Scott H. Thompson
Uptown Jazz Tentet
What's Next
Release Date: October 1st
Featuring Brandon Lee,
Willie Applewhite and James Burton III
Ten-Piece Powerhouse!
The Uptown Jazz Tentet
The Uptown Jazz Tentet is a ten-piece ensemble collectively led by trumpeter, Brandon Lee and trombonists Willie Applewhite and James Burton lll. The other seven members are the most reputable sidemen on the jazz scene today. The band attributes it's distinct sound to not only the musical prowess of its members, but also to the priceless value of years of friendship. What's Next (Irabbagast Records), the UJT's second undertaking, provides an ever-advancing examination of orchestration, blend and groove in the wake of a rapidly shifting social and artistic landscape. Grounded in tradition and filtered through the lens of sophisticated modernism, it features a unique blend of original compositions and reimagined jazz classics. The album displays a depth of range, spanning fiery bebop, tender waltzes, swinging blues, and a touch of the avant-garde.
"What's Next is an album about optimism and artistic beauty in the face of adversity," say the leaders of the UJT. "We believe that progress depends on optimism, and optimism will always lead to joy. It's that feeling of joy that we brought to this album, and a desire to leave with the listener. As a result, we don't view What's Next as a question, but as a message of hope."
Uptown Jazz Tentet:
Brandon Lee - trumpet
Willie Applewhite - trombone
James Burton III - trombone
Tatum Greenblatt - trumpet
Andrew Gutauskas - alto sax
Jon Irabagon - tenor sax
Carl Maraghi - bari sax
Adam Birnbaum - piano
Clovis Nicolas - bass
Aaron Kimmel - drums
INTERVIEWS/CD PRESS COPIES CONTACT:
SCOTT THOMPSON PR
www.scottthompsonpr.com
scott@scottthompsonpr.com
203-400-1818
New York | Palm Beach | Buenos Aires
About the Author / Scott H. Thompson
About Scott Thompson Thompson served as Assistant Director of Public Relations for Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York for almost a decade. With a background in broadcast journalism, Thompson’s voice and work has been heard on the Associated Press Radio Network, the Mutual Broadcasting network and NBC-AM New York, on The Morning Show. His experience spans radio, television, print and the internet. Thompson co-produced the New Haven Jazz Festival from 1994-2000. A prolific writer, Thompson has contributed to DownBeat, JazzTimes, Jazziz, and the All Music Guide. He penned the CD liner notes to Herbie Hancock Head Hunters, Weather Report 8:30, George Duke Brazilian Love, Stan Getz The New Collection, The Essence of Maynard Ferguson, and The Essence of Al DiMeola. Scott is one of the original members of the Jazz Journalists Association. Editor’s note: Style Quarterly is very pleased to make the connection with Scott and values his enthusiastic support of Jazz.
