UNT faculty member Brad Leali (saxophone) leads takes the lead on this critically acclaimed recording which features his own compositions and eighteen-piece jazz orchestra. Writer Lujira Cooper describes the 2006 album as follows: “This is not a three-day getaway but an extended vacation and a party you don’t want to end. The cats and one kitten (Tia Fuller) transcend time and space by creating a fun-filled sixty minutes of dynamite. This CD proves jazz is alive, well, and being carried on by the younger members of the clan.”
Leader/Alto Saxophone/Vocals: Brad Leali
Conductor/Trumpet: Derrick Gardner
Trumpets: John Faddis (lead); Frank Green (split-lead);Sean Jones (solo on 2); Kevin Louis (solo on 1)
Trombones: Vincent Gardner (solo on 6); Jason Jackson; Dion Tucker; Jack Jeffers (bass trombone)
Saxophones: Mark Gross( solo on 5; alto and flute); Tia Fuller (alto and flute); Keith Loftis (tenor and flute); Grant Langford (tenor); Maximilian Swieger (baritone and flute)
Piano: Rick Germanson (3, 6, 8, 9; solo on 6); Claus Raible (1, 2, 4, 5, 7; solo on 7)
Bass: Ben Wolfe (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8); Chris Haney (5, 7, 9, bonus)
Drums: Alvester Garnett (1, 2, 4, 6, 9, bonus; solo on 1, 6); Jason Brown (3, 5, 7, 8)
Percussion: Joe Gonzalez (Maria Juanez, Dos Angelitos)
Vocals: Reverend Charles E. Leali (Puddin’ Time); Sister Helen Leali (Puddin’ Time); Flor Marina Gomez (Maria Juanez)
Proceeds benefit UNT Jazz Studies