Ben Markley - Second Introduction (2009)

Winner of the 2007 & 2008 ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Awards, Denver-based pianist Ben Markley unveils his new quintet featuring the talents of modern-trumpet genius Greg Gisbert. Well-rooted in the tradition of Bud Powell, Phineas Newborn Jr., and Oscar Peterson, Markley's playing and compositions explore the history while always looking forward. The album's one standard, "But Beautiful," gets a delicate treatment by Markley, while the opening track, "5-20," displays his compositional strengths and pianistic prowess. Those familiar with The Maria Schneider Orchestra are no stranger to Greg Gisbert's trumpet artistry, and his playing here only reaffirms his deserved reputation. Second Introduction is Ben Markley's OA2 debut, and is a swinging journey through the mind of a young talent.

BEN MARKLEY - piano
GREG GISBERT - trumpet
JIM PISANO - tenor saxophone
EVAN GREGOR - bass
JORDAN PERLSON - drums