TOM HARRELL First Impressions

Both Debussy and Ravel transformed the world of music by creating a new sensibility of beauty of sound,” says trumpeter/composer, Tom Harrell, who himself is known for his superb lyricism and poetry in his playing and writing. With his nine-piece chamber ensemble, Harrell interprets the works of these two French composers. The personnel includes the members of his working band of over 10 years – Wayne Escoffery, Danny Grissett, Ugonna Okegwo, and Johnathan Blake; a notable jazz woodwind player, Charles Pillow on flutes; and three string players who are equally adept at classical and jazz repertoires – Meg Okura (violin), Rubin Kodheli (cello), and Rale Micic (guitar).