The Hartford Jazz Society is on the eve of its 61st anniversary and its an organization that’s been all encompassing in its embrace and sustainment of America’s greatest, artistic contribution, birthed in New Orleans at the turn of the 20th century and now taught and performed throughout the world. Hartford, CT has its own niche in the incubation and promulgation of this creative music. This is a pioneering effort by HJS to document some of the recent exciting musicians and older pioneers who grew musically through their tutelage at the Artists Collective, The Greater Hartford Academy For the Performing Arts, Hall High, the Jackie McLean Institute at the Hartt School of Music and other Connecticut institutions. They are now spreading both here and worldwide their musical joie de vivre and chops.
The CD is included with every new membership. To purchase an individual copy of the CD or a high definition digital download, click the purchase button. You can also order either one by mail by sending a check for $15 to the HJS mailing address at the bottom of this page.
To learn more about the artists below, simply click on their photograph or name.
About the Album Artwork
“From Mars With Love” (Andres Chaparro 2021)
The name of the album artwork “From Mars With Love” by noted artist Andres Chaparro is a reference to saxophonist and music educator Jackie McLean. After making the leap from New York City to Hartford in 1970, Jackie once remarked that being in Hartford was like “Living on Mars”. Strikingly direct, Andres’ artwork captures the quiet joy and hardship often faced by working jazz musicians everywhere. Andres has received both national and international recognition for his work and is both a mixed media painter and collagist. At the young age of thirteen, he was struck by the jazz muse and has never looked back…. his work continues to be informed by the artistic, spiritual, and societal dimensions of jazz music. In 2017, his work was featured in the book “Making The Cut, Volume 1, The World’s Best Collage Artists” by Crooks Press in Australia.
If you’d like a deeper glimpse into the life and music of Jackie McLean in Hartford, check out the short 1979 documentary “Jackie McLean On Mars” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ap1HJ8Cd4M&t=773s
To see a larger version of Andres Chaparro’s inspirational painting “From Mars With Love”, click here.
The Songs and Musicians
Yesterday (P. McCartney) (5:01) – Steve Davis
The CD opens with Professor Steve Davis and his mellow trio version of Paul McCartney’s timeless standard, “Yesterday”. All the band members on this tune are Jackie McLean Institute graduates and include Steve Davis – trombone, Matt DeChamplain – piano, and Matt Dwonszyk – bass. These tracks were recorded on 1/16/2015 at Manor Recording Studio, Middletown CT by Norman Johnson, Engineer. Steve, in the late nineteen eighties, began serious on the job training with the great Art Blakey and Jackie McLean. His career to the present has been highlighted by stints with other giants like Jimmy Heath, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, and Chick Corea to name but a few. He has become a significant voice on the trombone and full professor at his alma mater.
Smilin’ in the Dark (5:30) – Warren Byrd
From there, we move into the engaging work “Smiling in The Dark” by the Hartford born and bred pianist, composer, bandleader, and vocalist Warren Byrd. On this track he’s surrounded by longtime musical compadres Steven Porter – bass, Tido Holtkampf – Drums, and Kris Allen – Alto Sax. This track was recorded in 1999 at Tapeworks in Hartford. Byrd’s career has mushroomed in the past two decades with his musical partnership with trumpeter, composer, bandleader Saskia Laroo taking him throughout the world.
Flowers (5:51) – Dezron Douglas, Black Lion Quintet
Another Hartford native and Jackie McLean Institute graduate is bassist, composer and leader of a variety of bands, Dezron Douglas. He is coming into his own in NYC as a first call bassist and also for his engaging and imaginative collaboration with harpist and composer Brandee Younger. Douglas’ contribution “Flowers” is a biting, succulent groover featuring his Black Lion Quintet which includes Hartford’s own, trumpeter Josh Evans, another vibrant spirit who came through some of the aforementioned Hartford area music institutions. Performed by Dezron’s Black Lion Quintet, the musicians on this recording are Dezron Douglas – bass, Willerm Delisfort – piano, Jeremy “Bean” Clemons – drums, Josh Evans – trumpet, and Stacy Dillard – tenor saxophone. Engineered by Eric Rex at Samurai Hotel Recording Studio (LIC, Queens) July 2016
Piety and Redemption (8:12) – Jay Hoggard
Our musical journey continues with seasoned vibraphonist, composer, bandleader, and Wesleyan University music professor, Jay Hoggard. He is a transplant from MT Vernon, NY who graduated from Wesleyan University in 1976, performed throughout the United States and abroad and then returned to teach full time at his alma mater, 25 years ago. His bright offering “Piety and Redemption” includes his potent working band and an appearance by the unique, soulful and world renowned saxophonist, Gary Bartz, who is heard lyrically soloing on soprano sax. “Piety and Redemption” features Jay Hoggard- vibraphone, Gary Bartz – soprano saxophone, James Weidman – piano, Belden Bullock – bass, and Yoron Israel – drums. From the recording “Harlem Hieroglyphs” © 2016 JHVM Recordings.
Somethin’ Blue (Now!) (2:56) – Noah Baerman
From here we segue into a bluesy, cinema noirish selection by pianist, keyboardist, composer, and Wesleyan music professor, Noah Baerman. “Somethin’ Blue, (Now!)” is a short, introspective ditty with Baerman sensually doubling on acoustic piano and organ, with languorous accompaniment provided by his quartet of rhythm mates who include Amanda Monaco – guitar, Henry Lugo – bass, and Vinnie Sperrazza – drums. The song was developed subsequently (to this session) into the song “Now!” and appears in the latter form on Noah’s “Bliss” album, recorded 2006.
Pieces of Myself (5:09) – Jen Allen
Our next stop, includes the bright, jaunty work of pianist, composer, bandleader, and music educator Jen Allen, who is also part of the Jackie McLean Institute legacy. A sparkling original, “Pieces of Myself” aptly displays her and her sextet’s versatility. Written in 2011, “Pieces of Myself” includes Jen Allen – piano, Dave Barron – bass, Lee Fish – drums, Kris Allen – alto saxophone, Josh Evans – trumpet, and Andrew Renfroe – guitar. Since this recording, her playing displays even more chops and daring explorations. Jen is currently a Visiting Faculty member at both Trinity and Bennington Colleges.
The gifted Curtis Brothers from Windsor, CT. include pianist Zaccai and bassist Luques, both composers and bandleaders who were groomed from their teens by area mentors, bless this next track. It’s an original, grooving, explosive selection written by Zaccai for one his family members, entitled “Madison”. They’re joined by their highly regarded mentors and serious world travelers, trumpeter Brian Lynch, saxophonist Donald Harrison, and drummer Ralph Peterson. The musicality and versatility of the Curtis Brothers crosses many genres in jazz and ranges from hard-driving straight-ahead to soulful Latin jazz.
Jerry’s Groove (10:30) – Frank Kozyra
An extended treat, “Jerry’s Groove”, is written by undersung Newington saxophonist, composer, bandleader and instrument repair artisan Frank Kozyra and features his muscular tenor sound. It’s a lengthy, stellar, mid-tempo groove effort that’s highlighted and sustained by a buoyant quartet of current and former CT musicians: Andrew Renfroe on guitar, Matt Dwonszyk on bass, and Curtis Torian on drums. Recorded in 2018, “Jerry’s Groove” is a tribute to Frank Kozyra’s saxophone mentor, the noted Jerry Bergonzi.
Something New (5:58) – Trombeatz w/Nelson Bello
The tempo changes to seductive, sanguine, and Afro-Cuban rhythmic spice with Trombeatz. The band is co-led by Hartford’s,” Mr. Hands”, conguero and composer Nelson Bello with dynamic trombonist and composer/arranger Hommy Ramos. Ramos penned this juicy original, “Something New”, which is really fleshed out nicely by the chemistry of his musical compatriots. “Something New” features Hommy Ramos Vizcarrondo – trombón, Nelson Bello – congas and percussion, Dan Martinez – bajo, Felipe Fournier – vibes and percusión, Joel Mateo – drums, and Mario Castro – tenor saxophone. Producido en Allertone Studio, The Bronx, NY y Tropical Recording in 2019 and published by the Truth Revolution Recording Collective.
Pecan Delight (8:25) – Matt Dwonszyk
“Pecan’s Delight”, a crisp, bouncing original by in-demand, bassist, composer, and bandleader Matt Dwonszyk gives his musical nonet room to shine. Very intriguing horn voicings and band interplay abound on this composition. A Hartford-area prodigy, bassist Dwonszyk is surrounded on this track by fellow recent incendiary grads of the Jackie McLean Institute and a few veterans on drums, brass, reeds, piano. Matt’s mentor, Professor Steve Davis, appears on trombone. Composed by Matt Dwonszyk, “Pecan’s Delight” features Matt Dwonszyk – bass, Steve Davis – trombone, Andrew Renfroe – guitar, Joshua Bruneau – trumpet, Jovan Alexandre – tenor saxophone, Taber Gable – piano, Jorge Fuentes – congas/percussion, Ed Fast – quito/percussion, and Jonathan Barber – drums. Recorded at Tedesco Studio, Paramus, NJ. 2018 on the Truth Revolution Recording Collective label.
Here for Jackie (7:13) – Sarah Hanahan
“Here for Jackie”, an exuberant original, is written by another fiery recent graduate of the JMAC Institute; alto saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Sarah Hanahan. This song is a tribute to Jackie McLean and concludes Volume 1 of this stimulating HJS musical compilation. Sarah skillfully weaves interesting phrases and quotes in her lyrical soloing and is joined in this joyous romp by her mentors and professors; bassist Nat Reeves and trombonist Steve Davis. The tune showcases a sterling rhythm section and features Sarah Hanahan – Alto Saxophone, Steve Davis – Trombone, Michael Carabello – Piano, Nat Reeves – Bass, and Corey Garcia – Drums.
In summation, Connecticut and the Hartford area in particular has and will continue to add imagination and verve to the jazz vocabulary! Thanks for your support of this music project. Light, Maurice D. Robertson/HJS & WWUH 91.3fm
Album produced by Sherm Schlar.