ALBUM RELEASE: Amstel Jazz Ensemble “First State Blues” (SUMMIT)

…a Jazz/Blues record dedicated to the state of Delaware

Faculty of the Univ of Delaware display top-notch artistry on impressive outing guided by Clifford Brown’s music, sprinkled with impressive originals! One of jazz’s giants, Clifford Brown, was born and raised in Delaware’s largest city, Wilmington, so it seemed natural and compelling to honor Brown’s legacy and the state in which he was born as a theme guiding the music on this album.

No tribute to Delaware would be complete without playing its greatest jazz musicians’ compositions! Arranged by various members of the band.

Joy Spring, Brownie Speaks, Tiny Capers– by Clifford Brown.

Whitecaps– by Dave Bozenhard. The tune attempts to capture the vibe of the dynamic ocean at night and the worlds contained within, off shore of any of Delaware’s famous beaches.

Users of This Room– by Todd Groves. Inspired by some posted signs in the UD classrooms instructing what to, and NOT to do.

Brandywine– by Miles Brown. Named in honor of the creek and beautiful area in Northern Delaware. A contrafact on another famous tune!

No Footprints– by Tom Palmer. Tom is an avid runner and the tempo matches his ideal pace through the streets and trails of Newark.

First State Blues– by Todd Groves. Written in honor of the great state of Delaware! The melody references tunes written by other Delaware jazz musicians.

You’ll Never Have More Time Than You Do Now– a collective improvisation by the group. The title refers to wisdom passed from teacher to student as they discuss life as college student, and the responsibilities of adulthood after graduation. Moral: get in the practice room!

White Clay Creek– by Tom Palmer. Another beautiful scenic area very close to the UD campus.

UD Alma Mater– by Robert C. Currie & Anthony J. Loudis, arr. Tom Palmer. A beautiful reharmonization of this well-known song.