New Music Monday — Vince Mendoza, Dave Askren/Jeff Benedict, & Kendrick Scott

On Monday, February 27 at noon we have more new music for you; tune in to New Music Monday on Lunchtime! with Arturo Gómez.

Vince Mendoza & Metropole Orkest – “Olympians”
Recognized as one of the finest composers and big band arrangers of the last 50 years, Vince continues his marvelous work in the gem of a release. The Metropole Orkest is based out of Hilversum in the Netherlands and Mendoza has been conducting them for many years. This time out, Vince chose 2 of the most outstanding vocalists to each sing a composition he arranged especially for their style, Denver’s own Dianne Reeves and Miami’s Cécile McLorin Salvant. In addition to the guest singer Mendoza recruited Chris Potter on tenor saxophone, David Binney to play alto sax, and Alex Acuña to add percussion.  All of the invitees add extra flavor and swing to the excellence of the Metropole Orkest’s renowned performances, a truly Olympian release!

Dave Askren/Jeff Benedict – “Denver Sessions”
It’s been over 30 years since saxophonist Jeff Benedict and guitarist Dave Askren left Denver to relocate to Los Angeles, however individually and collectively they have remained in contact with Mile High City musicians and returning to play along the Front Range. In March of 2022, they were back in Denver to play Dazzle with Paul Romaine on drums and Patrick McDevitt on bass, plus visiting from NYC, Ted Piltzecker at the vibraphones. This 10 songs session is chock full of splendid musical moments and many entries are dedications to past jazz giants who have shaped the careers of this top-shelf quintet recorded at Denver’s own Mighty Fine Productions.

Kendrick Scott – “Corridors”
Born in Houston, drummer man Kendrick was raised in the church where his parents and sibling were all ministers of music. Kendrick attended Houston’s famous  High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) which boasts amazing alums in the music world. Scott’s high school career culminated in many awards leading him to relocate to NYC in 2002 after graduating from the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston. Once in New York, he immediately began to play, tour, and record with some of jazz’s most esteemed names and he also launched his own group. For his 5th outing as a leader, Kendrick selected Reuben Rogers to play bass, his bandmate in the Charles Lloyd Quartet, and Walter Smith III to wail on saxophone.

Now in its 20th Anniversary year of debuting the latest arrivals to the KUVO Jazz library, many of them are played ahead of their official release date. In addition to the music comments, I’ll provide a few tidbits about the artist in particular if it’s a new or an up-and-coming artist beginning at Noon every Monday.

Stay connected to KUVO’s programs and our community’s activities, Sign up for the Oasis E-News today!