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Reconnect
Mike Conrad
Label: Skydeck Music
Released: 2022
Duration: 00:54:00
Views: 22
Tracks
General Inquiry; Blue Lagoon: Con Artists; Pirouette; Gentle Warrior; Banana Peel Bird Bath; Flood; Goodly Creatures
Personnel
Album Description
Mike Conrad believes that the bonds formed through musical experiences can be incredibly strong and enduring. For his debut jazz trio album, Conrad wanted to reconnect with some of his favorite musicians from his past to bring eight of his original tunes to life. Chicago bassist Katie Ernst lends her lyrical, buoyant approach to the project. She and Conrad go way back, having met at a jazz camp in high school, and they both have a connection to the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Over ten years after Indianapolis-based drummer Cassius Goens III released his album “Transition” with Conrad on piano, he rejoins Conrad to bring both fire and sensitivity to this 2022 release.
While Mike Conrad has primarily made a name for himself as a prolific composer/arranger of big band music, the small-group compositions here are varied and refreshing, with strong melodies and structures, but plenty of space for spontaneity and interaction. The track listing includes: “General Inquiry” (reminiscent of early Chick Corea), “Blue Lagoon” (a moody 7/8 tune), “Con Artists” (funky and fiery), “Pirouette” (a jazz waltz with a circular quality), “Gentle Warrior” (dedicated to Conrad’s father), “Banana Peel Bird Bath” (a quirky blues performed with a playful and unrestrained approach), “Flood” (a swinger that takes a J Dilla turn at the end) and “Goodly Creatures” (Kenny Wheeler-like with some gospel elements mixed in).
On July 1st, 2022 Reconnect was released on the SkyDeck Music label, and can be found on Bandcamp, Mike Conrad’s website, and streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.
Album uploaded by Mike Conrad
