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OUT NOW: Ralph Peterson & the GenNext Big Band's "LISTEN UP!" Onyx Productions, the music label founded and spearheaded by iconic drummer, bandleader and Berklee professor Ralph Peterson Jr., is proud to announce the release of Listen Up!, the second album from Peterson’s Gen-Next Big Band. Following in the Jazz Messenger tradition of mentorship, the Gen-Next Big Band features an exciting lineup of some of Berklee College of Music’s brightest young musicians and employs Blakey’s signature two-drummer format. These young Berklee students are granted the opportunity to work alongside Peterson and special guest trombonist Kuumba Frank Lacy, two Jazz Messenger alumni. Listen Up! showcases the excellence of this group of young Berklee players under the tutelage of consummate drummer Ralph Peterson, while celebrating the life and music of the legendary Art Blakey. As Peterson remarks, “...all of the arranging, with the exception of “The Art of War” and “In Case You Missed It” was done by Berklee students. They demonstrate maturity, finesse, and exuberance as arrangers.” The album embodies the spirit of the Jazz Messengers, embracing the didactic nature of Blakey’s legendary institution as a means of bringing fresh enthusiasm to the music, and perpetuating the artform. “Back in 1983, ” as Peterson recollects, “Art Blakey called me to perform with the Jazz Messengers at the Boston Globe Jazz Festival. That concert was transformative in my life and now I have the opportunity to come full circle and extend that experience to these young musicians here.” After making their professional debut at Scullers in Boston in late 2017, the Peterson-led Gen-Next Big Band released their 2018 debut album Remember Bu: Alive Vol. 4 at Scullers, a live recording of the group which featured fellow Art Blakey alum Donald Harrison. A year later, the Gen-Next Big Band embarks on their very first studio album. The album begins with a bang as the musicians blaze through a spirited arrangement of the Curtis Fuller composition “Arabia”, which debuted on 1961’s Mosaic. From the first downbeat, one notices the precision of the ensemble. As the piece unfolds, the stunning interplay and impressive dynamic capabilities of the group become apparent; and at once, you’re transported back to Blakey’s classic sound. Prof. Peterson blows some soulful muted cornet at the end of the piece as well. The second track, “Acceptance”, is one of two original compositions composed by bandleader Ralph Peterson which are featured on this release. This ostinato-driven post-bop conception features transcendent solos by trumpeter Robert Vega Dowda, Flutist Joe Melnicove and bandleader Ralph Peterson. The band is in full swing on Bobby Watson’s “In Case You Missed It”, trading incendiary solos across the bandstand. The track features a beautiful lyrical solo by messenger Kuumba Frank Lacy and also features Peterson abandoning his drum set for a 2nd foray onto the cornet, trading with trumpeter John Michael Bradford. The album concludes with another Peterson original entitled “The Art of War”. This driving post-bop composition was arranged by Todd Bayshore and features spirited drum solo trades between Peterson and student Christian Napoleon, a celebration of the dual-drummer instrumentation that makes this release so special, harkening back to a time when Peterson found himself trading solos with Blakey himself. More about the bandleader: Peterson’s prolific recording career began in 1985 with the fabled Blue Note label, with whose house band, OTB (Out of the Blue) he performed as a drummer. He released six Blue Note albums as a leader of different combos, including the “Fo’tet, " a quartet whose members have at various times included clarinetist Don Byron, saxophonist Steve Wilson, bassist Belden Bullock and vibraphonist Bryan Carrott. To date, Peterson has released over 20 albums as a leader. His glittering curriculum vitae includes such names as pianists Walter Davis Jr., Geri Allen and Stanley Cowell; trumpeters Terence Blanchard, Tom Harrell, Jon Faddis and Roy Hargrove; saxophonists Michael Brecker, David Murray, Branford Marsalis and Charles Lloyd and vocalist Betty Carter. A bandleader and educator for over 30 years and having played a significant role in launching the careers of Sean Jones, Tia Fuller, Justin Faulkner, and Orrin Evans, among many others. Since 2002, he has taught drums and ensembles at Berklee College of Music. Peterson is also grateful and proud of the manner in which he has prevailed over physical and personal difficulties. He has lived his life “drink and drug-free" for more than 23 years now. He has survived colon cancer and Bell’s Palsy in addition to multiple orthopedic challenges. He is an avid martial artist recently promoted to 5th Dan Black Belt. In 2010, Peterson founded Onyx Productions Music Label and has released his own music on the label ever since. This project is his 10th on his label and 24th as a leader. He proudly endorses Meinl Cymbals including his Signature Series Symmetry 22" Ride and Nuance 21 Crash Ride, Mapex Drums, Evans Drumheads, and Vic Firth Sticks, Mallets and Brushes. |
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