Get Uplifted By Trombonist Clifton Anderson's New Release "and so we carry on"
October 4, 2012 at 11:35 PM PRESS RELEASE
Trombonist, composer and producer Clifton Anderson went into the studio in September 2011 to record and produce his third release as a leader, and so we carry on (Daywood Drive Records, September 25, 2012), with a stellar lineup of guest artists who also happen to be his friends -- pianist Monty Alexander, soprano saxophonist Kenny Garrett, bassist Bob Cranshaw, trumpeter Wallace Roney, percussionists Kimati Dinizulu and Victor See Yuen, and drummers Steve Jordan and Jeff "Tain" Watts. These special guests blended seamlessly with Clifton's working band, pianist Donald Vega, tenor saxophonist Eric Wyatt, bassist Essiet Essiet and drummer Steve Williams, to create a musical blueprint for hope, renewal and carrying on.
and so we carry on opens with its title track, an original composition full of intense tones and powerful energy, letting listeners know that this is stress-relieving, feel good music. In total, there are six original compositions, each brilliantly crafted to take the listener on an emotional journey to provide musical relief for motivation to navigate through hard and confusing times. There are also three uniquely arranged standards; the Rogers & Hart ballads "Where or When" and "Falling in Love with Love," both given fast-paced treatments, and a bright, sunshiny take on the eternally optimistic "Tomorrow," from the musical Annie.
The provocative CD cover image by artist Rudy Gutierrez is a disturbing mixture of chaos, turmoil, and just plain old scary stuff. Clifton Anderson hopes that the musical journey on and so we carry on will be the right antidote to enable people to feel better after listening.
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Reader Comments (1)
This recording provides rewards at each repeated listening. It is astoundingly heartfelt and progressive in its humanitarian vision, and deserves wider recognition and support as an important uplifting musical statement in our current age of uncertainty. But just as importantly, the musical vehicle of Jazz improvisation with which the musical message is conveyed engages the auditory experience of the listener's ears through the masterful chops of the musicians, and they proudly and confidently swing the tradition of musical excellence forward. May those with ears hear and join us in a resounding "Bravo" and "Thank you" to Clifton and the brilliant contributors to this dazzling and powerfully beautiful recording!