George Stone - Real Deal

SAXOPHONES Gene Burkert, Alto Jeff Driskill, Alto Bill Liston, Tenor Brian Scanlon, Tenor Jay Mason, Baritone TRUMPETS Wayne Bergeron, Lead Charley Davis, Lead Dan Fornero Scott Copeland TROMBONES Eric Jorgensen, Lead Jacques Voyemant Ira Nepus Rich Bullock, Bass RHYTHM SECTION Larry Koonse, Guitar Steve Gregory, Guitar (Track 9 only) Trey Henry, Bass Dave Tull, Drums Brian Kilgore, Percussion George Stone, Piano, Trumpet, Leader GUESTS Bob McChesney, Trombone Chris Vadala, Soprano Sax Donny McCaslin, Tenor Sax Bobby Shew, Trumpet Produced by George Stone Engineered and assembled by George Stone, 2010 Mixed by George Stone and Dom Camardella at Santa Barbara Sound Design Mastered by Gavin Lurssen, Lurssen Mastering, Hollywood, CA Additional recording services provided by: Gizmo Recording Company, Silver Spring, MD; Gantt Kushner, Engineer Santa Fe Center Studio, Albuquerque, NM; Doug Geist, Engineer The Rekroom, Whittier, CA; Willie Murillo, Engineer Systems Two Studio, Brooklyn, NY; Michael Marciano, Engineer Graphics and Layout by Discmakers, Pennsauken, NJ The marvelous musicians on this record have comprised the core of my band since it's inception. Our paths cross now and again and new musical results herald the occasion each time. The joyful feeling that a rhythm section of Larry Koonse, Trey Henry and Dave Tull produce is beyond words - they are all gems. The precision and concept of the horn section and it's many soloists is equally satisfying. It is a pleasure to hear these musicians weave their magic into the musical tapestry, and I offer each sincere thanks and deep appreciation. I would also like to thank my guest artists. Bob McChesney understands music and progression so well that every solo he plays is an architectural masterpiece. Chris Vadala commissioned the arrangement of Doxy on which he and Donny McCaslin share the space in great style. Donny contributed his unique and distinctive character on my new progression of I Love You. Having Bobby Shew a part of this recording was a final triumph. I am humbled by the contributions of these musicians. As in previous recordings, the luxury of producing and engineering from a composer's perspective offered me comprehensive control of the final result. While again enjoying the artistic freedom, I couldn't do it alone. Gantt Kushner, Willie Murillo, Doug Geist and Michael Marciano recorded the guest artists on site and did a great job. It was delightful working with Dom Camardella at Santa Barbara Sound Design. The glow and lucidity of the mix is due in no small part to his remarkable abilities. Gavin Lurssen at Lurssen Mastering took it to yet another sonic level, adding warmth and radiance to the performance. Lastly, I am grateful to the many jazz festivals, honor bands, educators and musicians who have commissioned these works. Their investment in the future creation of big band jazz composition is exemplary and will no doubt keep the art form thriving for many years to come. I hope you enjoy the music. George Stone, December 2010.