Search - The Jazz Circle :: Joshua

The Jazz Circle is a seven-piece 'little big band' with vocalist. Their debut CD release titled 'Joshua' puts a contemporary twist on classic tunes in a tribute to the jazz masters of the 1960's: Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery, Wayne Shorter and Oliver Nelson. The group features the bluesy vocals of jazz newcomer Steve Coghill singing original lyrics by arranger/saxophonist Steve Hoskins and others. The band also features a two-time Grammy nominee, virtuoso pianist Bill Cunliffe. Featured tunes are 'Joshua' with an original tribute lyric to Miles Davis; 'Goodbye, Porkpie Hat' by Charles Mingus with lyric by Joni Mitchell; 'Unit Seven', a tribute to guitarist Wes Montgomery with lyric by jazz vocalist Ron Boustead; 'Footprints' by Wayne Shorter with original lyric by Tricia Tahara and a new vocalese by arranger Hoskins; Billy Strayhorn's classic 'Lush Life'; Oliver Nelson's 'Stolen Moments' with lyric by jazz vocal great Mark Murphy; a tribute arrangement of Bob Dorough's 'Nothing Like You' (the only vocal cut to ever appear on a Miles Davis recording; and more original lyric by Hoskins on 'So Near, So Far'. But before you start to think this is the typical jazz vocal album, give a listen. This is an 'arranger's band' featuring seven great soloists with plently of room for blowing. Featured on the CD is renowned pianist Bill Cunliffe; the fiery trumpet of Mike Wade; Mike Sharfe's distinctive, grooving bass; Brent Gallaher's inspired tenor sax; Bill Gemmer's swinging, ever-smooth trombone, the energetic and sensitive drumming of young Dan Dorff; and leader Hoskins' soulful alto sax. Guitarist Phil Willis evokes the spirit of Wes Montgomery in a guest appearance on 'Unit Seven'.