Gary Urwin Perspectives CD

Personnel: The band's personnel includes multiple Grammy-nominated jazz artists, enjoying the talents of such luminaries of the Los Angeles jazz scene as Wayne Bergeron, Pete Christlieb, Rickey Woodard, Rick Baptist, Kim Richmond, Charlie Loper, Alex Iles, Christian Jacob, Trey Henry and others.

Recordings: The band has released three critically-praised CDs: 'Kindred Spirits', 'Living in the Moment' and 'Perspectives.

' The band's albums can be heard on some 135 radio stations nationwide, as well as abroad. Their second recording, 'Living in the Moment', hit Number 31 on JazzWeek's Jazz Chart and remained on the charts for six weeks. The band's third album, 'Kindred Spirits' (released April, 2006), combines the band's artistry with the talents of two well-known stars of the jazz world, trombonist Bill Watrous and tenor sax player Pete Christlieb. Though Watrous and Christlieb each have a long history of successful recordings, this is their first appearance as a featured front line, "together again for the first time". Arranger/leader Gary Urwin wrote the fresh, never previously-heard arrangements of tunes hand-picked by Watrous and Christlieb specifically for this project. Trumpet legend Bobby Shew also plays a significant role in covering the trumpet/flugelhorn solos and in the trumpet section on the band's 'Kindred Spirits' album. Live Appearances: The band has played to enthusiastic receptions and well-received press reviews at such Los Angeles jazz venues as the Jazz Bakery, the Los Angeles Jazz Institute Jazz Festival, Charlie O's, and Catalina Bar & Grill. Reviews:Reviews of the band's third CD, 'Kindred Spirits':* "It is as brilliant as one would expect from these talents.... the repertoire is comprised of veteran standards, but there is nothing tired or predictable about these renditions.... the two lead voices sound inspired throughout, displaying effortless virtuosity and colorful ideas. Fans of straightahead jazz and boppish big bands will certainly enjoy this fine effort." (L.A. Jazz Scene); * "The frequent musical conversations between Watrous and Christlieb (trading fours) gives Kindred Spirits a beautiful luster.... Urwin's keen arrangements provide ample space for his two guests and other soloists to shine while emphasizing the creative interaction of his band's sections." (All About Jazz );* "...Gary Urwin is one heck of an arranger. His charts for his third CD, though solidly in the modern-mainstream-big-band tradition, use traditional elements in fresh, imaginative ways.... the extraordinary soloists [Pete Christlieb and Bill Watrous] more than do them justice. With saxophonist Kim Richmond, trumpeter Wayne Bergeron and trombonist Charlie Loper as section leaders and a rhythm section of pianist Christian Jacob, guitarist Frank Browne, bassist Trey Henry and drummer Ralph Razze, the personnel couldn't be more illustrious." (Jazz Times);* "The third CD by what has become one of the big bands to watch for.... As an arranger Gary has to be considered among the best around.... The ensemble writing is spectacular (a particular strength of the arranger) and performed beautifully." ("Mainly Big Bands" website [UK]);* "I don't

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