Album Notes

The Meisel Music Collective is a five piece performing ensemble, located in the Milwaukee area, which melds together the musical experience and life work of its members. Originally formed out of Northern Illinois University in 2007 by educators and saxophonists Ryan and Celia Faye Meisel, the collective explores the history of jazz and classic blues. Their modern jazz sound is a reflection of the compositional styles of Charles Mingus, Dave Holland Quintet, and Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.
Band leader Ryan Meisel contributes the majority of the band’s repertoire with a vast tune book of arrangements and compositions. His artistic vision is a platform for each member to tell their story musically whether it be through an improvised solo or composition. Ryan’s saxophone playing fills the room with energy and captures the essence of mind and spirit. Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Celia Faye contributes a style of singing rooted in the blues and church sounds of the south. Her saxophone playing harkens back to the hard bop era of the 1950’s while her compositions literally tell a story of her travels through Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Chicago up to Milwaukee.
Our rhythm section is led by bassist James Galasinski, who is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Meadville Lombard in Chicago. James provides a unique medium for improvising as he arranges songs from John Coltrane with direct links to spirituality. Anna Brinck on piano and keyboards lends her musicianship to the band with influences by DeBussy, Duke Ellington, and Red Garland, to name a few. Many styles of performance are evident in her playing from European classical, western swing, New Orleans Jazz or in her own ensemble, Dead Man’s Carnival. On drums, Jake Polancich brings his experience as a master conductor and concert bassoonist. Truly a well-rounded musician, Jake also serves as director of bands at Arrowhead High School.
This past summer of 2011, the band recorded its first series of songs that are going to be available through downloads. The compilation entitled Synergy features three new compositions from Ryan, two from Celia and James respectively and the first release of an arrangement by Brazilian composer Catina DeLuna. The Meisel Music Collective represents music that is at the definition of its name.