I have been apart of some wonderful projects this summer and early fall. I did some trumpet work for the band Meridene. Their sophomore full-length album, titled Something Like Blood, solidifies the Eau Claire, WI four-piece as a dual threat, embodying both lyrically focused themes of fear and doubt and a band realizing its full potential. The album is available from Amble Down Records. Read reviews and order the album there!

Another exciting project I was fortunate enough to be apart of was recording the debut album from the Aaron Hedenstrom Orchestra. Several premiere musicians from the Twin Cities, Eau Claire, and New York assembled to record nine original pieces written by composer Aaron Hedenstrom. It is described as a symphonic jazz, hip-hop experience. Here is part of the history of the band and the music.

“The CD was recorded during one day of work; the musicians sight-read, rehearsed, and recorded these takes all in the window of about 6 hours. The end result is powerful, raw, and full of energy and spontaneity. Part of the concept of this album is the collaboration with hip-hop artist Agape, who wrote beautiful rhymes to flow on top of three selections. The whole process has been magical and fortunate.

The themes revolve around the process of learning how to live life as it happens– whether that is in the emotional, physical, or spiritual realm. The music comes from Hedenstrom’s innermost struggles, triumphs, and feelings– and he intends to use this music to share the human experience with others. The songs were also written to feature the musicians in the band, many of whom were either friends or teachers of Aaron earlier on. The AHO invites you to share in our passion for life and music by experiencing this music with us.

I have some more exciting events coming up that are worth checking out! One of the jazz groups I play lead trumpet in is the Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra. This year’s concert series is full of some great shows. In October, the CVJO will feature music composed or arranged by artists right here in the Chippewa Valley as well as other parts of Wisconsin. In November, the CVJO will have our first guest artist—internationally renowned trumpeter WAYNE BERGERON! To finish out the year in December, you can see the CVJO and the Chippewa Valley Symphony TOGETHER as they play the Nutcracker Suite and Ellington’s Harlem Nutcracker on the SAME STAGE!

I will also be playing with the Saint Croix Jazz Orchestra again in October. This concert in the series is “The St. Croix Jazz Orchestra with the Valley Chamber Chorale: Jump, Jive and Wail!” Ticket info. You can listen to our concert with former Count Basie legendary drummer, Butch Miles HERE. This streaming audio is courtesy of the Twin Series Jazz Society and the Minneapolis radio station KBEM Jazz 88FM and their “Jazz From J to Z” program. Free sign up and login required to listen.

I am going into the studio to lay down the tracks to the second full-length album of the Mid-Western born, New York-based band Nees and Vos. More info soon!

As always, follow me on Twitter – @JeffreyWalk. By keeping up-to-date with my tweets, you’ll be reminded of upcoming shows and other experiences worth micro-blogging.