New Music Monday on Lunchtime! with Arturo Gómez

Join us for New Music Monday on November 27 at noon. Arturo Gómez will debut music from The Flying Horse Big Band, Michael Thomas Quintet and Dan Balmer.

We close out the 2023 jazz edition of New Music Monday with these highlights. Next week we’ll have our Annual Holiday edition of New Monday!

The Flying Horse Big Band: “A Message From”
The message from the University of Central Florida is Art Blakely. All the selections on this, their 6^th album is music associated with Art Blakely & The Jazz Messengers. To ensure this tribute was done correctly, the Professor of Jazz Studies at UCF, saxophonist and director of the Flying Horse band recruited the former Jazz Messenger, noted multi-instrumentalist, Michael Phillip Mossman to arrange 2 of the tunes on this tribute. All 10 compositions were written by former Messengers, 2 each by stand-outs Cedar Walton, Horace Silver, Benny Golson, the late Wayne Shorter, and Hank Mobley. This swingin’ session brings in the message of Art Blakely loud and clear!

Michael Thomas Quintet: “25”
When receiving recordings with a number as a title it always makes me start guessing as to what is its significance, the number of albums made? the age of the leader? The number of the sports star’s jersey they paying homage to?  In this case, I was surprised to discover that it’s the anniversary of the quintet that began in 1998 as a student band in Washington DC. The reason I was surprised is that although we have played many of their albums over the year and I’ve talked to Michael on the phone over the years, it never dawned on me that this group could have been together intact for so long because of the young age the musicians are. It’s nearly impossible to find a group playing together for 25 years yet, here they are! Michael Tomas-trumpet/flugelhorn/composer, Zach Graddy-tenor saxophone, Darius Scott-piano, Kent Miller-bass and Frank Williams IV-drums. Congratulations are in order for their Silver Anniversary.

Dan Balmer: “When the Night”
As we close out a banner year for debuting great music on New Music Monday now in it’s 21^st year, I feel pleased to include another recording featuring former Denverite, drummer Rudy Royston who since relocating to New York City about 15 years ago, has become the first call drummer for many dozens recordings and numerous touring engagements. Dan Balmer is a gifted-funky guitarist from Portland, OR. Joining Dan and Rudy on the B-3 is Gary Versace who hails from the village of Cos Cobb, CT. Gary also plays piano and accordion, excelling at all 3 of his chosen instruments. All 9 songs on the album were written by Dan, they’re based on personal experiences and travels from his personal life and career.

Now in its 21st 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, if it’s a new or an up-and-coming artist. It all begins at Noon every Monday. Stay connected to KUVO’s programs and our community!

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