The AKA Project CD Release Concert

25 Manwaring Street,New London CT 06320

24 April, 2022

Description

The AKA Project CD Release Concert features nine new original compositions by Kirk Edwards. Featuring Donald Vega on piano. Kirk Edwards: The AKA Project CD Release Concert 3:00 PM April 24, 2022 Madry Temple Church New London, CT Saxophonist and Composer Kirk Edwards will present a concert celebrating the release of his new Jazz recording the AKA Project at 3:00 pm on Sunday April 24, 2022 at the Madry Temple Church in New London CT; 25 Manwaring Street. The AKA Project is based on the concept of contrafact compositions, or new compositions utilizing the harmonic structures of timeless jazz standards. Mr. Edwards composed new melodies on the chord progressions of cherished songs by Chick Corea, Horace Silver, Jimmy Van Heusen, Sonny Rollins, and Bill Evans. The result of this compositional approach is innovative, expressive, and fresh. El Corredor is an energetic Latin composition reimagined from Chick Corea’s all-time favorite Spain. El Corredor refers to the highway that one takes from Tucomen Airport to Panama City. La Grasa is Edwards new take on Sonny Rollin’s vehicle for jazz improvisation Oleo. Graciela is his new composition based on Bill Evans sublime ballad Emily. Silouhette is Kirk’s new take on I’m Old Fashioned, which featured the tenor saxophone stylings of John Coltrane. Kirk Edwards recently debuted a transcription of his Martin L. King, Jr. March for Orchestra, and several other orchestral arrangements with the New London Community Orchestra in January 2022. Mr. Edwards retired after over 30 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was a clarinetist with the U.S. Coast Guard Band for 19 years, before culminating his career as the Director of Cadet Bands at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. The stellar jazz trio that backs Mr. Edwards features his mentor, Donald Vega on piano. Mr. Vega is the pianist for Ron Carter's Golden Striker Trio. Mr. Vega is also on the faculty of the world-renowned Julliard School, as well as being the leader of his own distinguished jazz trio. The AKA Project jazz quartet also features Connecticut native Dave Baron on bass and Pete Van Nostrand on drums; both alumnus of the Julliard School. The concert will feature a rich variety of jazz, with an emphasis on melodic expression and jazz improvisation. CDs will be available for purchase at the conclusion of the performance. Tickets for the AKA CD Release concert are available for $25.00 at eventbrite.com, and at the door on the day of the concert. CDs will be available for purchase after the conclusion of the concert. For more information contact Kirk Edwards at [email protected].