Transformation by University of Northern Iowa Jazz Band One

Transformation is a change in form, appearance, nature, or character, and a fitting title for this, the twelfth CD by UNI's Jazz Band One. To begin, it's the title of a fine composition written for us by Chris Schmitz, a 2003 graduate of the Masters in Jazz Pedagogy program. His piece transforms from a melody-driven and contrapuntal texture to a dreamlike mood in its six-minute course. In the larger sense, this edition of the band underwent a few transformations this year as its personnel stabilized. Many students who began the year with us were, for various reasons, unable to continue, and were replaced by others who brought their own unique voices. Finally, this disc documents the transition from the highly acclaimed Washut years to the first year of my stewardship of the band. I hope that listeners familiar with previous offerings by the band will spot the threads of consistency flowing from the past through this edition of the band, as well as a few transformations that display my own vision.
-Chris Merz

Recorded at Catamount Studio, Cedar Falls, IA on May 9-10, 2003 by Tom Tatman (except Track 8, recorded live at the UNI Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center April 26, 2003 by Sandy Nordahl).

Mastering by Jon Chamberlain.

All tracks mixed by Tom Tatman and Chris Merz, except Track 8, mixed by Sandy Nordahl and Chris Merz

Cover art and graphic design by Sean Murphy

Special thanks to:
Tom Barry
Sandy Nordahl
Chris Schmitz
Richard and Dorothy Francis
Dick and Joyce Capps
John Vallentine, Jim Lubker and Bob Koob
Bob and Kate Washut
Doc Tenney (for making the saxes sound good)

For information about this and other UNI Jazz Band One recordings and/or the UNI jazz Program, please visit our website: www.uni.edu/jazzstudies

Copyright © 2003 Sea Breeze Records®. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of all applicable laws.