Jerry Tolson Quintet

"Nu View" is a new self-produced CD by Louisville, KY, musician and teacher, Jerry Tolson and his Louisville based Quintet.

Tolson, who teaches jazz studies at the University of Louisville School of Music, is a pianist, vocalist, saxophonist, and composer in the jazz idiom.

This CD, the group's first, contains nine selections all of which were composed and arranged by Tolson.

Playing both acoustic and electric piano on this CD, Tolson is joined by Jeff Sherman, guitar; Sonny Stephens, bass; and Dwight Dozier, drums. Saxophonists, David Clark, alto, and Dick Hiller, tenor, alternate on different cuts of the CD. Percussionist, Greg Byrne adds tasteful Latin percussion to most of the tracks.

For the traditional jazz listening audience, selection #2, "Chestnut Glen Drive", is most satisfying. It is a medium swing tune with a catchy melody and pedal point extension which forms the introduction as well as the ending of the selection. Featured soloists are Hiller, Tolson, and Sherman.

Selection #1, "Lunar Mysteries", and selection #5, "K-Mood", are in the "smooth" jazz groove with "Lunar Mysteries" being Latin influenced and "K-Mood" being in a funk ballad style. Both selections feature Clark on Alto. Sherman doubles the lead line on "Lunar Mysteries" and is also featured as a soloist.

Selection #3, "Modern Times", Selection #4, "Dijonayze", and Selection #7, "In the Company of Strangers" are also Latin influenced.

"Modern Times" is a lilting samba at a relaxed tempo. "Dijonayze" is a slow bossa nova with a haunting melody that is played with intense emotion by Clark on alto. Bassist Stephens has solo space on this selection as well as Sherman and Tolson.

"In the Company..." is a medium bossa nova in a standard 32 measure ABAC form. Hiller and Sherman are featured on this tune, which, although they are not included, has lyrics which ask the question if we really know the people we interact with on a regular basis.

"Like A Shadow", Selection #6, is a beautiful ballad which showcases Hiller and Tolson with sparse accompaniment by Stephens and Dozier.

The minor mode of the simple, contemplative melody of the A section of the tune gives way to major tonality in the bridge before returning to the minor mode for the ending of the tune.

The final two selections on the CD, "Nu View" and "Watch Yo' Back" are definitively contemporary in feel and style.

Selection #8, "Nu View", the title cut, is in a slow funk style with an intensity that is consistent throughout.

Selection #9, "Watch Yo' Back", is the most rock influenced cut on the CD with Sherman switching to an electric sound with full effects. This laid back funk rock tune is in a loose rondo form with a recurring melody interspersed with contrasting sections. One of the differing sections incorporates a jazz march.

Quintet Bio The Jerry Tolson Quintet is a Louisville based jazz group that features jazz standards, contemporary originals, and Latin influenced selections.

Tolson, who teaches jazz studies at the University of Louisville School of Music, is a pianist, vocalist, saxophonist, and composer in the jazz idiom. Tolson's works have been published by UNC Jazz Press.

He has been named to Who's Who Among America's Teachers and is an instructor at numerous summer jazz camps including the prestigious Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops.

Playing both acoustic and electric piano in this ensemble, Tolson is joined by Sonny Stephens, bass; Dwight Dozier, drums; Jeff Sherman, guitar; and David Clark, alto saxophone.

The group has been in existence since 1994 and maintains an active performing schedule on the Louisville music scene.

The group has headlined Louisville's "Jazz In Central Park" outdoor festival,the Louisville Jazz and Blues Festival and made numerous regional television appearances.

A versatile ensemble, they have served as backup for such artists as The Drifters, Leslie Gore, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.

Members of the group have also worked with, among others, Kevin Mahogany, Benny Golson, Marvin Stamm, and James Moody. The group has also opened for jazz artist, Eric Reed.

The group's first CD of all original material, "Nu View", was released in July of 1999, and has received extensive air play in a number of U.S. markets.

The group toured Europe during the summer of 2000 with performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy among others.

Stephens is a first call bassist for a number of Louisville-based groups and is a graduate of the University of Louisville.

Dozier is a graduate of the Washington State University and is a vice president in development at the University of Louisville specializing in computer operations.

Sherman is the director of Jazz Studies at Bellermine College in Louisville and has played with many top name artists in both the pop and jazz worlds. He is a first call guitarist for shows and concerts.

Clark is also a graduate of U of L and is currently teaching privately and playing professionally. In addition to his work with Tolson, he leads the house band at Bobby J's Restaurant in Louisville's Bardstown Road entertainment district.

More info:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tolson