Album Notes

"Home Game" was recorded live in concert in November of 2009 at Beckwith Recital Hall on the campus of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. Guitarist Bob Russell and reedman Mike Waddell (sax/clarinet/flute), faculty members at UNC Wilmington, are two of the region's most experienced and highly regarded jazz players in addition to being award-winning composers.

For "Home Game", they put together a formidable team: Ed Paolantonio (piano) is an award-winning player and composer in his own right, a former pupil of the great Lennie Tristano. Ryan Woodall (bass) is one of eastern North Carolina's busiest rhythm men. Thomas Garner (drums) is a Berklee alumnus who has played with Larry Coryell and George Garzone, among others.

In charge of capturing sounds was none other than renowned bassist Steve Bailey. Bailey and his team of assistants did a remarkable job of recording the performance; it's as close as you can get to having been there. The sense of interplay among the quintet is almost palpable... you can practically feel the players listening to each other, spurring each other on.

You'll be glad you got a copy of our "Home Game"!