New Music Monday — Pat Bianchi; Black Art Jazz Collective; Ron Burris Jazz

New Music Monday debuts new music from Pat Bianchi, Black Art Jazz Collective, and Ron Burris Jazz. Tune in on Lunchtime! with Arturo Gómez on Monday, February 26 at noon.

Pat Bianchi: “Three”
Although born in Rochester, NY, Pat Bianchi spent his formative years in Denver where he began playing piano and the B-3 organ. During his many years playing jazz Bianchi became one of the most popular players on the scene. He would often play with touring musicians passing through Denver. Like other players with skills, Pat opted to relocate to NYC, and it proved to be just what the doctor ordered. He rapidly became an in-demand session and touring organ player which led him to a long tenure as the legendary guitarist, Pat Martino’s accompanist both on stage and in the studio. His latest reconnects him with fellow Denverite Colin Stranahan on drums and with the Aussie saxophonist Troy Roberts. As with his previous albums, we look forward to Pat’s return to Denver to play the music of his latest effort live on stage!

Black Art Jazz Collective: “Truth To Power”
Ten years ago, tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery fulfilled his desire to form an all-Black ensemble of the best up-and-coming musicians at the time, The Black Art Jazz Collective was born! His mission was to celebrate Black culture and the origins of the music through original compositions with unapologetic pride. The founding bassist of the group, Dwayne Burro tragically passed away shortly after the formation of the ensemble and was replaced by Vicente Archer. Alongside Wayne the other founders now veterans remain, Jeremy Pelt-trumpet, James Burton III-trombone, Xavier Davis-piano, and Johnathan Blake on drums. For this 10^th Anniversary release, the group employs several guest artists throughout the rousing recording!

Ron Burris Jazz…: “Never Felt So Good”
A Vallejo California native son, Ron Burris believes that life is a lot like jazz, it’s best when you improvise! He began playing sax while in the fourth grade listening to the sweet soul music of the 1960s, in high school, he formed his first band, Project Soul which in the 1970s evolved into Con-Funk-Shun. After graduating from UC Davis with a B.A. in music and obtaining his teaching credential, he taught music in the Vallejo schools for over 10 years. After leaving the school system, Ron became an ordained minister and fell in love with jazz after hearing Gene Ammons and Grover Washington Jr. For his second album as a leader, Ron selected some of the better players of the San Franciso Bay Area that will leave you feeling oh so good!

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.

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