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| Bill Wimmer Releases Live Testament to Jazz Project Omaha Bill Wimmer wanted to connect to longtime jazz associates and record an album. It all finally came together when he met with Dave Stryker (guitar), Victor Lewis (drums), Tony Guilzia (percussion), and Mark Luebbe (bass) to record a live set dubbed Project Omaha, set for release April 7, 2009 on his own Wimjazz imprint. Tony Guilza was the catalyst of the record, according to Wimmer, and then everything fell into place when Tony came onboard to pursue the project. From a collective viewpoint all of the music presented on the CD is a labor of love and respect for timeless jazz classics. Tracks by Dexter Gordon ("Soy Califa") and Rodgers and Hart ("She Was Too Good To Me") fill out some the nine track jazz extravaganza. Bill Wimmer's saxophone is the featured instrument however the stellar support provided by his friends never takes a backseat. In reference to the inclusion of Dave Stryker and Victor Lewis to the lineup Wimmer commented, "This group is not about mere star power to sell the record, it is about the connections that these two world class musicians have to Tony and the rest of the band." The emphasis on the recording is to showcase the band as an entity and focus in on the groove they create. While each individual puts some of their own spin to the tunes the outcome is undeniably a brilliant jazz recording captured live in Vail Colorado on May 13 & 14 2008 at Kelly Liken. Although this is a jazz record, kissing cousin the blues makes an appearance as well on the standout shuffle "Cherry Red." Jazz and blues are joined at the hip and this outstanding group of musicians made certain the audience got their fare share that evening. Project Omaha will be available on Amazon.com and iTunes. Visit Bill Wimmer's website for updates, biographical information, sound samples and more. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Jazz News :: home page |