New Release
L.A.6: Frame of Mind
Clay Jenkins, Trumpet
Ira Nepus, Trombone
Tom Peterson, Tenor Sax
Rich Eames, Piano
Jeff D'Angelo, Bass
Dick Weller, Drums
Sight Seen at Twilight
The Eternal Triangle
Wonder Where You Are
Listen To More Samples/Purchase CD
About "Frame of Mind"
The band members are steeped in the history of West Coast Jazz and associated studio work that largely makes up the working conditions for jazz musicians on the Los Angeles music scene today. However this group performs contemporary straight ahead jazz filled with wonderfully creative solos riding tight ensemble playing. L.A.6 exemplifies the current state of West Coast Jazz in 2014 by retaining the rich small ensemble arranging style developed chiefly in California during the 1950s (e.g., Shorty Rogers and Gerry Mulligan) coupled with a more contemporary approach to small group playing and dynamics.
The tunes are an interesting mix of standards and original jazz compositions by members of the band. Rich Eames and Tom Peterson provide the majority of actual arrangements with Clay Jenkins and Dick Weller each individually contributing an arrangement themselves. Rich Eames states "I really enjoy this band because it represents a unique mix between free wheeling improvisation and well thought out arrangements".
L.A.6 carries on the relaxed tradition of West Coast Jazz in a contemporary setting, while bringing in some more intense elements of hard-bop such as played by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers or Wayne Shorter. According to trombonist Ira Nepus "This band represents for me the essence of artistic and creative energy that keeps me musically inspired and motivated. I feel privileged to have been a part of the band for all these years".