For Jill Ross Taggart, solo piano Ross Taggart played the 1st tenor chair in my band for twelve years. His contribution to the band was huge, both through his tremendous sound and his personal support. Much like Ross' playing, his compositions are a combination of witty lyricism, joyous swing and beautiful melodies. I love the images his melodies and titles evoke, such as TV Lunch, Cozy Apartments, Don't Call Before 10 and Match the Hatch. Perhaps the most poignant tune for me is Apple Cider Vinegar-For Jill, as Ross has the last word on the CD with his beautiful solo piano version-a track he shared with me a few years back. Legacy seemed an appropriate name for the large ensemble arrangement of this tune, in honour of Ross. Needless to say, this CD was recorded with heartfelt emotion by all the members of the band in tribute to our friend Ross. I truly hope you enjoy our interpretations of his compositions. Thank you to Cory Weeds for facilitating the entire project, and to every single Kickstarter contributor for your donation-we couldn't have done it without you. Thank you to the band for your consistently superb playing and to our very special guest, Campbell Ryga. Thanks to Bill Coon, who contributed so much, including several beautiful arrangements. Thanks to Bill Runge for the arrangement of Open Book, and to Chris Gestrin for all the great sounds. Thanks for the music, Ross. We miss you dearly. -Jill Townsend
credits
released June 7, 2016
Jill Townsend – conductor
Chris Startup – alto sax, tenor sax, clarinet
Bill Runge – alto sax & flute
Steve Kaldestad – tenor sax
Cory Weeds – tenor sax
Chad Makela – bari sax & bass clarinet
Campbell Ryga – soprano sax tks 2, 4, 10
Dennis Esson, Rod Murray, Jeremy Berkman - trombones
Neil Nicholson – bass trombone
Derry Byrne, Kent Wallace, Brad Turner, Tom Shorthouse – trumpets/flugelhorns
Bill Coon – guitar
Ken Lister – bass
Dave Robbins – drums
Recorded at BlueShore Financial Theatre at Capilano University, North Vancouver, BC
on December 28 & 29, 2014
Executive Producer Cory Weeds
Produced by Jill Townsend & Bill Coon
Engineered, edited and mixed by Chris Gestrin
Mastered by Chris Gestrin
Photography by Steve Mynett (cover) & Vincent Lim (band photo)
Design and layout by Ian Hendrickson-Smith
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