Search - Vome;Michael Long;Nokuthula Ngwenyama;Dan Tomlinson :: 27th & Grand

The 21st century Southwest urban sound - a fusion of world influences with a rock foundation, jazz sprinkling, and an 'out-west' freedom of form - welcomes innovations from new centers and immigrants, both rural and urban. Executive producer Jean-Pierre Levesque, in putting this album together, was fascinated by the idea of an evolving southwest urban sound, especially from Phoenix, a city emerging as the fifth largest in the United States. A haven for new immigrants from Latin America, Asia, Europe, and Africa, the city has been transformed into a multi-cultural metropolis where international music is commonplace. Some Phoenician jazz background: legends Art and Addison Farmer grew up there in the 1950s and 60s. Though their early styles are more closely associated with the Los Angeles sound, their versatility remains an inspiraton for subsequent generations. Art Farmer's transitional ease into the genre of classical caught JP Levesque's attention. He passionately convinced Nokuthula Ngwenyama and Michael Long, artists known primarily in the classical field, to explore this novel idea with cutting-edge vocalist Vome and drummer Dan Tomlinson. The session convened in the west Phoenix industrial district around the intersection of 27th Avenue and Grand. Dan Tomlinson's rock inspired foundation melded with the rhythm and lyricism of Michael Long's guitar, Nokuthula Ngwenyama's sculpted lines and, later, Vome's driving vocals. -Arianne Levesque