Happy Summer to everyone! Wow - I haven't featured a Kickstarter Project since the begining of 2012. That's not acceptable. Here's a little background information on this latest project that has caught my attention...
Vocalist JD Walter's artistry was a delightful discovery for me in 2007. Orrin Evans, the producer of this new project, is on my short list of favorite pianists and composers. They are both members of one of the more underappreciated jazz groups around, Philly-based LuvPark. Check out their eclectic 2005 CD LuvPark on Imani Records.
An album featuring JD Walter, Eric Revis, Orrin Evans and Nasheet Waits? I cannot wait to hear the CD! With our monetary support, I know that this fundraiser will be successful - check out the video below for more information:
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
Hi, JD Walter here- I’m recording a new CD the 6th and 7th of September 2012, at Systems 2 in Brooklyn NY. This CD differentiates itself from my previous six, self/coproduced recordings, in that I have asked long time collaborator, pianist Orrin Evans to Produce this project. Orrin Evans has garnered much attention in the jazz world for his great body of recorded work, playing with the greats of jazz young and old, as well as being a founder of the Philly based band Luvpark, (of which I am a member) and founding and directing the much acclaimed Captain Black big band. I have been working with Orrin for years now, and in discussing my next project with him, he suggested producing it.
It is a big leap of faith for me to hand the reigns of my next project to someone… to basically put one’s career in another’s hands. Not only do I have the utmost faith in Orrin, but I have the added bonus of having bassist Eric Revis as co producer. One could not ask for more forward thinking artists to lead the way. Not only will they be producing and co producing, but they will also be playing on the CD. Rounding out the trio will be one of the great drummers of my generation, Nasheet Waits. I will also be using a great guitarist from Paris who will remain nameless for now. Suffice it to say I am in awe of his musical prowess.
One artist that has greatly influenced my life has been Betty Carter. I’m primarily enamored of her as an educated, ever growing musician and bandleader more then anything else. Talk about forward thinking. Eric Revis, is a Grammy Award winning bassist who started his professional career playing with Betty Carter and since 1997 has been a member of Branford Marsalis’ quartet, so he is a natural choice in understanding the direction that I have chosen to take.
Although my first four CDs used no electronics with the voice, my following two CDs did, and I became known for using various devices such as looping machines, octave, chorus, and delay pedals. This recording will have little or none of that present. I am looking, not for mass appeal, but to continue the legacy of the greats before me, and stay true to this great American art form.
Another aspect that differentiates this recording is that my previous six were all recorded in one day or at a live concert. This CD will afford me 2 days in the studio, a small luxury I have yet to experience. The money I raise will go towards the producer and co producer, musicians, studio time, sound engineers, videographers, travel and lodging for a couple of the musicians, photographers, promotion, production and all the little incidentals involved.
I have been busy writing and arranging new compositions and arrangements for this group, and am excited to present this body of work to them for their input and ideas and to hear these ideas come to fruition in the studio with this amazing cast of players.
There is no limit for your gracious giving, and the more you give, the more you get in return depending on the package you choose from the list on the right of this page. The bonuses are great, but the greatest gift for you, is knowing that you’ve contributed to the arts, artists, and a project sure to be exciting.
It is important to understand that we only have 31 days to raise $10,000 or more, and if we fall short of that number, the project is cancelled and your money refunded. This is an exceedingly low budget for this undertaking, and I will no doubt be putting some of my own money towards this project as well. Your contributions will greatly aid in making this project come true !!!
Thanks for your support !!!!
Best, JD Walter
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For better or for worse, the major record labels are not supporting the real talented artists of the world. You know exactly where your money is going with the creation of the album.
If you are able, I would like to encourage you to support this project by clicking here.
Thank you!