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Julian Pressley

Julian Pressley is an alto saxophonist, born in Philadelphia who lives in North Jersey. During his career, he's worked with Edgar Bateman, Lionel Hampton, Aretha Franklin, Freddie Hubbard, the Four Tops, Panama Francis' Savoy Sultans, the Temptations, Odean Pope's Saxophone Choir, Warriors of the Wonderful Sound and is currently a member of the JC Hopkins Biggish Band.

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7
Album Review

Warriors of the Wonderful Sound: Soundpath

Read "Soundpath" reviewed by Mark Corroto


If we alter President John F. Kennedy's 1962 moon spaceflight speech just a bit, it easily fits the big band adaptation of Muhal Richard Abrams' magnum opus Soundpath, “We choose to perform this composition not because it is easy, but because it is hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept." Accepting the challenge was band leader Bobby Zankel and ...

2
Album Review

Warriors of the Wonderful Sound: Soundpath

Read "Soundpath" reviewed by Giuseppe Segala


Nel 2011 il sassofonista di Filadelfia Bobby Zankel, leader della big band The Warriors of the Wonderful Sound e promotore di laboratori di musica contemporanea, propose a Muhal Richard Abrams un lavoro compositivo che avrebbe dovuto essere affidato alla band, con la direzione dello stesso pianista. Operazioni di questo tipo erano già state realizzate da Zankel negli anni precedenti con le musiche per big band di Julius Hemphill, dirette da Marty Ehrlich, poi con composizioni di Rudresh Mahanthappa e Steve ...

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Extended Analysis

Soundpath

Read "Soundpath" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer


Muhal Richard Abrams (1930-2017) was a revered pianist, composer and teacher of great capability and range who, in addition to his own achievements, inspired and influenced many jazz musicians in both the mainstream and avant-garde categories. Largely self-taught as a result of a personal decision to follow his own path, and early on pursuing church music, big band, blues, bebop and avant-garde jazz in his home city of jny: Chicago, he grasped music from its roots, and so was able ...

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Album Review

JC Hopkins Biggish Band: New York Moment

Read "New York Moment" reviewed by Chris M. Slawecki


On New York Moment, pianist JC Hopkins and his twelve-piece Biggish Band tend to a flame that's been burning since prior to World War II, the sound of large dance bands (with and without vocalists) who moved audiences with both sophistication and swing. Hopkins' Moment rotates Vanisha-Arleen Gould, Joy Hanson, Nico Sarbanes (who also plays trumpet), Shawn Whitehorn and Alicyn Yaffee (guitar) as lead vocalists. The opening track leaves you genuinely “Beguiled" as vocalists Nico and Joy harmonize ...

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Interview

Julian Pressley: From The Duke To Ornette In His Own Way

Read "Julian Pressley: From The Duke To Ornette In His Own Way" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer


Julian Pressley isn't exactly a household name, but it's a name every jazz aficionado should know. When he plays his alto saxophone, ears perk up because he's playing what they came to hear: music that embodies the legacy. Passionate, quick-witted, and full of new ideas, Pressley stands out in the crowd, a genuine original. Yet you can hear Johnny Hodges, Charlie Parker, Jackie McLean, James Moody, Cannonball Adderley, and even Ornette Coleman coming out of his horn. Pressley ...

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Event

Jazz Bridge Presents Julian Pressley at the Collingswood Community Center on November 3rd

Jazz Bridge Presents Julian Pressley at the Collingswood Community Center on November 3rd

Source: Suzanne Cloud

Appearing at the Collingswood Community Center, 30 E. Collings Ave, in Collingswood, NJ, on November 3rd, 2011 will be alto saxophonist Julian Pressley with his band, featuring organist Dan Kostalnick and drummer Craig McIver. One Show: 7:30-9 p.m. Admission: $10/$5 for students. No advance sales. Free Refreshments! For info: 856-858-8914 Alto saxophonist Julian Pressley has performed and recorded with R&B artists such as Aretha Franklin, the Four Tops, and the Temptations, but this jazz giant also has a stellar background ...

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

New York Moment

Self Produced
2020

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Soundpath

Clean Feed Records
2020

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Videos

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