Musical Style: Jazz with a side of funkColorado Pianist/Composer Bob Schlesinger Releases Falling From Earth, his Long-Awaited Debut as a LeaderFeaturing jazz icons Mike Stern, Eddie Gomez, and Billy DrummondFrom trio ballads to high-octane fusion - soulful, fiery, and beautifully captured. - Bill MilkowskiPianist and composer Bob Schlesinger unveils his highly anticipated debut album as a leader, Falling From Earth. A project that began in 2018 and was nearly sidelined by the pandemic, the album now emerges as a fully realized statement featuring an all-star lineup: legendary guitarist Mike Stern, former Bill Evans bassist Eddie Gomez, in-demand drummer Billy Drummond, and many more.Originally recorded in two sessionsโat Sear Sound in New York City and Coupe Studios in BoulderโSchlesingerโs album was initially scheduled for a release concert at Dazzle in April, 2020...
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Musical Style: Jazz with a side of funkColorado Pianist/Composer Bob Schlesinger Releases Falling From Earth, his Long-Awaited Debut as a LeaderFeaturing jazz icons Mike Stern, Eddie Gomez, and Billy DrummondFrom trio ballads to high-octane fusion - soulful, fiery, and beautifully captured. - Bill MilkowskiPianist and composer Bob Schlesinger unveils his highly anticipated debut album as a leader, Falling From Earth. A project that began in 2018 and was nearly sidelined by the pandemic, the album now emerges as a fully realized statement featuring an all-star lineup: legendary guitarist Mike Stern, former Bill Evans bassist Eddie Gomez, in-demand drummer Billy Drummond, and many more.Originally recorded in two sessionsโat Sear Sound in New York City and Coupe Studios in BoulderโSchlesingerโs album was initially scheduled for a release concert at Dazzle in April, 2020. However, as the world came to a standstill, he seized the opportunity to reevaluate and refine the material alongside engineer-producer John March. The result is an album that captures both the raw spontaneity of the sessions and a meticulous post-production process reminiscent of Miles Davis and Teo Maceroโs groundbreaking work on Bitches Brew.Falling From Earth showcases Schlesingerโs compositional prowess and deep musical connections, blending four original compositions, four Stern-penned pieces, an epic co-written improvisation, and thoughtfully curated covers. The sonic landscape ranges from the intimacy of a jazz trio to the fiery energy of an electric quartet, weaving together elements of modern jazz, fusion, and post-bop.Schlesingerโs connection to Stern stems from years of inspiration drawn from the guitaristโs legendary 55 Bar performances in New York City. Their collaboration flourished in the studio, producing standout tracks like the soaring ballad โCommon Groundโ and the high-energy fusion jam โBait Tone Blues.โBassist Eddie Gomez, a jazz luminary with deep ties to the Bill Evans legacy, first crossed paths with Schlesinger in 2009 during a Dazzle tribute to his mentor, Denver pianist Ted Alexander. That musical bond eventually led to a grant from Pathways to Jazz, which helped fund this recording.Album highlights include the expansive 13-minute opener โEasy Offramp,โ inspired by themes of mortality and transformation, Sternโs lyrical โWing and a Prayer,โ and Schlesingerโs deeply grooving โLeft Field.โ The trioโs heartfelt interpretation of Thad Jonesโ โA Child Is Bornโ and a gospel-infused take on Bob Dylan's "It's Alright, Ma (Iโm Only Bleeding)โ further demonstrate the albumโs stylistic breadth and emotional depth.For Schlesinger, releasing his debut as a leader at 68 carries profound significance. โIn a world obsessed with youth and overnight success, thereโs something to be said for creating art well into oneโs third act,โ he reflects. Falling From Earth is a testament to perseverance, artistic growth, and the enduring power of collaboration.Bob Schlesinger - pianoMike Brown - bassMark Raynes - drumsAND Make any night special with our Date Night Package. $45 for a delightful bottle of wine and a decadent dessert to share. Add it to your evening by emailing host@dazzledenver.com.For more information go to https://www.dazzledenver.com/dazzle-date-night-package/
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