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MAMA RECORDS

Live recordings have always energized me. There is just something about these that are different. It seems you can go into a studio and make the “perfect” recording with several takes and multiple edits, but something, at least for me, is missing. Perhaps those of you reading these notes feel the same way. It’s like live theatre. Musicians, like actors, get turned on by an audience, and as hard as many have tried, the energy level can not be duplicated in the studio.

In this live recording at Catalina’s Jazz Club in Hollywood, California, I have taken the word “live” a step further (against all advice). Here the listener has the opportunity to re live the experience of those in attendance, which by the way increases as the recording proceeds due to those delayed for the “downbeat” for some reason. Introductions, crowd appreciation, accolades for soloist and arrangers, musician’s banter etc. were left unscathed for the most part in an attempt to re-create the evening. Edits are few. What you hear is what you get - an 87 minute performance, straight, no chaser!!

Thanks to the arrangers and musicians mentioned later, engineers Tim Pinch and Rich Breen, and Catalina Popescu and her staff as well as Helen Borgers from KKJZ in Long Beach, we believe this recording in its entirety is an usual “on the spot” listening experience both musically and professionally.

Lastly, I personally would like to dedicate this 2 CD set to none other than Mr. Bob Florence who has been such an integral part of the Tentet since inception. His contributions from the very beginning over 12 years ago on one misty night have been ongoing. He is one of the musical geniuses of our time. One who is recognized world wide – a legend of his time as his Grammy and Emmy Awards attest to. I am privileged to call Bob my friend and partner in jazz. Here’s to you Bob, your music will live forever, in my heart and around the world.

PHIL NORMAN

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