2019
The Originals
By The Christian Jacob Trio
Christian Jacob – piano
Trey Henry – bass
Ray Brinker – drums
The Story Behind The Music
(and sample tracks)
Christian Jacob returns to the jazz trio setting with a captivating collection of original compositions. Presented in a story-like fashion, each selection draws the listener deeper into the trio’s musical wonderland. Playful, creative, grooving and performed with the extraordinary unity that The Christian Jacob Trio is known for. Joining Christian are longtime bandmates (and multi Grammy nominated artists themselves) bassist Trey Henry and drummer Ray Brinker. While this recording is truly all about jazz trio, a beautifully orchestrated string section adds depth to 8 of the compositions. Package includes story “The Originals” perfectly illustrated by Elijah Henry. Below are samples of the music and artwork with a little backstory from Christian.
“I had a growing desire to record an entire project of original works. So, I gathered some older compositions of mine and wrote some brand new ones, then put them in a suitable musical order. Looking at the strange or funny titles, I got the idea of connecting them through a story that would be called “The Originals”. We all loved the idea and the story practically wrote itself with titles like “The Shapeshifter” and “The Red Pig Flew Up The Hill”. So instead of the usual liner notes, it’s the music (and hopefully the story) conveying to the listener all the colors and emotions that we poured into this project.”
The Red Pig Flew Up The Hill
Track 1: Opening with “The Red Pig Flew Up The Hill” was an unusual choice. I mean it’s not a big, in-your-face piece: however it sets up the humor and versatility of this recording. I believe every track is a gem, but a pig flying up the hill seemed like the coolest way to open.
The Originals
Track 2: This fun composition titled “The Originals” was written with this specific trio in mind. Even though the meter is in 7/4 it right away felt obvious to each of us how to play our part. Instead of the usual bass solo we inserted a groovy little section with bass and drums playing off of each other.
Through Child’s Eyes
Track 3: “Through Child’s Eyes” is a sweet ballad I wrote some 30 years ago. I hoped to capture the feelings I have when I witness purity and innocence. Trey Henry crafts the perfect solo and vibe for this piece.
Minor Damage
Track 4: “Minor Damage” came out wonderfully dark and brooding. Vibe is everything in this piece. It is a little more compositional than usual, due to the separate section that emerges from silence. The bass solo uses that section. The sparseness and feel allowed us to move around inside and be a little theatrical.
The Shapeshifter
Track 5: “The Shapeshifter” was a little tough to get into our fingers but once we had it we knew we could have fun with it. The simple little motif sits inside a not so simple time signature. Ray’s brilliant solo brought smiles to our faces. It fit so perfectly
Gentle by Nature
Track 6: I felt at peace when I wrote “Gentle By Nature.” I used the strings to expand on that feeling.
Rolling and Shaking
Track 7: I wrote “Rolling and Shaking” in the 90’s. It moves with a fast driving swing and it’s a blast to play. I was thinking of the Northridge earthquake when I wrote this piece, but for this project it represents the magical transformative powers of one of our story characters, “The Shapeshifter.”
Secret Life
Track 8: “Secret Life” Here the title matches the intention: a private life filled with atmosphere and purity.
Modern Times
Track 9: “Modern Times” I had this melody in my head for the longest time. It was haunting me; I was never happy with the different arrangements I came up with… until this one.
Mauvaise Passe
Track 10: “Mauvaise Passe” Rhythmic displacements make me dizzy… until it finally sets into a hard swing. A fun piece featuring an angry trio.
Ballade Pour Charles
Track 11: I wrote “Ballade Pour Charles” many years ago after my father passed away. His memory is woven into our story when all the characters mourn the loss of their mentor Charles. It was a beautiful moment to record this piece for him, after so many years.
When She Consoles Me
Track 12: “When She Consoles Me” The title really says it all. Here I wanted to express the grateful feelings I have when a loved one attempts to console me. It’s the intention that gets me.
Wilder Will Find
Track 13: “Wilder Will Find” Usually, my pieces are based on feelings I have, then I try to find a suitable title pertaining to that feeling. When a piece is written from a pure musical idea, I get stuck finding a title, so my wife will listen to the piece and eventually find a title. After I wrote this piece, I penciled “Wilder will find” meaning that Wilder (my wife) will find a title. Well, she liked it and that became the actual title. That also became the twist ending of our story.
Links to Buy The Originals
The Physical CD: I’d prefer for people to have all the tracks in the creative packaging that we all worked so long and hard on from concept to completion. I’m old school like that, I want people to hear my music in context.
AMAZON – Barnes & Noble
The Downloadable CD/Tracks: Downloading the complete recording from iTunes comes with our beautiful digital booklet/liner notes. If you don’t buy from iTunes just join my newsletter and you’ll automatically get a link to the same booklet by email.
iTunes – AMAZON
High Quality/High Resolution Files: For those of you listening to FLAC, AIFF or WAV 96 kHz here are the links.
HighRezAudio.com – ProStudioMasters.com – HDTracks
REVIEWS
The Originals
Coming Soon...
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Coming Soon...
