AVAILABLE NOW: Drummer Ralph Peterson | “ALIVE at Firehouse 12 Vol 2: Fo’ n Mo'”
AVAILABLE NOW on Onyx Music: Master Drummer RALPH PETERSON Pushes the Creative Envelope with Expanded Version of The Fo’tet, on ALIVE at Firehouse 12 – Volume 2: Fo’ n Mo’
New York Album Release Performances June 11 – 13 at Zinc Bar
Ralph Peterson has done it again with a second volume of his continuing recordings at Firehouse 12, the New Haven, CT jazz club which has made an undeniable impact on the east coast jazz scene. With ALIVE at Firehouse 12 – Volume 2: Fo’ n Mo’, Peterson continues to illustrate his mastery with a new edition of Fo’tet players (and some very special guests, hence the Fo’ n Mo’ subtitle) who simply burn from note one.
“This is an excellent snapshot of the evolution of this band,” says Peterson. “I’m focused on trying to develop fresh ideas in music as well as collaborate with and highlight new and established players. Reconnecting with former OTB/Fo’tet bandmate and friend Steve Wilson, whose soprano approach has always been among my favorites in music since hearing him first over 20 years ago.” Peterson’s Berklee colleague, percussionist Eguie Castrillo, works marvelously with Peterson’s dense yet sensitive rhythmic comping. Felix Peikli on clarinet and bass clarinet, vibraphonist Joseph Doubleday and bassist Alex Claffy all bring youthful fire to the music. Being a launch pad for new talent, Peterson, in his own voice, embodies a tradition of apprenticeship much like his beloved mentor Art Blakey.
Like most Peterson recordings, the opening salvo is always incendiary. Featuring witty and inventive solos by Doubleday, Pekli, and Wilson, Chick Corea’s “Humpty Dumpty” sets the stage for action. Wilson and Doubleday continue to shine with the Billy Strayhorn classic “Chelsea Bridge,” with Wilson stating the classic theme straight up and down, which is complimentary to the Stevie Wonder classic “Overjoyed.”
ALIVE at Firehouse 12 – Vol. 2: Fo’ n Mo’ is Peterson’s 18th record as leader and the level of performance rivals any record the drummer/composer/educator has appeared on in the last 25 years. It is a follow up to ALIVE at Firehouse 12 – Vol. 1: The Unity Project recorded a little over a year ago. In that version of the band, Peterson featured veteran Craig Handy on tenor and soprano saxophone along with Josh Evans on trumpet. Staying true to the Messenger spirit, Peterson also unleashed yet another dynamic young talent in the person of Jake Sherman on Hammond organ. The live record format accurately captures the tremendous energy of his bands, which has become a signature brand of the drummer/composer/arranger/bandleader.
Peterson also remains in high demand as an educator, leading workshops and clinics with the support of his endorsers Mapex Drums, Meinl Cymbals, Evans Drumheads and Vic Firth Stick and Brushes. Peterson is now at the intersection where his influence on modern jazz is undeniable and constant. He is at the apex of his power as a drummer, bandleader, teacher and mentor. With the release of this new recording, Peterson is delivering the goods every time he gets on a bandstand with like-minded musicians. Yes, it is easy to say that Ralph Peterson is ALIVE and pushing the collective envelope every chance he gets.
Upcoming Ralph Peterson Performances:
June 11 – 13 / Zinc Bar / New York, NY
June 21 / Bushnell Park / Hartford, CT
July 27 / Greater Hartford Jazz Festival / Hartford, CT
Ralph Peterson · ALIVE at Firehouse 12 – Volume 2: Fo’ n Mo’
Onyx Music · Release Date: June 10, 2014
For more information on Ralph Peterson, please visit: RalphPetersonMusic.com
