Mike and Marvin began playing together after meeting through their work with the Westchester Jazz Orchestra. Regular Sunday afternoon duo sessions nurtured a close friendship, and a unique musical connection. When joined by bassist Mike McGuirk and drummer Dennis Mackrel, the scope of their intimate conversation expanded, resulting in a deeply satisfying interactive dialogue. As the group evolved into a regular “working” quartet, Maureen’s Jazz Cellar in Nyack NY became their favorite place to play. The club’s intimate scale, and the genuine warmth of the audience and staff, made it a perfect setting for the group’s musical concept. When the club’s owner David Budway suggested a live recording, it seemed like a natural fit. And this is the result: four established artists, each a virtuoso unto himself, caught “in the moment,” playing the music they love. The intimate interplay of the group is its signature characteristic, revealing how closely they are listening, and how much they are attuned to one another. The tracks, which include two originals and several familiar jazz standards, evolve with remarkable synchronicity. This is a set of pure "blowing," and extraordinary group empathy. It is blatantly honest, devoid of ego or attitude, and exemplifies what jazz is meant to be: traditional in its roots, yet modern, beautiful and swinging. On this session, you can hear why when jazz artists “work,” it’s called “playing.”
credits
released June 23, 2020
Marvin Stamm – flugelhorn
Mike Holober – piano
Mike McGuirk – bass
Dennis Mackrel – drums
Recorded live @ Maureen’s Jazz Cellar
Nyack, New York
December 20, 2019
Recording Engineer: John Guth
Mixing: John Guth, Marvin Stamm, Mike Holober
Mastering: John Guth
Cover Art: Matt Ferranto
Produced by Marvin and Mike
Special thanks to Maureen’s Jazz Cellar owners and staff: David Budway, Brianne Higgins, Fiona Karen, and Jimmy Winans
Recipient of the American Academy of Arts & Letters Andrew Imbrie Award for Music, and nominated for a 2020 GRAMMY®Award for
his critically acclaimed CD “Hiding Out,” Mike Holober has been described as “one of the finest modern composer/arrangers of our time” (Downbeat Magazine). Other recent projects include Balancing Act (a jazz octet with voice), and The Mike Holober/Marvin Stamm Quartet....more
A vibrant and uplifting jazz record full of interaction and improvisation though created entirely remotely during lockdown. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 4, 2021