Joe Sturges

"Joe Sturges thinks of his drums as more than a rhythm machine. In fact he celebrates its melodic capabilities, an idea which is a revelation for many casual jazz listeners. With his brand-spanking new debut on the EP called “Awareness” he boldly demonstrates the different dimensions of the drums while also creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The title track “Awareness” – named for “being present and living for the now” – shows Sturges’s delicacy and amazing tonal range on percussion, while “Summer” is pastel-hued perfection (bravo, keys, and kudos for the lusciousness on trumpet)

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"Joe Sturges thinks of his drums as more than a rhythm machine. In fact he celebrates its melodic capabilities, an idea which is a revelation for many casual jazz listeners. With his brand-spanking new debut on the EP called “Awareness” he boldly demonstrates the different dimensions of the drums while also creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The title track “Awareness” – named for “being present and living for the now” – shows Sturges’s delicacy and amazing tonal range on percussion, while “Summer” is pastel-hued perfection (bravo, keys, and kudos for the lusciousness on trumpet). “Near a Cherry Tree” shoots off a high-spun energy that gives way to the melody served up by the sizzling sax and beautiful coloration coming from piano. Soon, a heavy, tense crescendo elbows its way through, but the idea exhausts itself and lands softly." - Debbie Burke

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