Quintessence [CD] - Q'd Up

On Quintessence, Q’d Up’s fourth release, the band enriches not only its discography and repertoire but also their remarkable musical legacy. The members of Q’d Up have been playing together in various incarnations since 1983 and the familiarity and consistency resulting from collaborating for more than a quarter century inform every note on this engaging release. Most of the music here was composed by either Jay Lawrence or Steve Lindeman with Lindeman arranging the two timeless standards “Dearly Beloved” and “It’s You or No One” that showcase the artistry of the enchanting vocalist Kelly Eisenhour who also contributed to the composition of and lyrics to “Don’t Blame Me” (an original - not the standard!) and “Llévame ya al Mundo de las Maravillas (Take Me To Wonderland Right Away).”

If Quintessence is your first introduction to Q’d Up, you’re in for a treat as you experience the distinctive sound of a jazz band that has thrilled audiences in Utah and throughout the West with its infectious writing, ensemble playing and solos reflecting a refined level of versatility and virtuosity.

TRACKS

1. Beyond Your Wildest Dreams
Steve Lindeman

2. Dark City Streets
Jay Lawrence

3. Dearly Beloved
Johnny Mercer/Jerome Kern, arr. Steve Lindeman

4. Sketches of Trane
Jay Lawrence

5. Rustyn’s Lullaby
JayLawrence

6. It’s You or No One
Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne, arr. Steve Lindeman

7. Brother Jay
Steve Lindeman

8. Two Short but Sweet Tunes: Cine Bossa & Starblush
Steve Lindeman

9. Llévame ya al Mundo de las Maravillas (Take Me to Wonderland Right Away)
Steve Lindeman, Kelly Eisenhour, and Stephanie Payne

10. Don’t Blame Me
Jay Lawrence and Kelly Eisenhour

11. In Pursuit of Guacamole
Jay Lawrence

12. Quintessence
Jay Lawrence and Steve Lindeman

CREDITS

Produced by Ray Smith, assisted by all the members of Q'd Up

Recorded and Mixed by Michael Chadbourne at The LDS Motion Picture Studio, Provo, Utah

Mastered by Doug Sax and Sangwook "Sunny" Nam at The Mastering Lab, Ojai, California

© (p) 2009 Jazz Hang Records