Album Notes

The Carl Michel Group (+) delivers nine flawlessly executed compositions, featuring a jazz octet, that covers the wide spectrums of jazz and its influences.

According to Detroit's Metro Times reviewer George Tysh, it will "have fans reaching for comparisons with the Gil Evans and Charles Mingus bands." Starting off with a nod to pianist Les McCann is the funky "Les Can." The music then continues to push the boundaries of bop with "Skippin'" and "Cold Pizza." Nicholas Slonimsky meets Thomas "Fats" Waller in the song "Jitterbug," and Miles Davis's dynamic and eclectic electric period is invoked for "C.T." Listen to the gorgeous melodic compositions of "Song For Tomorrow," "Forbidden Fruit," and "You Probably Will".

Then take a trip to New Orleans on "N.O.

Blues." This CD offers a musical diversity that strikes a perfect balance between composition and improvisation and pushes the boundaries of jazz.

Tysh describes it as creating "a timeless space of interaction, a realm of relaxed joyfulness where King Oliver clinks glasses with Gil Evans." The Carl Michel Group (+) features Carl Michel-guitar, Gerald Cleaver-drums, Tim Flood-bass, Mike Graye-alto sax, Andrew Bishop-tenor sax and clarinet, Paul Finkbeiner-trumpet and flugelhorn, Chris Smith-trombone and Ellen Rowe-piano.