November - 2008 - BayTaper.com

Realistic Orchestra Live in Golden Gate Park

November 9, 2008

I’ve been sitting on this gem for far too long, so here’s a post with photos and a tasty audio sample of the Realistic Orchestra performing live, with other acts that included Mos Def, as part of the Band Shell Music Summit in Golden Gate Park on October 18, 2008.

The band delivered some serious music to an enthusiastic crowd and were joined by special guest vocalists that included Chris McGee, Joe Bagale, Karen Page, and a first-ever performance by Lavay Smith with the Orchestra! The included audio track is Sun Up segued into Search with solo action from Doug Rowan, Mike Olmos and Evan Francis.

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Download: Track 1

Musicians
Adam Theis, Bandleader & Trombone
Eric Garland, Bandleader & Drums
Joel Behrman, Trumpet
Daniel Casares, Tenor Sax
Evan Francis, Alto Sax & Flute
Jeanne Gieger, Trombone
Danny Grewen, Trombone
Colin Hogan, Keys
Erik Jekabson, Trumpet
Kasey Knudsen, Alto Sax & Flute
Jon Monahan, Guitar
Matt Nelson, Tenor Sax
Mike Olmos, Trumpet
Doug Rowan, Bari Sax
Joel Ryan, Trumpet
Dave Scott, Trumpet
Joe Bagale, Guest Vocalist
Chris McGee, Guest Vocalist
Karen Page, Guest Vocalist
Lavay Smith, Guest Vocalist

Jaz Sawyer & The Pursuers at the Red Poppy

November 2, 2008

Live on October 25, 2008, the Red Poppy Art House featured Jaz Sawyer and The Pursuers who demonstrated drumming’s influence on music by performing compositions from each decade since the beginning of the century. Led by Jaz on percussion, there was discussion about the drumming innovations that influenced music across America and eventually throughout the world. We also learned some interesting jazz trivia like how the High-Hat was invented and what it was originally called (a “sock cymbal” or “low boy”). It was a killin’ night of music as evidenced by this sample track, which was the last of the night — an original composition called Spontaneity. Thanks for sharing guys!

Play Audio:
Adobe Flash Player and JavaScript are required to stream our audio clips. You can also download the audio files directly using the links below.

Download: Track 1

Musicians
Jaz Sawyer, Drums & Congas
Matt Clark, Piano
Joel Ryan, Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Danny Grewen, Trombone & Vocals
Danny Brown, Tenor Sax & Clarinet
Eric Markowitz, Bass