About Abstract Truth
There have been 3 iterations of Abstract Truth (the “Truth” as we like to call it). Today, re-organized and back again, the ensemble’s personnel boast rich and diverse experiences including performing with Phil Woods, Buddy Rich, Slide Hampton, Randy Brecker, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, The Philly Pops, Pat Martino and many others. The new release, Contagious Words, has already received critical acclaim and has charted in the Top 100 for Jazz Radio.
Curiosity has been re-issued to reviews giving testimony to the timeless nature of the music. Work on the groups’ 4th CD has already begun.
The early 80’s was the formative period when I decided to write a “book” for a large group (not to be yet another big band). A new and novel approach was a self imposed mandate! After a few experiments I decided on the jazz quintet with a brass section concept that has become Abstract Truth. Guitar (in place of piano) was an important voice for the writing approach and the French horn a must have in the brass section, with saxophones to be part of the “quintet” while providing color to the ensemble voice.
The late 80’s was the “let’s get serious” period. We had been playing in the region with the group’s unique approach receiving enthusiasm and excitement. It was time to record…and Blue Route became the first release (1990). CD Review Magazine’s editor, Dick Lewis named it an Editors’ Choice, Best of the Year and described it as “A widely and wildly varied collection of traditional big band elements blended with contemporary and visionary sounds.” With considerable national radio play the word spread and Abstract Truth placed in the DownBeat Magazine Readers’ Poll “Big Band” category with Blue Route placing in the prestigious “Album of the Year” list. Less than two years later, the accolades repeated with the release of Curiosity.
