Jim MCFALLS

The newest CD by Rick Hirsch's Big Ol' Band.

Doug Richards is an exceptional composer and arranger who deserves much wider recognition. To many people who know him, he's nearly a living legend. Despite his impressive resume, IT'S ALL IN THE GAME is his first release under his own name. The project demonstrates his talent for writing for large jazz ensembles and his artful ability to transform the old and familiar into something new and exciting. IT'S ALL IN THE GAME is a big band CD featuring the Great American Music Ensemble (GAME), made up of some of the top musicians in the mid-Atlantic area, with notable contributions by guest artists Rene Marie, Jon Faddis, and the late Joe Kennedy, Jr.

Composer/Arranger Mark Taylor explores his 45 year fascination with the sound of a Big Band. 18 DC jazz musicians come together to play his music in a cohesive and effortless manner with an emphasis on "swinging"!

Let It Snow finds New York Voices Kim Nazarian, Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader and Peter Eldridge celebrating a host of traditional and sacred holiday classics as well as secular favorites. With the assistance of Grammy Award winning producer and engineer, Elliot Scheiner (Steely Dan, Eagles, Manhattan Transfer, Fleetwood Mac), the quartet has fashioned an album that honors beloved songs, while incorporating sophisticated jazz and swing elements. Settings vary; a cappella performances mingle with robust arrangements featuring big band and studio orchestra accompaniment.

Not since the band's incredibly popular "White Music" CD, has Crack The Sky delivered a collection of pop/rock songs that sting while making you smile. Satirical, smirky commentary, wrapped in up tempo - yes, you can dance to it - music. Writer, Palumbo, has either hit a manic phase or is attempting to get our attention via the back door. In any event, this remarkable band once again, shows their ability to shift gears while keeping their artistic integrity intact.

The title Magnum Opus has always referred to the largest or greatest work of a particular artist. For Rex Richardson, this recording represents his entire evolution as an interpreter of new music and as a composer. Featuring the work of some of his favorite collaborators, the recording demonstrates how a traditional form - the classical concerto - can continually be injected with new life.

Veronneau's acoustic guitars, and the seductive vocals of Lynn Veronneau illuminate these original arrangements of bossa nova classics and contemporary songs, in English, French and Portuguese. WAMMIE Award-winner, Best Jazz Recording!

Denis DiBlasio (baritone saxophone, flute & scat vocals) and trombonist Jim McFalls team up for a sonically adventurous set of three original compositions, a Cole Porter standard, Juan Tizol's timeless title track, and highly inventive arrangements of two surprising choices by DiBlasio and McFalls, respectively!

The Caribbean Jazz Project-Afro Bop Alliance, set for release on Heads Up International, recasts nine CJP signature pieces - some by composer/vibraphonist Dave Samuels and others by Coltrane, Monk and other jazz luminaries - in a fresh new light via full-bodied arrangements by the Maryland-based Afro Bop Alliance, one of the most exciting new bands on the Latin jazz scene today.

Art of Life Records is proud to welcome baritone saxophonist & flautist Denis DiBlasio to its roster of recording artists. Joining Denis on "Where the Jade Buddha Lives" are Paul Klinefelter on acoustic bass, Jim McFalls on trombone, Joe Mullen on drums and Ron Thomas on piano (Paul Klinefelter, Joe Mullen and Ron Thomas can also be heard on the Ron Thomas Trio's-"Music In Three Parts" CD, Art of Life AL1010-2). The album features seven songs composed by Denis specifically for this quintet in addition to Rimsky Korsakov's 'Song of India' and 'The Long Goodbye' which was written by the quintet. "Where the Jade Buddha Lives" was recorded and mixed by Glenn Ferracone at The Music Centre in Exton, Pennsylvania on August 27th, 2006. All tracks have been digitally mastered using 24-bit digital technology.

or this unique collection of original works and arrangements that provide plenty of opportunities for intense and inspiring improvisation.

A blue chip ensemble that makes every tune come alive! This big band continues to honor Gene Krupa's music, bursting with the sort of energy and prowess that define contemporary big band jazz.

For their 2nd release, the swinging big band co-led by former Stan Kenton arranger Mark Taylor and drummer Steve Fidyk, recorded sets from a run at Washington DC's Blues Alley. With Fidyk's tight ensemble made up of DC's finest and the outstanding writing and arranging of Taylor, this recording is a do-not-miss for lovers of the modern big band.

Swinging big band co-led by former Kenton arranger Mark Taylor and drummer Steve Fidyk. "Their new Cd is powerful, fresh, honest and a lot of fun to listen to. The playing is superlative and the writing is great.

Experience the incredible sound of the all-brass Capitol Bones Big Band, playing both classic and fresh new Christmas arrangements!