Jazz Collective ‘Sasha’s Bloc’ Sets ‘Heart on Fire’ CD for March 2015

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With the March, 2015 release of 'Heart On Fire', jazz collective Sasha's Bloc aims to solidify their growing presence on the U.S. music scene with an original album that hearkens back to the Big Jazz Band sound of the 1920s, 30s and 40s, and to a performance style that evokes such seminal acts as Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Count Basie, Scott Joplin, Ella Fitzgerald and more.

An intriguing ensemble founded in 2012, Sasha's Bloc is an amalgam of varied artists, nationalities and experiences, all fueled by bassist and songwriter Alex Gershman to deliver a sound that is consistently big, boisterous, full of spirit and rich in everything that makes jazz linger as an American phenomenon. On 'Heart On Fire', Gershman is honored to have Grammy' nominated vocalist Jane Monheit perform on multiple tracks.

The group has built a name for itself in recent years via multiple sold out concerts at the key Jazz Clubs in Los Angeles, including Catalina Bar and Grill, Vibrato and Vitello's. Gershman's goal, via the group's successful
performances and now on 'Heart On Fire, ' is to create a signature sound for Sasha's Bloc that he describes as "fresh, well-developed and above all lyrically progressive." Citing Fats Waller, Scott Joplin and Duke Ellington as primary examples, Gershman comments, "My hope is that the Sasha's Bloc will help bring these great American cultural achievements to modern life and contemporary audiences

The group's core nonet is comprised of Nora Rothman, vocal; Brandon Fields, saxophone; Alex Budman, saxophone, clarinet; Kye Palmer, trumpet, Bob McChesney, trombone; Kevin Winnard, drums; Steve Cotter, guitar; Andy Langham, piano. Guest artists on the upcoming album include: Jane Monheit, vocal; Alvin Chea, vocal; Patrick Tuzzolino, vocal; Princess Fortier, vocal; Glynis Leflore vocal; Octavia Pace vocal; James Lum, banjo; Jason Fabus, accordion; Marc T. Bolin, Tuba. Gershman plays upright bass and electric bass.

Each track on the album is an Alex Gershman original, written with the goal of evoking this aforementioned, distinctive era in the evolution of jazz. Gershman collaborated Bob McChesney on songs 1 and 10, and with Bob Garad on song 4. Music arrangements are by Elliot Deitch, with vocal arrangements by Bob Garad. The CD was Produced by Joe Diblasi, with Sound by Mauricio Gurrero, and package Design by Yana Bannikova.

From the band's website:

With a big band sound that recalls the vibe of New Orleans' Preservation Hall Jazz Band infused with the Blues, a hint of Gypsy Jazz, contemporary
jazz and swing, Sasha's Bloc have been playing to sold-out shows across Southern California for the past two + years and have developed a loyal following across the country.

Formed in 2012 by bassist Alexander Gershman who hails from Moscow, Sasha's Bloc is an eclectic mix of musicians focused on the revival of the jazz culture of the 1920's and 30's, combined with the adaptation of modern jazz original compositions.

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