A decades-long musical relationship born in Reno, NV culminates with a Portland album release.
The music on Corduroy – drummer Matt Mayhall’s third album as a leader and his first for PJCE Records since relocating to Portland from Los Angeles – has the urgency of a first meeting, and indeed serves as a document of the first time Mayhall, saxophonist Peter Epstein and bassist Sam Minaie convened in a studio as a trio.
The chemistry of the trio is evident throughout. The tunes are varied in their approach, but the depth in the level of communication between the three master musicians remains constant. Epstein, Minaie, and Mayhall are all adept at improvisational music that floats and flows like it does on the opener, “Waltz” and their unique interpretation of Ellington’s classic, “Come Sunday.” But they also display a knack for grooving as they do on numbers like the easy-swingin’ “Petrichor” and the hypnotic “Dumb Melody.” The musicians push and pull together in such a way that it is clear the rapport and shared musical language on Corduroy has been in the making for quite some time.
Matt Mayhall – drums
Peter Epstein – alto saxophone
Sam Minaie – bass
Join us in celebration of Matt Mayhall’s album release:
Performance Details:
October 28th, 8 PM
Tickets: $15 and up
21 and over
This will be a joint presentation from PJCE and The Creative Music Guild’s 2024 Improvisation Summit of Portland.
Pre-order and listen to the album now!
Composer Credits:
1, 5 by Sam Minaie
2, 4 by Peter Epstein
3, 7 by Matt Mayhall
6 by Mayhall/Epstein/Minaie
8 by Duke Ellington
Recorded by Sam Minaie
Mixed by Sam Minaie
Recorded at birdFood Studios, NYC
Recording date: November 2022
Mastered by: Sam Minaie
Executive Producer: Ryan Meagher
Art by Tiny Little Hammers
