TUCSON JAZZ INSTITUTE ELLINGTON BIG BAND Directed by Doug Tidaback

EVERY DAY I HAVE THE BLUES Dedicated to Aubrey Martin

With Special Guest Artist DENNIS ROWLAND Vocals

Released March 2019

This CD is dedicated to Aubrey Martin (April 29, 1997 - June 5, 2018) who participated in the Tucson Jazz Institute (TJI) from 6th grade through graduation in 2015 and as an alumnus to the present. He touched many lives both musically and emotionally, and continues to resonate with the people who knew and loved him. His support with this CD is a testament to his musical expression and presence with TJI.

The following are comments provided by Aubrey’s instructors and TJI classmates:

During this year’s recording session the TJI’s lead tenor became ill and had to go home. I called TJI alumnus Aubrey Martin and he showed up the next day. The lead alto player, a high school junior, gave the college junior his instructions, which he followed to the letter. Aubrey played a great solo on “Everyday I Have The Blues” without fanfare or posturing while highlighting Mr. Rowland. He showed the rest of the band what a true team player does – show up, follow directions and play exactly what is asked for. It was Aubrey’s last professional recording. This CD is dedicated to his participation in the Tucson Jazz Institute and the commitment to his craft. Doug Tidaback, Director of Big Bands TJI

Aubrey Martin was as perfect a student as I’ve ever had. He understood all of my deeply technical explanation of understanding how to improvise – while still in the eighth grade. He did everything he was asked, didn’t complain and set the best possible example. In his senior year Aubrey rose to be the band’s student leader and key soloist. When he was singled out by Wynton Marsalis as the outstanding musician at Essentially Ellington that year, it was the proudest I have ever been of one of my students. No one was more deserving. Scott Black, Director of Improvisation TJI Aubrey was one of our best students ever. I heard him playing a transcribed Chris Potter solo outside my rehearsal room, which blew me away. That was no easy task. I knew the sky would be the limit for him. This was further confirmation that he would be able to achieve whatever he set his mind to. Brice Winston, Director of Combos TJI

I remember Aubrey’s eyes. He would often respond with a look rather than a remark and usually that look just cracked me up. He was a very capable individual in many ways, but most notably as a musical artist. Michael Kocour, Director of Jazz Studies, Arizona State University

Aubrey’s band director, Doug Tidaback, worked with my father’s band when I was a teenager and we’d spoken about Aubrey around the time he was at Manhattan School of Music. Aubrey was such a natural improviser and melodic invention came quickly to him. His creative spirit struck me when he played. He was a wonderful talent. Donny McCaslin, Jazz Saxophonist, Manhattan School of Music Faculty

I had the privilege of knowing Aubrey from the very beginning and watching him develop from a complete novice to an outstanding young player. My deepest celebration was reserved for how he handled not making it into the Ellington Band the first time he auditioned. It was in this moment of failure, sitting alone in a room, where he decided what kind of musician he wanted to be. He dug deep and found out that he could achieve anything if he just believed, kept working hard and did not give up. It was in that moment that Aubrey revealed the beauty of his spirit and the depth of his heart. Neamen Lyles, Saxophone

I had the great fortune of knowing every side of Aubrey: the saxophone aficionado, the playful best friend, and the big brother. He had the ability to make everyone in the room feel like they were the most important person ever — because in Aubrey’s mind they were. Whether giving me advice on how to be a leader in Ellington, listening to my audition tapes to give me feedback, or just talking about life, Aubrey was my person. He taught me communication is not black and white, and that music is the happy medium to connect with people in ways we might not expect. Aubrey embodied the person I want to be: kind, considerate, intelligent, and a role model. He will always be the person who made me fall in love with jazz and someone who taught me how to open my heart to love. Esme Martin, Piano

Aubrey was a musician with amazing facility and a love for the mathematics of harmony. He played with a certain power that was able to move people. Robbie Lee, Saxophone, Piano, Vocals Aubrey was always willing to help students who were struggling and would listen with an open mind to anyone’s problems. Someone like Aubrey is one in a million – he brought out the best in people. Alex Karakis, Piano

Whenever I listen to Aubrey I’m reminded of his incredible charm, his compassion, his leadership, his deep humanity, and his ability to input data and export beauty. Sam Chess, Trombone

Aubrey’s overall approach to music made him so special. He had the unique quality of being extremely diligent and detailed in the way he studied music, while still understanding on a larger scale how all these smallest details fit together. With regards to music, I think every musician should aspire to Aubrey’s approach and inquisitiveness. Matt Wong, Piano

Aubrey was by far my biggest musical role model. He was always trying to share pieces of his vast knowledge of harmony, saxophone playing, records to listen to and more. It made an enormous impact on me. Ben Stowers, Saxophone

I know that Aubrey will always exist in my heart and the hearts of many people he touched during his time here. He made a mark that will endure. Jared Bathen, Trombone

Dennis Rowland is this year’s featured artist, a jazz vocalist who was born and raised in Detroit. At the tender age of six Rowland heard the vocals of Joe Williams of the Orchestra which influenced his approach to music and helped inspire him to develop his rich, deep sound. In 1977 Count Basie hired Dennis to be the vocalist on his tours, the same role as his idols Joe Williams and . It was a dream come true and he toured with Basie for seven years. In 1984 Dennis asked Doug to put together and lead a band for a series of concert in Central California. Mr. Tidaback had begun a community youth/professional jazz big band program based in Santa Cruz the prior year which employed many of the outstanding students from the area including Paul Contos/alto sax, David Valdez/alto sax, Donny McCaslin/tenor sax, Rebecca Franks/trumpet, Jeff Ballard/drums, Dan Marcus/trombone, and Paul Mehling/guitar. Those musicians, many who were high school freshmen, have gone on to make significant contributions to jazz. Throughout the years Dennis and Doug have worked together with the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, The Arizona Jazz Orchestra, The Arizona Jazz Academy, The Governor’s Art’s Awards of Arizona Celebration, the Tucson Jazz Festival and this recording. Mr. Rowland becomes the third artist selected to record with the TJI Ellington Big Band after Jimmy Heath and Marcus Printup. The TJI Ellington Band spent those days learning new music, jamming and doing what they do best—bringing a high level of musicality to showcase their featured artist. They follow Doug’s motto: “Swing as hard as you can!” Mr. Rowland has always attracted great talent and inspired the best out of these young musicians.

The Dennis Rowland CD Recording Residency was sponsored by the Tucson Jazz Music Foundation thanks to the generosity of The Seldin Family, 5151 E Broadway in Tucson, Kent Circle Partners and Seldin Real Estate, Inc. Produced by Doug Tidaback | Engineered by Sam Eagon, Landmark Sound Recorders Doug Tidaback, Director of Big Bands | Scott Black, Director of Jazz Combos | Brice Winston, Director of Improvisation Cover photograph courtesy of Luigi Beverelli, Jazz at Lincoln Center Photographer Aubrey’s photograph courtesy of Suzette Niess, Jazz Education Network Staff Photographer TJI Ellington Big Band photograph courtesy of Frank Stewart - Essentially Ellington 2018 TJI Ellington Alumni photography courtesy of Erik Olson | Photograph of Dennis Rowland courtesy of the Tucson Jazz Festival Recorded at DesertView Performing Arts Center, SaddleBrooke, Arizona TJI Alumni Band recorded at Utterback Middle School, Tucson, Arizona EVERY DAY I HAVE THE BLUES is comprised of thirteen songs from different ensembles. In May 2018 the Tucson Jazz Institute (TJI) Ellington Big Band participated in the 23rd Essentially Ellington Competition hosted by Wynton Marsalis, the band’s eighth year traveling to New York City. They performed Harlem Congo, The Eighth Veil, Royal Garden Blues and Cottontail throughout the two-day competition. With great hard work and dedication, the Ellington Band received third place and many outstanding soloist awards. At the end of May the band traveled to the DesertView Performing Arts Center in SaddleBrooke, Arizona, to record this CD. Dennis Rowland, a well-known Phoenix jazz vocalist who performed with the , was the featured artist and sang on Fly Me To The Moon, Watch What Happens, Blue Skies, It Never Entered My Mind and Every Day I Have The Blues. Alumnus Aubrey Martin was asked to assist during Rowland’s set due to an illness of the regular lead tenor. Aubrey passed away one week later and TJI community struggled to find meaning and peace in this unexpected tragedy. Fellow alumnus Robbie Lee, Aubrey’s roommate at the Manhattan School of Music, composed the piece Aubs reflecting his deep feelings for Aubrey and life in general. Many TJI Alumni gathered in July at Utterback Middle School, where TJI is housed, to celebrate Aubrey’s life. They formed the TJI Alumni Band and performed Aubs, Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue and I’ve Never Been In Love Before. Aubrey’s brother and father attended the event, and there were many memories and reminiscences shared. Finally Roll ‘Em, the title track from the 2015 TJI Ellington Big Band CD, is included as a statement to Aubrey’s skill and commitment to TJI and his craft. EVERY DAY I HAVE THE BLUES is dedicated to Aubrey Martin (April 28, 1997 - June 5, 2018) and his ten-year tenure with TJI.

In addition to the 2018 TJI personnel listed in the CD, here are the names of the TJI Alumni Band personnel: SAXES TRUMPETS TROMBONES PIANO / VOCALS Alan Acosta Max Goldschmid John Black Robbie Lee Tyler Bauer Alex Melnychuk Drew Sheets BASS Simeon Roth Miranda Agnew Devin Carmichael Dylan Holly Sergio Tabanico Anthony Gibes Damian Chavira Michael Moynihan GUITAR Alex Weitz Erik Olson David Lasansky DRUMS Julianne Colwell Nathan Hooker

CD released March 2019 A DESCRIPTION OF THE ORIGINAL COMPOSITION AUBS

This summer TJI alum Robbie Lee composed the piece Aubs in honor of his former roommate and friend Aubrey Martin. “This is a story of a dear friend of ours, gone too soon. This serves as a musical parallel to those that have taken their lives and to the many that grieve and must move forward in light of their absence.”

1. Please Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me: We begin with the difficult thoughts of a friend who appears to be “fine.” They don’t wish to trouble others with their pain. Their thoughts consume them and push them in a dark direction. 2. Further Grievances: Every sight and sound brings back good and bad memories. 3. Don’t Be Afraid: Don’t be afraid to talk through your issues, express your emotions and tell people you love them. We love you, Aubs.

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You may purchase EVERY DAY I HAVE THE BLUES CD on the Tucson Jazz Institute website: http://www.tucsonjazzinstitute.com/CDs.html

TUCSON JAZZ INSTITUTE ELLINGTON BIG BAND 2017-18