemble features the music of bassist Joe Fonda and pianist Michael Jefry Stevens performing with master percussionist Harvey Sorgen and the brilliant modern jazz trumpet legend Herb Robertson. In addition, the group also performs as the F/S Group Trio with occasioinal guest artists. Past guest artists have included Daunik Lazro and Szilard Mezei.
The group has performed 20 European tours in the past 11 years (1997 - 2008) including radio broadcasts for BRTN (Belgium), Saarbrücken Radio (Germany), WDR Radio Köln (Germany), Radio Bremen (Germany), Radio Zurich (Switzerland), Radio Nürnberg (Germany) VPRO Radio Amsterdam (Holland) and has been featured artist at the Ottawa International Jazz Festival (Canada), Halo Jazz Days (Brugge, Belgium), Jazzmeille Thuringen (Weimer, Germany), Jazzkroe Gent (Belgium), Westfalisches Musikfest 1998 (Munster Germany), Edgefest (Ann Arbor, MI) and recently appeared at the Cerkno Jazz Festival in Slovenia in May 2007.

This CD was recorded in Brugge, Belgium in 1997 during our first European tour. The group began as a quintet and this is the last CD released as a quintet. Beginning in 1999 the group was reduced to a quartet.

If you love swinging music with interesting harmony, melody and interludes of wild and craziness....you will love this CD.

"Michael - You and your band are awesome. Several people came up to tell me how your concert last week was one of the most enjoyable events they've ever experienced at the Vermont Jazz Center; the music conveyed a deep sense of
purpose, humor and warmth, plus it was delivered with a superb sense of musicianship and communication. Thank you for the gift!"
April 4, 2008

Eugene Uman
Artistic and Educational Director
Vermont Jazz Center

"You guys' music is still reverberating here in Brandon. Many thanks. It was a smash. What brilliant musicians and music."
Fran Bull - April 4, 2008
Gallery In the Field
Brandon, VT