Tom Schuman - Designated Planets (2013)

Tom Schuman has done it again! Spyro Gyra's co-founding member and keyboardist has broken through the barriers that bind us to common musical forms. Tom catapults you to 11 different worlds he calls his Designated Planets. His sixth solo project (fifth for his own label, JazzBridge Music) features in order of performance: Jeff Kashiwa (saxes), Steve Oliver (vocals and guitars), Taylor Moore (drums), Stixx Marshall (drums), Skip Martin (vocals and trumpet), Julian Tanaka (saxes), Scott Ambush (upright bass), Bonny B (drums), Kevin Whalum (vocals), Rocco Prestia (bass guitar), Joel Rosenblatt (drums), Vinny Valentino (guitars), Sarah Brooks (vocals), Lee Pearson (drums), Serena Henry (vocals), and Austin Pooley (drums). Tom plays piano and keyboards throughout, as well as some tasty drums, percussion and bass programming.

Everyone who loves music uses it to escape reality in some way. This CD has the same effect only on an interplanetary scope. Each song sends the listener to another celestial body of musical mastery from instrumental jazz to vocal funk. Enjoy the trip!