On the cusp of 25 years together, SaltmanKnowles returns with Almost. Melodic, swingin', original.

On the cusp of 25 years together, SaltmanKnowles returns with Almost. Melodic, blusey, swingin', original compositions are the record's cornerstone. Inspired by writer Dan Barry's book, Bottom of the 33rd details the lives of the people associated with the longest baseball game. The most compelling part of the story is the players' commitment to their dream. Yearly, they uproot their families' lives to play baseball. The pursuit of the dream was relentless. Especially the ones who didn't make it. They almost did, and still found the chase to be worthwhile. The work itself, the process, builds character - even faith.

Shortly after our last release (Yesterday's Man, 2011) we lost our drummer, close friend and mentor Jimmy 'Junebug' Jackson. He was one of the keepers of the faith. 'Bug' told it like it was, and the joy in his swing and the depth of his groove was infectious. He was the yang to our yin, completely fearless. His loss silenced us for a bit.

Other keepers of the faith are our teacher Dr. Yusef Lateef, and singer Mark Murphy. Dr. Lateef taught us to seek our own voices compositionally, to be open, aware and explore. Mark Murphy's rambunctious way of singing is an inspiration as well. We salute these gents with this release.

SaltmanKnowles is joined by Grant Langford on all the saxophones. Mr. Langford is a Basie band veteran, and is currently active with the Airmen of Note, the premiere band of the US Air Force. DeAndre Schaifer plays trumpet and is the Music Director for Carnival Jazz Cruise. Keith Killgo, bandleader and founding member of the Blackbyrds, plays drums. EC3 also plays drums on track 6. He has played with Al McKibbon, and is a bandleader and producer. Lori Williams, educator, recording vocal artist, also returns. Yvette Spears sings on track 6. Victor Provost plays steel pan. He tours with Paquito D'Rivera and teaches at George Mason University.

Pursue your muse relentlessly. To catch her is paradise. To almost catch her is equally so.

Additional Details

Label: Pacific Coast Jazz

Genre: Jazz

Language: English

Run Time: 51:06 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 09/09/16

UPC: 829166824103