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| Blue Muse Live, an enigma true to their name  Blue Muse, an enigma, is true to their name. They specialize in playing jazz in church, weaving spiritual improvisations through the waves of liturgy and biblical readings to any denomination. Formed in 2013, the members of Blue Muse are as eclectic as their music: a former computer consultant recruiting her professor, fellow Jacksonville University students and adjuncts as well as a baker's apprentice. It is this sense of mystery and thoughtful collaboration that attributes to the diversified sound their fans love. Sarah Lee recognized each member's passion for jazz as she worked with each musician while attending Jacksonville University on her own quest to follow her life's passion, music.Blue Muse Live is a culmination of the life experiences of each of its members. With four original songs and three original arrangements, the album combines elements of Swing, Latin, Funk, Straight, and Modern Jazz. On the track "They Say, " Pianist Jonah Pierre weaves a delicate riff around a minimalist backdrop of vibes and percussion, evoking a sparse yet intense atmosphere. Pierre's "Infant Dance" was influenced by the harmonies of Wayne Shorter while "Bless You (for C.W.)" was intended to convey the exuberance of a close friend and trombonist. Guitarist Jarrett Carter's piece, "Bachionda, " started off organically as a simple improvisation. It transitions from a single guitar line to a wall of sound that comes crashing down. Saxophonist Sarah Lee arranged the Jazz standard "Smile" and the hymn "Blessed Assurance, " wildly popular in their Vespers set. Vibraphonist Tony Steve also contributes with his arrangement of "Icarus, " setting the tune in a new rhythmic framework that provides a new and vibrant context for the haunting melodies. Track, Time, Composer 1. Bless You (for C.W.), 5:24, Jonah Pierre 2. Bachionda, 8:16, Jarrett Carter 3. Smile, 6:20, Sarah Lee 4. They Say, 6:35, Jonah Pierre 5. Infant Dance, 5:47, Jonah Pierre 6. Icarus, 9:55, Tony Steve 7. Blessed Assurance, 6:44, Sarah Lee Player and instrument: Sarah Lee - alto, tenor and soprano saxophones (alto: Infant Dance, They Say, Blessed Assurance. tenor: Bless You, Bachionda. soprano: Smile, Icarus) Jonah Pierre - piano Jarrett Carter - guitar Evan Peterson - drums Tony Steve - vibraphone Ernie Ealum (pronounced Eel-um) - Upright and electric bass (on tracks: Bless You, Bachionda, They Say, Smile, Icarus) Cody Wheaton - Upright bass (tracks: Infant Dance, Blessed Assurance) write your comments about the article :: © 2015 Jazz News :: home page |