Negative Press Project - The Victorious Sessions (2023)

Composers, Oakland born bass player, Andrew Lion, and Ruthie Dineen, Salvadoran-American pianist, and co-leaders of Negative Press Project, with Mexican-American guitarist/composer, Luis Salcedo, interpret the influence of identity and culture in improvised song and form. Drawing on Black American Music and Latin-American rhythms, this program of music reflects upon loss, determination, and honoring ancestors. The lead track is penned by Dineen in remembrance of a promising young musician that was on the ascendent- a victim of senseless violence. Works honor elements of Cuban-Son virtuoso, Israel “Cachao” López Valdéz, to Dmitri Shostakovich, Alberto Ginastera, Manuel de Falla, Duke Ellington, and Astor Piazzolla. The release features cover art by Mark Puente of Nailivic Studios.

Isaac Schwartz (d)
Andrew Lion (b)
Ruthie Dineen (p)
Luis Salcedo (gt)
Chris Sullivan (as)
Lyle Link (ss), (ts) on track 2
Tony Peebles (ts)
Rafa Postel (tp)
Ivan Arteaga (as) on tracks 1 and 6, (bcl) on track 4
Mia Pixley (vc) on tracks 2 and 4