Phil Brown, The New Arts Jazztet - Arkadia (2014)

Tracklist

01. Arkadia
02. Neil's Notion
03. Amethyst Eyes
04. Demage
05. Habañera
06. Shakedown
07. In Black
08. And the People Said...
09. Saudade
10. Changes We Can Believe In
11. Where Beauty Lies



PHIL BROWN & the New Arts Jazztet has long been regarded as southern Illinois' premier jazz group, regularly presenting a select repertoire—engaging original works as well as choice standards—forged in the energy of hard bop and the eclecticism of contemporary jazz. With its hip, approachable character and sound, the cross-generational group—saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass and drums—convincingly helps to sustain jazz into the 21st Century.

Arkadia (a caldera productions, 2014), the new release by NAJ bassist, Phil Brown, again features the band. The group enjoyed considerable nationwide radio airplay and attention on Brown's previous recording, Bright Side (a caldera productions, 2009). And the New Arts Jazztet, along with the duo, FourOnSix, was also featured on Brown's Darkness Into Light (a caldera productions, 2006).

The NAJ is in residence at Southern Illinois University, where all but one of its members are School of Music faculty. Its current line-up is Dick Kelley, reeds; Bob Allison, trumpet/flugelhorn; Tim Pitchford, trombone; Mel Goot, piano; Phil Brown, bass; and Ron Coulter, drums. Annually, for one week in June, New Arts Jazztet members staff a jazz improvisation camp at SIU. Each fall, the group presents a formal concert of jazz standards, and each spring, a formal concert of original music. The NAJ is also a headline ensemble at the Southern Illinois Music Festival each summer.

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