Fresh Sound Records is pleased to present "Breathing Room" the debut recording as a leader by trumpeter David Weiss

Mr. Weiss first came to the attention of Fresh Sound Records as the co-leader of the critically acclaimed New Jazz Composers Octet whose debut album First Steps into Reality (Fresh Sound FSNT-059) was lauded as a “gem” and received a Critics Pick as one of the Top 5 Albums of the Year in Jazz Times. The Octet built on the success of First Steps into Reality by collaborating with trumpet legend Freddie Hubbard on the recently released New Colors (Hip Bop Records). The London Observer praised the Octet’s “fine, surging ensemble sound” and noted “Trumpeter-arranger David Weiss is definitely a name to watch”.

For Breathing Room, Weiss called on his New Jazz Composers Octet co-leaders pianist Xavier Davis and bassist Dwayne Burno and introduces two of the finest young musicians to come on the scene in quite some time, tenor saxophonist Marcus Strickland and drummer E.J. Strickland (look for Marcus’ debut CD “At Last” also on Fresh Sound, FSNT-101). Long-time collaborator Craig Handy plays alto sax on four numbers. The music has its roots in the ‘60s Blue Note sound with the inclusion of to lesser-known Wayne Shorter compositions and a variation on the classic Joe Henderson composition “The Kicker”. But while Weiss is clearly influenced by the writing of Wayne Shorter, his compositions for sextet prove he has his own unique and distinct voice. Weiss recently won the Chamber Music America Doris Duke Jazz Ensembles Project: Creation and Presentation grant for his compositions.

Since returning to New York in 1986, Weiss has performed and/or recorded with Freddie Hubbard, Tom Harrell, Barry Harris, Jaki Byard, Jimmy Heath, Jimmy Cobb, Terence Blanchard, Randy Brecker, Pete LaRoca, Clifford Jordon, Junior Cook, Reuben Wilson, Jeff Watts, Benny Green, Bob Belden, Roy Hargrove, Frank Foster, Eddie Henderson, James Spaulding, Idris Muhammad, and Billy Hart. Weiss is also a highly sought after arranger, collaborating with Freddie Hubbard, Abbey Lincoln, Rodney Kendrick and many others. He also arranged the Main Theme for the “Cosby Mysteries” for NBC, Alto Legacy featuring Phil Woods, Vincent Herring, and Antonio Hart, and a Rahsaan Roland Kirk tribute album entitled Haunted Melodies featuring many of the top saxophonists in New York including Joe Lovano, Donald Harrison, and James Spaulding.