Donavan / Muradian Quintet - Pacifico (2004)

The Donavan/Muradian Quintet has been playing in Southern California for 20 years as The Nairobi Trio but a year ago decided to end any confusion ( we're not from Nairobi or a trio) by changing our name. We just completed a new C.D. project and are very proud of the results. It represents what our band is all about, hard swinging straight-ahead jazz. All the tunes are origanal but one , Lee Morgans " Hocus Pocus" . This effort covers the gamut of feels and moods of jazz. "Progress Hornsbys" up tempo attitude, "Ze Bonita Blues" soulful cry, "Pacificos" mello mood or "Nairobi A Go-Gos" funky twist .
Our frontline, trumpeter Kye Palmer and saxophonist Chuck Manning, are two of the best players in Los Angeles and always inspire. Curtis Brengle on piano plays with an emotion and fire that is rare. Bassist Larry Muradian and Jeff Donavan on drums have been working together over 25 years and supply a solid rythmic foundation. All this helped us I'm sure win The Long Beach Jazz Festivals Best Mainstream Band Of 2004.