Sometimes in life you chance upon a situation and you think this would work well. On the occasion of Eddie Scher's birthday, a group of musicians thought why not get together and make some music. At any event, whether it's dinner in a restaurant, a www.cheekybingo.com tournament or a celebration of some kind, there is nothing like having live music. It really does add something special to any situation.

Jazz music in particular is wonderful to listen to. When you get together a group of wonderful musicians you never know what might happen and what music may be created. It really is a bit of history in the making when jazz artists jam together. Those listening will feel alive and excited and those who are playing will feel like they have just won at the bingo.

On March 11, 2006 a group of New York musicians gathered to provide some hot jazz for Eddie Scher’s birthday party. Three of the musicians had never played with each other, but through the beautiful mystery of creative music, a great gig happened. Steve Wirts was the motivator who suggested that Don Alias be invited to participate. It was a wonderful idea!

Eddie’s home, in Dobbs Ferry, New York, was packed with friends and relatives. The food, as usual, was delicious, the conversation engaging and, mostly, the music was centerpiece to an evening of fun. Truly, it was “Paradise in Dobbs Ferry.” Doug Epstein, a professional recording engineer, friend and neighbor of the Schers, provided some mics and a Protools System, which captured the event.

Sadly, only two and a half weeks later Don passed away. This recording pays homage to his spirit and dedication in his ongoing search for musical truth.

MUSICIANS:
Steve Wirts (Tenor Saxophone)
Ray Kennedy (Piano)
Gene Perla (Bass)
Scott Neumann (Drums)
Don Alias (Congas)

COMPOSITIONS:
1. I'll Remember April (DePaul/Johnston/Raye) Hub Music/Rytvok/Universal MCA (ASCAP) 9:59
2. Blues Walk (Clifford Brown) Second Floor Music (BMI) 7:53
3. Alone Together (Arthur Schwartz/Howard Dietz) Arthur Schwartz Music/Warner Brothers (ASCAP) 9:31
4. Cherokee (Ray Noble) Colgems EMI/Shapiro Bernstein (ASCAP) 12:08
5. Recorda Me (Joe Henderson) EMI Unart (BMI) 12:17
6. I'm Down With That (Don Alias) Perla Music (ASCAP) 2:21
7. Star Eyes (Don Raye/Gene De Paul) EMI Feist/Hub Music (ASCAP) 8:35
8. Tune Up (Miles Davis) Prestige Music (BMI) 7:12
9. Gene's Blues (Gene Perla) Perla Music (ASCAP) 2:51

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO A SAMPLER

CREDITS:
Engineer: Doug Epstein
Editing/Remixing: Ray Pirre
Cover photo: Tom Schwarz, Courtesy of Latin Percussion
Other photos: Steve Ritzel
Graphic Design: Rachel Ramsay
Produced by Gene Perla

PLUG-9
Copyright 2006 Plug Records