Song for the 9th Ward by Jeff Busch

from the same mother, just variations on the same rhythmic theme". While this influence remains at the core of his writing, his band continues to play with a fresh, soulful, sound, that is open & honest, optimistic, and always musical.

Based in Seattle, Washington, the Jeff Busch Quintet is an outstanding young band that draws on the talents of a unique blend of players.

Busch, a first call percussionist in the Brazilian jazz community and a member of the Jovino Santos Neto Quinteto, nominated for a Latin Jazz Grammy in 2004, is also an extremely versatile drummer. His work outside of the Brazilian music scene has included drumming for legendary Gospel singer Patrinell Wright and the Total Experience Choir, Gospel singer Edna Baptiste, jazz pianist Chris Blacker, Costa Rican singer Carlos Cascante and his group Tumbao, and Cuban dance band Mango Son to name a few. His music is deeply rooted in the connectedness between West African drumming and swing. “Everything you hear in contemporary jazz, latin music, and even hip hop can be traced right back to West African drum beats…it’s the source, and a never ending one at that!”

On this CD, ‘Song for the 9th Ward’ Busch has drawn upon the talents of his quintet, a varied group of players, who each bring something special to the music.

Pianist Julio Jauregui, from Mexico City, is a brilliant Cuban jazz player. His musicianship is highly respected, and he has performed with some of Latin Music’s greatest players, including Giovanni Hidalgo, Joe Santiago, and Pablito Rosario. He’s an extremely grounded player, but is also equally at home playing swing. “He’s rhythmically aware, and knows how to comp, and I like hearing a jazz player who can shift gears stylistically on such a profound level”.

Bassist Evan Flory Barnes is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young players on the scene. A University of Washington graduate, he is masterfully at ease playing jazz or classical music…or just about anything in between. He’s extremely creative beyond his years and is a very open minded player. He currently plays with jazz pianist Marc Seales, Industrial Revelation, as well as with his own band Threat of Beauty to name a few. His extraordinary musical gifts bring out something extra special in those around him.

Trumpeter Tony Grasso is a wonderful improviser who sounds like an impressionistic painter, exploring shades and shapes of sound with his horn. A graduate of the Naval School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia, Tony’s musical concepts are extremely varied and open. He’s always ready to explore in a new direction which keeps things exciting! Over a 10 year span, Tony worked with bands in Connecticut, Chicago, and San Francisco. While in Chicago, he studied with legendary tenor player Joe Daley, and later in San Francisco with pianist/author Mark Levine. Tony is not only highly creative performer, he is also a prolific writer, who can shift effortlessly in his musical approach. He has written a wide range of music, from straight ahead bop to ‘free chamber-jazz’ which is featured in his own 1999 release ‘The Tony Grasso Saxophone? Quartet!

Tenor player Brian Kent is instantly recognizable for his gorgeous tone, rhythmic precision and natural musical sense. A graduate of Boston’s Berklee School of Music, Brian is the consummate professional. Stylistically he is extremely versatile and completely at ease with straight ahead, Cuban or Brazilian jazz, or ‘free’ improvisation. His close work with Tony Grasso over the years has helped them evolve into a remarkable duo with an intuitive musical synergy. Brian has worked on countless projects with soloists and groups such as; Edmonia Jarrett, Barney McClure, Michael Bisio, Rumba Abierta, The Chris Spencer Quartet, and the Tony Grasso Saxophone? Quartet! Brian is currently the musical director of the play 'Kerouac.'

For more information about the Jeff Busch Quintet go to: www.Jeffbusch.net. Or send an email to jeffpbusch@yahoo.com. Thank you!

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