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Letter from the President of GJazz Records
The creation of the GJazz Records label is a natural evolution and culmination of the quarter century that I have been involved in the music industry. Or more specifically – the Big Band music industry. With the debut release of Settin’ the Pace with The George Gee Big Band as a launching pad, we plan on being able to bring to discernible listeners the creativity and talent of the many members of the “George Gee” family of musicians. As a bandleader in New York City, I am blessed to have the opportunity to hobnob with and include great musicians (and more importantly – people) in the Big Band ensemble. Just jump over the band bio page and you’ll see what I mean. On this new CD, every single member of the 17 piece group has a featured solo – I hope for this to be a policy indicative of GJazz Records. Big Band Swing Jazz is a group effort and the sum is always greater than the parts. But this doesn’t mean that all future releases will be based on the jazz orchestra format. On the contrary, you may hear an album of a swingin’ horn with strings, solo piano and sultry vocals or even a Spike Jones Repertory Revue (with the gags!). In other words, you never know what you might expect, but it will all be in good fun and always swingin’! To all those who know me on and off the bandstand, you know that I'm crazy about the classic American art form called the Big Band ensemble. The Big Band has enabled me to entertain thousands – hundred of thousands! – millions?!! – All around the United States, Far East and Europe. It was totally responsible for the chance meeting of my wife on a crowded dance floor in a small club in Tokyo. Relationship forged with musical idols Frank Foster, Count Basie, Illinois Jacquet, Mercer Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Maxine Sullivan, George Benson, Billy Eckstein, Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Milt Jackson, Sy Oliver, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Joe Williams, Melba Liston, Dizzy Gillespie, Jon Faddis, Frank Wess and Benny Powell are ALL credited to the Big Band. So, I guess what I mean to say is, yes, there will be plenty of quality Big Band ensemble recordings on the horizon. For now, please enjoy our first release – Settin’ the Pace (Music of Frank Foster, under his direction) with The George Gee Big Band. And look for an early 2005 GJazz release of the newly remixed/remastered version (with additional bonus tracks) of the classic 1999 Buddha Boogie with the George Gee Swing Orchestra. Many Thanks:
The musical maestro Frank Foster and his wife, Cecilia. Without their continuous support and inspiration, this project would never have blossomed to this final product. Frank is already excited about “Volume Two!” All the fabulous musicians on the Settin’ the Pace CD: Carla Cook, Lance Bryant, Michael Hashim, Ed Pazant, Marshall McDonald, Howard Johnson, Charles Stephens, Eddie Bert, Robert Trowers, Jack Jeffers, Steve Wiseman, Shawn Edmonds, Mark McGowan, Willard Dyson, Joe Cohn, Daryl Hall, Jon Cowherd, Renato Thoms and especially our music director – Walt Szymanski. Walt’s rock solid musicianship and his expertise in the mixing studio are second to none. Along with engineer Peter Karl, they both worked today’s technology to our best advantage and without sacrificing the subtle nuances of the music. Thanks to longtime friend and road manager “Mighty” Joe Young for making sure we get to the gig, whether it’s in Zurich or Catalina. Booking agent Marty Sonnenfeld, for his hard work in keeping the band busy. Jim Eigo, Kate Smith and Robin Cohn for their studious work to getting GJazz Records out to the world. Designer and photographer Richie Fahey for his artful eye. The good folks over at Birdland. My wife, Mutsumi, for Glenn and her continued love and support. And to my mom, who still doesn’t believe I work for a living. And to all the other members of the “George Gee Family of Musicians:” Evan Barker, Kenyetta Beasley, Brian Bonvissuto, Wayne Coniglio, John Dokes, Christian Fabian, Joe Fiedler, Chris Flory, Wally Gator, Dave Gibson, Ken Gotschal, Ghanniyya Green, Mark Gross, Alex Harding, Matt Hong, Conrad Korsch, Grant Langford, Brad Leali, Mike Lewis, Shirley Martin, Fred Maxwell, Dave Meade, Kuni Mikami, Pete Miranda, Ron Oswanski, Vivian Sessoms, Tad Shull, Matt Willis, and James Zollar. And to two playing beautiful duets in swing heaven: Shizuoko Yokoyama and Al Bryant. And finally, a BIG THANKS, to all our friends and fans around the world! George Gee |
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