Studio Masters

Michael Dease – Reaching Out (2018)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/88,2 kHz | Time – 55:05 minutes | 1,08 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Posi-Tone Records

Trombonist Michael Dease brings together a new group of hands to help engage his audience by Reaching Out. Assembling a diverse group of voices, both young and old, Dease succeeds in creating an artful conglomeration of supporting talent featuring saxophonists Walt Weiskopf and Ralph Bowen, vibraphonist Behn Gillece, bassist Peter Brendler, pianist Luther Allison, and drummer Zach Adleman. Dease s skillful band leading keeps the music steadily straight forward as the group undertakes an exciting program of new compositions and intelligent arrangements of some new and familiar melodies. With yet another enjoyably swinging affair firmly grounded in both tradition and exploration from start to finish, Dease continues reaching ever higher for the blue skies of a brighter tomorrow. Listeners will certainly agree that Dease s new album succeeds in delivering a compelling and engaging message that encourages everyone to continue Reaching Out.

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Michael Dease – Give It All You Got (2021)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/88,2 kHz | Time – 57:42 minutes | 1,13 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Posi-Tone Records

Poll-winning trombonist Michael Dease shows us just what it means to Give It All You Got on his eighth release for Posi-Tone. All the pieces fit together perfectly as Dease provides remarkable clarity of vision for enlisting the able assistance of Jim Alfredson onorgan, Greg Tardy on saxophone, Anthony Stanco on trumpet, Gwendolyn Dease on percussion, and Ulysses Owens Jr. on drums. This remarkable collection of hard hitting performances also features special guest appearances from saxophonist Sharel Cassity and guitarist Randy Napoleon that are seamlessly woven into the mix as the bandleader shines brightly with inspiration across a wide spectrum of styles and sounds! Critical ears and casual listeners will be delighted as Michael Dease continues to entertain and astonish, while walking the talk of his charitable message to “Give It All You Got.”

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Michael Dease – Father Figure (2016)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/88,2 kHz | Time – 01:02:11 minutes | 1,23 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Posi-Tone Records

Never underestimate a jazz musician’s capacity for drawing on material from vastly different sources, deflating the ostensible dissimilarities, and producing vibrant sounds that don’t hew to convention or expectations. From the music’s early years, resourceful artists have been confounding audiences and critics alike by putting their stamp on anything that strikes their fancy, from gutbucket blues to pop ditties to art songs, and everything in between, ultimately leaving no stone unturned. Michael Dease’s Father Figure, the trombonist’s third disc for the Posi-Tone imprint in as many years, offers interpretations of Charlie Parker’s “Confirmation” and Meredith Willson’s “Marian The Librarian.” Between Dease’s arrangements and a fine band of young players, the bebop standard and the fluffy, endearing show tune from The Music Man sound as if they were meant to be on the same recording.

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Michael Dease – Bonafide (2018)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/88,2 kHz | Time – 01:03:47 minutes | 1,24 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Posi-Tone Records

Trombonist Michael Dease was born in Augusta, Georgia. His propensity for the arts landed him at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet High School, where he studied saxophone, voice and trumpet. During his senior year, after sage advice from another Augusta, Georgia jazz mainstay, Wycliffe Gordon, Dease pointed his ambition towards the trombone, what would ultimately become his primary instrument. Dease furthered his studies at Juilliard School where he earned his bachelor and master degrees. His continued journey includes several awards, including a Grammy. He also serves as an associate professor of jazz trombone at the MSU College of Music.

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Michael Dease – All These Hands (2017)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/88,2 kHz | Time – 01:05:53 minutes | 1,01 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Posi-Tone Records

Trombonist Michael Dease delivers a unifying message about the Jazz diaspora and the impassioned assistance of “All These Hands”. The program’s message is carefully constructed to provide listeners with a musical narrative about the evolution of the jazz art form as it spread through the different regions and localities of America. To provide assistance in bringing his vision to fruition, Dease assembled an all-star lineup of musicians including trumpeter Etienne Charles, alto saxophonist Steve Wilson, pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Gerald Cannon, and powerhouse drummer Lewis Nash, along with a number of special guests like Rodney Whitaker, Randy Napoleon and Rufus Reid. With a thoughtful program of original compositions and an uplifting message of inclusivity, “All These Hands” remains insightfully straight forward, steadily swinging, and refreshingly melodic enough to evoke a wide assortment of bright moments to discerning jazz fans everywhere.

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