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Garden District Trio
Presents Upward with Jordan Baker, Brian Quezergue and David W. Hansen
Following nine albums of classic covers, funky New Orleans tunes, and Latin-jazz renditions, David W. Hansen has broken through a twenty-five-year writer’s block of attempts to compose original material. This writing journey has been long and frustrating, yet intriguing and the outcome has been worth the wait. “I wish it could have clicked a quarter-century ago, but it wasn’t the right time,” says the drummer, bandleader, writer, and composer. “And I didn’t understand how to transfer my inspirational moments onto paper. Partial written melodies, different composition methods and a few pinnacle events all lined up and then it happened for one song. A second attempt and it worked! Third time was lucky and then a few months later four more came along quite quickly with another written the day before going into the studio.”
The song styles meander through varying melody and harmony with an emphasis on rhythm, groove, and feel. These songs are new, refreshing, and feel-good works with the utmost attention to musicality. Hansen has featured many talented musicians during his nightly performances at Houston’s Restaurant in New Orleans since 2006 and each member performs these new songs uniquely and creatively. “It is such an amazing feeling to sit back and lay down a groove behind so many talented musicians performing my songs. Some say they are hard and with each performance they find and open new nuances that are pure enjoyment for everyone.”
Drummer David W. Hansen, pianist Jordan Baker and bassist Brian Quezergue are featured on this album and first came together several years ago on David’s nightly performance. This album of all originals by Hansen touch on personal themes with songs written about his family and life experiences. You might catch a hint from the song titles but also note that Hansen has written words with possible vocal renditions appearing on future albums.
Quezergue’s official musical studies began in early 1990’s at NOCCA, the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and the Jazz and Heritage School of Music with instruction from Clyde Kerr, Jr., Edward “Kidd” Jordan and Elton Heron. Unofficially, he began during home-life and attending gigs and studio sessions with his father, Dr. Wardell Quezergue, a legendary composer and arranger. In Hansen’s trio, Brian began performing on upright bass, but took leave to focus on electric bass for his own recording project. In a bind, Hansen brought in Quezergue with his six-string Smith electric bass and realized its overwhelmingly musical sound and feel. “Upright is still a first choice, but when you hear Brian perform, it’s a no-contest instant decision.” says Hansen.
Jordan has been performing with Hansen for more than a few years and is featured on the 2015 “Then and Now” Garden District Trio album. Alumni of the esteemed University of New Orleans Jazz program with a Master of Music in Jazz Studies, Baker is the ultimate contemporary jazz pianist. His performance, interpretation, and stylings are uniquely fresh, creative, and musical.
Upward was recorded at the esteemed “Studio in the Country” in Bogalusa, LA, which is an acoustically designed slab to completion studio built in 1972. An all-star roster of internationally famous talent has recorded and/or mixed multi-platinum records at this location. Ben Mumphrey, chief engineer, set the mics, mixed, recorded and mastered our album. Words can’t describe how it felt to set-up, perform and record in this studio. “… the experience was pure pleasure,” says Hansen.
David could talk praise on the band members, engineer and recording process all night long but it’s time to hit the play button, sit back, drive safely, work out, or find your music listening area and enjoy.
SONG TITLES, SONGWRITERS, PUBLISHERS
1. Jump
Composer: David W. Hansen (2018) BMI
Publisher: Hansen Music Collections (BMI)
ISRC USDH21943201
2. It’s So Clear To Me
Composer: David W. Hansen (2018) BMI
Publisher: Hansen Music Collections (BMI)
ISRC USDH21943202
3. Whistler
Composer: David W. Hansen (2018) BMI
Publisher: Hansen Music Collections (BMI)
ISRC USDH21943203
4. Pink Sky
Composer: David W. Hansen (2018) BMI
Publisher: Hansen Music Collections (BMI)
ISRC USDH21943204
5. You Are The One
Composer: David W. Hansen (2018) BMI
Publisher: Hansen Music Collections (BMI)
ISRC USDH21943205
6. Love For You
Composer: David W. Hansen (2018) BMI
Publisher: Hansen Music Collections (BMI)
ISRC USDH21943206
7. My Sons (Meus Filhos)
Composer: David W. Hansen (2018) BMI
Publisher: Hansen Music Collections (BMI)
ISRC USDH21943207
8. Mardi Gras Day
Composer: David W. Hansen (2019) BMI
Publisher: Hansen Music Collections (BMI)
ISRC USDH21943208
All songs BMI: Hansen Music Collections, David W. Hansen
(words and music by: David W. Hansen)
PRODUCERS, ENGINEERS, CREDITS
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- JORDAN BAKER, PIANO
- BRIAN QUEZERGUE, BASS
- DAVID W. HANSEN, DRUM SET
- DAVID W. HANSEN
- RECORDING STUDIO: STUDIO IN THE COUNTRY
- RECORDED, MIXED, AND MASTERED BY: BENJAMIN MUMPHREY
- Photos by: Julie Verlinden
- Album Cover and CD package design by: David W. Hansen
- Liner Notes By: David W. Hansen
Released (digital Download) on Friday, February 15th, 2019 (DHMP RECORDS)
Bar Code: 888295870924
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