New Music Monday: First Edition of February

We start off the shortest month with a strong Colorado connection. The gifted alto saxophonist Charles McPherson most recent recording session took place here in Denver accompanied by the Front Range’s finest players for the Bailey based Capri Records. Mr. McPherson’s sidemen are Keith Oxman-tenor, Chip Stephens-piano, Ken Walker-bass, Todd Reid-drums.  The Journey  has a varied song list, standards,  McPherson  originals and even contributions by Oxman and Stephens.

Another Colorado label, Jazzed Media is out of Littleton, their latest CD, Dearborn Station is a collaboration between the De Paul University Jazz Ensemble and noted trumpeter Randy Brecker. Randy not only plays lead trumpet for the big band, he wrote and arranged 2 of the 6 performances  he  accompanies the De Paul Jazz Ensemble.

Another of the top shelf trumpeters of jazz is Eddie Henderson who launches a sizzling album for Smoke Session.  On Collective Portrait, Eddie and Gary Bartz are the horns in front of the formidable rhythm section of the amazing George Cables-piano, Doug Weiss-bass and Carl Allen behind the drums.

Tune in or log on Mondays at Noon, MTN time for the New Music Edition of Lunchtime at the Oasis. In addition to the afore-mentioned you’ll hear some other debuting new releases,  a vocal, a Latin and other swingin’ jazz sounds.