LASER RECORDS: Buy

Featuring Al Plank, piano.
With Houston Person . John Stowell . Michael Spiro . Colin Bailey. John Wiitala
 
Praised by critics both abroad and in the United States for her “gorgeous phrasing” and “clear and easy delivery (Stereo Review)” of the lyrics of a song, West Coast diva Dee Bell again delivers her warmth, clarity, and impeccable intonation on Sagacious Grace, her first release for the Laser label.  “She knows just how to bring the best out in a song.  She does her own thing; lazy, hazy, smoky singing (Jazz Journal, England).”  Dee’s Concord Jazz recordings with Stan Getz, Eddie Duran and Tom Harrell made the jazz world “sit up and listen (Jesse Hamlin, SF Jazz Critic)” garnering top twenty rotations on the jazz charts.
 
With this latest release dedicated to the late pianist, Al Plank, there are three songs with Dee’s original lyrics and two that she has arranged.  The swinging, elegant pianist influenced the balance of the riveting musical adaptations on this CD.  Al was a major part of the San Francisco jazz scene for over 40 years, following an earlier musical career with the Mastersounds (the Montgomery brothers: Wes, Monk, and Buddy), as well as time on stage with Woody Herman, Chet Baker and Anita O’Day.
 
Houston Person on saxophone, John Stowell on guitar, and Michael Spiro on percussion round out a stellar roster of the Bay Area’s top musicians on this long-awaited CD.  Interpreted with heartfelt nuances, this beautiful and diverse collection of songs will provide hours of entertainment for your delight.

In the South it has become a long time tradition to produce great jazz musicians. Ziad Rabie' is a product of that tradition along with Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and many more. There is a connection with being from the south and ones endeavor into the exploration of jazz. This album captures the essence of the root of what makes great jazz. Whether it be swing, be-bop, or contemporary jazz these songs all have a common thread that weaves them all together into a masterful compilation of well thought out compositions.

It took a very long time to get this album out. Flight 108 recorded this fourth album in 1989 at Jay Howard studio's in Charlotte, NC. This album sat on a shelf and aged with time to become what is now a monumental achievement. It's amazing that music can do that. I guess they were ahead of their time.
This was the first Flight 108 album that was recorded multi track and using computer technology. Midi was becoming usable and the electronic drum sound was very popular. You will hear that this album combines acoustical and electronic elements.
This album features Bill Evans on tenor and soprano saxophone. Bill's credits are endless including stints with Miles Davis and the Rolling Stones. Dave Valentin was also recruited for this album. Dave's career spans the globe when it comes to his endeavors in jazz. He was one of the top recording artists on GRP records.
Both artists were a perfect fit for the Flight 108 sound and it was evident from that point on that wind instruments were to be a fulltime addition to the band.

Zero Gravity was released in 1987 on Blue Wave Records. It was initially released on vinyl and cassette. Now for the first time released on CD by Laser Records. This is the first album including Rick Blackwell on bass guitar.

Flight 108's problem when recording was deciding which songs to release from their huge collection of original compositions. The album "Circuits" was their second album recorded entirely live in the studio. Direct to digital 2-track. Flight 108 preferred to record this way.

Flight 108 was a very successful working group in the 80's and 90's. The group headed up by Fred Story, had it own unique approach to playing and performing their own brand of all original compositions. Though they tended to be mostly jazz fusion there are very strong elements of classical, latin, funk, rock and pop in their music. Their music was popular throughout the southeast.

Experience the guitar artistry of Andre Ferreri and compositions that are unique to his style. Melodic, funky, soulful and groove oriented music.

What can you say about an album that has a little bit of everything? Mari's voice is clear and soothing combined with a collection of handpicked melodic melodies that were written for her voice. The arrangements, the musicianship and the production quality on this project speak for itself.
Mari got her start writing and performing music in the Christian market. Her first CD "Carry Me" received national airplay and her second CD "Hidden Door" did extremely well in Australia and England. Although her spiritual side of music was rewarding, Mari has taken a new direction with her first jazz CD. We are all thankful for that.
Produced by Andre Ferreri. Guest artist on this album are Tim Gordon-tenor saxophone, Ryan Saranich-tenor saxophone, Mark Stallings-piano and Jeff Cowden-piano.