tunes:

1 - bahia
2 - my birthday *
3 - better git it in your soul
4 - new mojo *
5 - robin's nest
6 - ballad for sandy *
7 - off minor
8 - poinciana

web bonus - just squeeze me

*original GW compositions

recorded @ pony boy studios
june 28, 2002, ©

saxes presented in
stereo spectrum seperation

bio:

Led by a drummer with a big groovy beat, this quintet is inspired by the classic tenor sax honking and jousting duels of jazz's classic period. To this foundation of hard swing and be-bop is infused the merriment harmonitude of Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, and Williamson originals. Their CD was listed in the Jazz Times Year In Review by writer Harvey Sider's Top Ten. They have performed in clubs, Seattle's Bumbershoot Arts Festival, were the first band to perform on stage at the Northwest's newest mega-shed, The White River Amphitheater, and performed at the 2004 Earshot Jazz Festival. The front line features the saxophones of two like minded mutually catalylistic groove tubes, Alexey Nikolaev and Bryan Dickerson, propelled by a swinging and provoking rhythm section. Sometimes quirky, sometimes sweet, always grooving, and always fun!

Greg Williamson, (bio) drums & leader, spent several years on the road with the big bands of Woody Herman and others. He returned to the Northwest and started several of his own bands, became a regular with some of the areas most popular musical fixtures, and continued to tour with the likes of jazz funnyman Steve Allen and Seattle's own Ernestine Anderson - he has literally performed around the globe. His playing is driving and exciting. Jazz Times says: "Capturing a groove and sticking with it how could you miss?"

Alexey Nikolaev, tenor sax, is a transplant from Moscow, Russia, where he was hot shot soloist with several 'official' big bands. He spent time in New York before landing in Seattle several years ago. With a big raucous sound, there's a big buzz on this guy and his English is getting "pretty much better."

Bryan Dickerson, tenor and alto sax, also served several years on the road with big bands - doing time with GW, and relocated to Portland in the 90's, where he ran his own funk and jazz groups. He currently leads a big band at the widely acclaimed Mt. Hood Community College, and has been a 10-year member of The Big Bad Groove Society. His playing spans from be-bop to funky monkey.

John Hansen, piano, embodies the intricate thinking element of jazz. While supplying texture and thoughtful introspective lines and comping, his pianist improvisations are captivating and in the pocket. A Northwest native, John's playing has branched out across the country.

Jon Hamar, bass, originates from Washington State east of the mountains. He has recently returned after gaining a Masters degree at the impressive Eastman School of Music, where his big band was Downbeat Award winner two years in a row, performing with many of the heavies on the east coast. Jon also has released his own solo recording, Basso Profundo .