New Release: BILL O’CONNELL & The Latin Jazz All-Stars "Imagine" (Savant Records)

Bill O’Connell, piano & arrangements The Latin Jazz All-Stars are:  Conrad Herwig, trombone Steve Slagle, soprano & alto saxophone Luques Curtis, bass Richie Barshay, drums Richie Flores, percussion (Savant Records SCD 2145) Street Date October 21, 2014

Track Listing:  Optimism • Stepping Stones • Imgine • Shaman's Dance • Missing Mr. Berrios • Jigsaw • 25 Years • Willow Weep for Me • Whitecaps  TT = 59:26 When you visit a franchise restaurant, you always know what will be on the menu and what it will taste like. When you listen to a Bill O'Connell recording you may not know what is on the menu, but you're guaranteed it'll be a gourmet delight. Mr. O'Connell's Imagine serves up a 9-course feast of fascinating sounds that will please even the most discerning ears.  As in O'Connell's previous recording (Zocálo  Savant SCD 2129), the gifted veterans and leaders in their own right, Conrad Herwig on trombone and saxophonist Steve Slagle add their prowess to the mix.  On the bass is the amazingly talented young man, one of NYC's first call bassists, Luques Curtis who was also part of Bill's prior CD, as was percussionist Richie Flores, who has been playing with O'Connell for more than a decade. The newcomer to the group is drummer Richie Barshay who has an impressive résumé that includes a stint with Herbie Hancock.  O’Connell gives his arranging chops a real workout with interesting takes on “Willow Weep for Me” and John Lennon’s “Imagine,” and penned some new originals specifically for this recording from a powerful voice in Latin Jazz. In this video You can see how these three musicians are known and have made wonderful combinations: Bill O'Connell, Dave Valentin and Richie Flores ... gozalo! ¡¡Viva The Latin Jazz!!,

Bill O'Connell Upcoming Live Appearances Nov. 7 Harford College (Maryland)  Bill O’Connell, piano, Steve Slagle, soprano & alto saxophone; Lincoln Goines-bass, Robby Ameen-drums Nov. 14th at Michikos Performance Space at 8pm. (Steve Slagle-Bill O'Connell duo) 149 W. 46th St., New York, NY, 10036

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