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| Donny Time: The Music of Don DePalma - September 27th Release "Donny Time: The Music of Don DePalma" is a tribute album shining light on the legendary pianist from Hartford, Connecticut. The majority of the album was recorded after Don's passing due to Covid in May of 2021. It features an all-star line up, all former band mates of Don, playing their hearts out on Don's original compositions and arrangements. The world-renowned trombonist Steve Davis, legendary vocalist Linda Ransom and saxophone extraordinaire Kris Jensen all tip their hats to the maestro on "Donny Time". There are also a handful of young lions featured on this album including drummer Jonathan Barber, trumpet player Joshua Bruneua and guitarist Tony Davis, all of whom were mentored by Don. For extra flavor, percussionist Nelson Bello, drummer Curtis Torian and spoken word artist Alexis Roy, give "Donny Time" a unique sound that stands strong. Don even crashes the party himself on a few tracks salvaged from a stellar performance at the 2011 Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series in Bushnell Park, Hartford. It is important to mention the producers of this beautiful album, trombonist Rosie Roy and bassist Matt Dwonszyk. They made it so all of the proceeds of "Donny Time: The Music of Don DePalma" goes to the DePalma Roy Scholarship Fund set up in Don's memory. This scholarship is awarded annually to a high school music student attending Music College. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the album go to the DePalma Roy Scholarship Fund keeping Don's music and spirit alive for generations to come. Musical Architect of the 880 Club: Don DePalma Whether on stage or in a club, a performance with Don DePalma was always a joyous and rollicking event. His vibe was contagious, and fans and band members alike came to his concerts to soak in his music and share in his energy. Sadly, Don's tour of this earthly realm ended too soon in May of 2021 due to COVID. But whoever heard him play will always remember his infectious spirit, musical generosity, and all-around stellar chops. The party lives on, and this album is a tribute to the man and his music. Starting out as a trumpet player at age 13, Don hooked up in high school with the nationally known band "The Wild Weeds". His career led him and his brother Bob to tours of Europe. As a musician, his work in the community connected him with bassist Paul Brown for his highly successful Monday Night Jazz series in Bushnell Park. On stage in 1970, Don opened for Led Zeppelin and Sly and the Family Stone. Transitioning from trumpet to piano, Don formed the band "Collaboration", befriended saxophonist Jackie McLean, and became the musical director of Hartford's Artists Collective. Don was a cofounder of Hartford's legendary 880 Club, helping to launch the careers of budding stars Steve Davis, Nat Reeves, Mario Pavone, Tom Chapin, Sue Terry, and the band Street Temperature. Guest artists at the 880 Club included such jazz luminaries as: Pepper Adams Frank Foster Junior Cook Slide Hampton Bill Hardman James Moody Sal Nestico Lou Donaldson Eddie Henderson George Coleman Joe Farnsworth Billy Hart Carmen Lundy Houston Person Freddie Waits John Scofield Kenny Garrett Clifford Jordan Curtis Fuller Rene McLean Dewey Redman write your comments about the article :: © 2024 Jazz News :: home page |