Ben Markley - Second Introduction - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

For Ben Markley's fourth recording, the fleet pianist/composer teams with New York tenor saxophone great Joel Frahm for a dynamic set of modern jazz originals. Though written specifically with the band of Frahm, drummer Jim White, and bassist Marty Kenny in mind, Markley continually finds inspiration from significant influences in his musical life, most notably Cedar Walton, Chick Corea and Bill Evans. With engaging and elevating support from Kenney and White, Markley and Frahm pop on the boogaloo Inch'Mon Back,Inch strike a Jazz Messengers-esque pose on the grooving InchThe Return of Catboy,Inch and strut on the half-time funk of the title tune. InchFrahm's playing bubbles over with ear-catching inventiveness and a robust, positive feeling.Inch Ottawa Citizen.

As the follow-up to his critically-acclaimed Big Band recording, InchClockwise The Music of Cedar Walton,Inch pianist Ben Markley presents this spirited and thoroughly modern quartet session of original compositions, featuring alto saxophone great Greg Osby. Inspired by their developing musical relationship over the last four years, Markley composed a set of music with Osby in mind, followed by a tour and this recording. With the crisp and fully engaged support of bassist Evan Gregor and drummer Dru Heller, the effect of Markley and Osby's fluid rapport creates an inspired argument for further exploration. Inch'Basic Economy' is a vivid presentation of the sound of today, with a healthy nod to the institutions of chance and imagination.Inch - Greg Osby Album Tracks 1. FTG 2. Our Walk 3. Basic Economy 4. Mind Fire 5. Road to Ace 6. Ice-Line 7. Half Dozen 8. Autumn Air

Pianist Ben Markley, along with special guest trumpeter Terell Stafford, celebrates one of the more influential and beloved figures in jazz through this unique project, showcasing many of the late pianist and composer Cedar Walton's most revered tunes through new arrangements for big band. Performing iconic compositions such as InchHindsight,Inch InchBolivia,Inch and InchHoly Land,Inch Markley brings together fellow faculty members from the University of Wyoming and top-flight Denver-area musicians to produce an honest and swinging recording that honors Cedar Walton while presenting his music in a bright new light. InchBen has found a way to embrace the music of Cedar Walton and transform it into stellar big band arrangements that express his voice, sound and musical genius.Inch - TERELL STAFFORDInch... to hear a big band's interpretation of Cedar's music has to be the most beautiful thing I have ever heard in my life!... I know Cedar is beaming at the results!!Inch - MARTHA WALTON Album Tracks 1. Cedar's Blues 2. Clockwise 3. Fiesta Espanola 4. Hindsight 5. I'll Let You Know 6. I'm Not So Sure 7. Holy Land 8. Bolivia 9. Martha's Prize 10. Black