It is the 10-year anniversary of my debut album, Farewell, which was released in 2014 on Orenda Records, a Los Angeles-based creative jazz label. The album consists of five tracks, original compositions, and arrangements for a 23-piece jazz orchestra of incredible LA-based jazz musicians.
This large ensemble project was a dream of mine from a young age, as I obsessively listened to big band albums, and heard all kinds of swirling dense musical ideas in my head. I wanted to make something wild and feral, while also being rooted in melody and having a singable quality. I wanted it to feel like a local folk orchestra, while also featuring some of the most incredible world-class musicians in Los Angeles.
I wrote the music for this album over a year’s time, and booked a gig at the legendary jazz club in LA, the Blue Whale. After the gig, the band went to the Oakwood School where it was recorded by the brilliant engineer Alex Chaloff (who also mixed the record).
The five compositions are all long, languid, and exciting journeys with many surprises. They feature some unbelievable improvisation, groove, phrasing, blend, and musicianship. I am so honored to celebrate the artistry on display throughout the album.
Throughout these two episodes, we listen to the album in order, and I talk about the inspiration behind each of the compositions as well as tell stories about how it all came together.
You can check out the album at your leisure with any of the following links:
Bandcamp: https://orendarecords.bandcamp.com/album/farewell
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/album/farewell/1759029105
I also made several videos on YouTube of the music:
Dream Has No Friend (music video made by Producciones con Sal):
Dream Has No Friend (live performance @ the Blue Whale):
Fool of Me (live performance @ the Blue Whale):
Ardnave (Live Performance @ the Blue Whale):
Episode 2 features:
Quardboard Flavored Fiber
Farewell
