Kin Trio – Breathe

PJCE003 – Released March 15, 2013 – CD and/or digital download

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On their debut album, “Breathe,” Kin Trio explores a spacious, mindful aesthetic with vigor, subtlety and grace. Band members Sunjae Lee (saxophones), Andre St. James (double bass) and Tim DuRoche (drums) felt an immediate kinship during their first playing encounter. While each of the individuals involved boast extensive credentials as bandleaders, sidemen, and arts administrators, the members of Kin Trio resonate with one another both as improvising musicians and as fellow practitioners of meditation and good health.

Andrew Oliver Trio – The Northwest Continuum

PJCE002 – Released February 15, 2013 – CD and/or digital download

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PJCE director Andrew Oliver presents a piano trio outing with his long time collaborator and friend Tyson Stubelek on drums and Portland stalwart Bill Athens on bass.  Featuring original compositions by Andrew, Tyson, and Bill including music inspired by youthful existential crises, imported tea, and mountains.  Strong melodies and intuitive group interaction prevail.

Gunga Galunga – Unlicensed Nuclear Accelerator

PJCE001 – Released January 15, 2013 – CD and/or digital download

Our first official release features the collective group Gunga Galunga, originally assembled by drummer Tom “Euge” Goicoechea and featuring a diverse cast of Portland’s fine jazz talent. Stylistically speaking, the material performed is even more diverse than the backgrounds of its constituents.  “Jackson Hole” and “Rainy Day, Sunny Heart” convey beautifully the sophistication and pop sensibilities of trumpeter / composer Tom Barber.  “Starbird” and “Portrait in Tears” are compelling and dark vignettes by tenor man Willie Matheis.  “The Black Monk” and “How The Moon Broke” expose guitarist Dan Duval’s interest in extended free improvisation and rich harmonic exploration both in and out of the modern jazz idiom.  The most authentic punk rock explosions on the entire disc occur during “The Red C,” by Euge.  Bassist Jon Shaw keeps everything on the rails the whole time, no matter what is happening.  It’s exactly as engaging and accessible as it sounds.  Which, to us anyway, is extremely accessible and engaging.  The album is available for download from the link above and in physical CD copies as well!

PJCE Sextet – 10/19/12 Fundraising Concert 

PJCE000 – Released November 2012 – Digital Only

Our digital only “pre-release,” this is a live recording by the Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble Sextet of our fall fundraising concert from October of 2012 and features new music by Portland composers Andrew Oliver, Dan Duval, Thomas Barber, Bill Athens, and Blake Lyman and Seattle composer Chad McCullough.

This release is available as a digital download on a “name your price” basis, just use the player or click the cover above!