Skylark by The Brad Bietry Jazz Group

This CD consists of 5 standards, 1 bebop jazz classic, and 3 original jazz tunes written by Brad Bietry. The CD was recorded with a live studio quality reminiscent of the classic 1950s and 60s Blue Note Recordings.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Foggy Day" was written by George and Ira Gershwin. It is arranged in a tasty med up tempo swing. "Bouncing with Bud" was a tune written by one of Brad's biggest influence, the great jazz pianist/composer Bud Powell. "Bye Bye Blackbird" is an old standard that was recorded by many jazz musicians. This arrangement was inspired by the Miles Davis version from the 1950's. "Soul Man Jive" is an original funky soul jazz type of tune in the style of Cannonball Adderly's and Herbie Hancock's classic funky tunes recorded in the 1960's. "Blues-Not" is another straight-ahead jazz original tune of Brad's that is sort of like a blues, but it's not. So Brad appropriately called it "Blues-Not". "Our Love Is Here To Stay" is a classic tune written by George and Ira Gerswhin. This version features the wonderful verse which is not heard that often played by Geoff on Tenor, and Brad on piano. It is then followed by the recognizable chorus featured as a duet between Geoff on Tenor Sax, and JR Erb on Bass for 1/2 a chorus, then the whole group kicks in. "Memories Of Joe" was a tune that Brad wrote as a tribute to the great jazz tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson. Joe was from Brad's hometown Lima, Ohio. Brad's piano teacher growing up in Lima, Don Hurless, was a friend of Joe's growing up in the 1940s. They transcribed Charlie Parker tunes and solos together and would play them at night clubs. "Invitation" is an old standard that jazz musicians love to jam on. This version has a high energy latin feel to it. It features superb drumming by Stefan Flores, and great solos by Geoff on Tenor, and Brad on piano. The last tune on the CD, which is the title song, is one of Brad's all time favorite ballads. It was written by Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer, and it's called "Skylark".

Brad Bietry is a professional jazz pianist. He is currently the pianist in the USAF Academy Falconiers Jazz Ensemble. He moved to Colorado Springs in March 2003 after 6 long weeks of basic training in San Antonio, TX. He has performed with several well known artist like Joe Walsh, Ira Sullivan, Norm Leyden, The New York Voices, Mike Vax, Carol Lawrence. He toured internationally with Black Gospel Artist Ron Kenoly as his musical director/keyboardist/arranger. Since he's been in Colorado, Brad has performed with John Wise, Delta 88's, Lila Mori, The Jukes, and Brenda Miles. Before he joined the USAF, he lived in Orlando, FL performing at Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World. He has also worked for Norwegian, Princess, and Carnival Cruise Lines as a jazz pianist. Brad is a 1997 graduate of Berklee College Of Music in Boston. He received the 1997 Berklee Jazz Pianist Award.

Contact Info:

Brad Bietry

www.bradbietry.com

Email: jazzybrad2002@adelphia.net

Average Customer Review: