Ali Ryerson Jazz Flute Big Band: Game Changer [Capri Records 74124-2] (2013)

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Game  Changer 
Ali Ryerson Jazz Flute Big Band: Game Changer [Capri Records 74124-2] (2013) 
I had the good fortune to meet this extraordinary and endlessly inspiring jazz flutist in 2009 when I performed in NYC at the National Flute Association’s convention with her Jazz Flute Big Band. It was a wonderful and memorable experience and we have stayed friends ever since! 
For this remarkable and seminal recording Ali put  together an exceptional (and large!) collection of talent. The  soloists, in addition to myself on Wayne  Shorter’s Ana Maria, included Paul Lieberman, Hubert Laws, Jaime Baum, Nestor Torres, Holly Hoffman, Fernando Brandao and Billy Kerr; Andrea Brachfield, Kris Keith, Bob Chadwick and, of course, Ali Ryerson. The stellar rhythmic section was made
up of Mark Levine on piano, Rufus Reed on bass and Akira Tana on drums.  Composers for the recording included Mike Wofford, Bill Cunliffe, Mike Abene, Mark Levine, Steve Rudolph and Billy Kerr.  All
of the ensemble flutists that did not have solo features were extremely competent and played beautifully! Truly, it was no small achievement on Ali’s part to assemble the musicians, arrange for the compositions to be written, arrange for the recording sessions with Capri Records (she has done other
recordings for this label), conduct and perform the music! Truly remarkable!
Here is a link to a video promotion about the recording and a clip of Ana Maria. 
Game Changer Promotional Video 
Ana  Maria audio is below: