Mike Dana Jazz Orchestra – Farther (Still CD)

After decades as a guitarist, educator, and one of the West Coast's most respected composers and arrangers, Mike Dana unveils the fullest expression of his musical vision with Farther (still). It being the first time he's presented his own vision in this way, he brought together a remarkable collection of musicians and an all-star cast of soloists, including Bob Mintzer, Ingrid Jensen, Eric Marienthal, Tim Ries, Wayne Bergeron, and Aaron Janik, to explore seven expansive original compositions alongside fresh arrangements of two standards. Balancing rich orchestral colors, memorable melodies and inspired improvisation, Dana's musical voice is at once sophisticated and deeply expressive. While echoing the influence of the great contemporary jazz composers, Farther (still) speaks with a distinctive voice, one shaped by a lifetime of performing, composing, and imagining new possibilities for the modern jazz orchestra, always reaching still farther. A musician's musician, a hidden gem, for years playing and hanging with the best of the best. And now some of those jazz greats have gathered to bring Mike's incredible music to life. Farther (still) showcases what we on the West Coast have known for decades: Mike Dana is the real deal!"" - Benjamin Boone