As Leader - Mark Egan

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Album Information

Truth Be Told is a musical concept that I have been dreaming about since my last trio record, As We Speak. This is all about the groove and interplay of a quartet

The idea for this recording project was to compose music for a larger super-group comprised of some of the best players in the world in a setting that would feature these incredible improvisers while at the same time allowing me to function as both a supportive rhythm section player and a soloist. I was fortunate to be able to assemble Bill Evans, Mitch Forman, Vinnie Colaiuta and Roger Squitero for this project. We are all great friends and have played together at various times over the past twenty-eight years however have never performed as a group until this recording.

Everything came together and everyone contributed 1,000 percent. Not only was it some of the most intense music that I have played but I have never had so much fun doing it. We recorded 11 songs in 3 days at Avatar Studios in New York, engineered by Phil Magnotti. I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed recording the music.

-Mark Egan

Liner notes

Album Liner Notes

Recorded by Phil Magnotti at Avatar Studios, NY.
Assisted by Brian Montgomery
June 15-17, 2009.
Mixed by Phil Magnotti at Silvermine Studio, Norwalk, CT.
Mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound

Additional recordings by:
Mark Egan at Electric Fields Studios, Warwick, NY
Mitch Forman at Simi Valley Studios, CA
Bill Evans at Winsome Farms Studios, North Salem, NY
Special Appearances by the Raw Dog Horn Section (Bill Evans)
Bill Evans appears courtesy of Vansman Records
Mitch Forman appears courtesy of Maris Jazz

All songs composed and arranged by Mark Egan
Published by Azal Music, BMI

Except: Shadow Play composed by Mitch Forman
Published by Formanfor Music, ASCAP

Gargoyle composed by Ron Miller
Published by Ronjam Music, BMI

Keyboard orchestrations by Mitch Forman

Cover design and layout by Kio Griffith
Front cover photography by Jesus A Martinez Lauzirika
Additional photos by Fred George, Mark Egan and Sandeep Chowta

Special Thanks to:
Bill, Mitch, Vinnie and Roger for their inspiring contributions. They have the depth and magic that makes the music always come alive. Bill Evans for his friendship, constant inspiration and for having me as a member of his group which tours all over the world with the greatest players on the planet. Jeff Ciampa for his friendship, inspiration and the chord voicings on the Frog Legs A section 5th and 6th measures. Also many thanks to Joachim Becker and BHM Records, Tino Passante and all at Avatar Studios.

Extra special love and thanks to my wife Connie for her constant love, inspiration and support. She is the beacon of my life.

Thanks to my family and friends:
Mom, Connie, Joyce, David, Peter, Bill and Rebecca Evans, Danny and Beth Gottlieb, Pat and Jeff Ciampa, Michael and Sue D’Agostino, Cathy and Poo Waterloo, Anne and Ikuo Matsui, Michael Pedulla, Clifford and Denise Carter, Steve and Megan Jordan, Jim and Janet D’Addario, Patty and Jerry Coker, Whit Sidener, Ron Miller, Steve Lobmeier, Peter Janis, Bill and Pat Bartolini, Joel P. Johnson, Karl and Ann Latham, Dave Egenberger, Larry Villela, Riccha and Ira Brownstein, Mark Williams, Rick Chertof, Gene Grasso, Eric Baziliam, Rob Hyman, Michael and Angela O’Donnell, David Egan, Lane Baldwin, Lane Baldwin, George and Tracy Allesandro, Ned Steinberger, Roger Sadowsky, Tim Godwin, John Harber, Joel Silverman, Kim Wah and Holly Baldwin, Ken and Jane Dashow, The Caster Reelers Association, The Mastermind Summit and The Dade.

Mark’s Equipment

Pedulla basses, D’Addario Strings, Eden Electronics, Radial Direct Boxes, N.S. Design, Telex, Electro-voice microphones, Allesandro High End audio equipment Sibelius, Millenium Pre Mic, Planet Waves Products, ADK microphones, A.R.T., Presonus, Line 6, Digidesign, FXpansion Audio and Euphonix

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As We Speak

Released Date : 5 / Mar / 2007

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Album Information

I’ve always enjoyed the freedom and communication of playing in a trio environment. Ever since my early musical experiences in junior high school plain gin a trio with drums, accordion, and my first instrument, trumpet. I’ve always been intrigued by the amount of music that can be created by three people. In high school some of the trios that influenced me were Cream and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. I’ll never forget seeing Jimi Hendrix live in Rhode Island when the band was at their peak.

As a bassist studying music at the University of Miami in Florida I became exposed to the entire jazz movement with guidance from jazz mentors Jerry Coker, Whit Sidner and Ira Sullivan. I became infatuated with the music of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Charlie Parker as well as trios led by Bill Evans, Wynton Kelly, Oscar Peterson and many others. It is the depth of communication through the language of improvisation in Jazz that contuse to inside me to listen, play, compose and practice.

“As We Speak” is a trio project that has long been in the making. I wanted to capture both an intimate and progressive side of my playing and composing in a creative trio setting. Long time friend and master drummer Danny Gottlieb was the perfect choice since we’ve played together with our group Elements as well as numerous ensembles for over thirty-five years. I’ve always been a huge fan of guitarist John Abercrombie and am honored to have him join Danny and I on this recording. Danny and John are some of the greatest contemporary improvising musicians of our time and playing with them was inspiring experience.

All of the music was recorded in two days by two great friends at Electric Fields Studio, engineered by Jeff Ciampa and mixed by Richard Brownstein
– Mark Egan

Mark Egan and I have been playing together all of my musical life. We first me in 1971 at the University of Miami, and I was going to write that we have played on hundreds of projects together. But, at this point, the reality is that it is THOUSANDS of projects: Elements, Pat Metheny Group, Gil Evans, Sting, Bill Evans, Michael Franks, Manhattan Transfer, George Gruntz, Larry Coryell, Joe Beck, Jeff Ciampa, Lew Soloff, the list is endless. Mark is without a doubt one of the greatest, most musical bassists in the history of the instrument and I am so proud that he has asked me to participate in this historic recording!

John Abercrombie is one of my musical heroes, and from a drummer’s stand point, is one of the most amazing people in the world with whom to play. Like Mark, he’s an unbelievably sensitive musician, capable of allowing the music to flow in so many different directions. I mention that this recording is historical for two reasons: One; This special combination has never recorded as a trio before, (and it’s been love overdue), and secondly, because Mark, in this recording, is finally featured in a lead role. His playing is absolutely magical, and he firmly illustrates why he is considered one of the greats!!! I hope you, the listeners, will enjoy this recording as much as we enjoyed recording it! –Danny Gottlieb

Liner notes

Album Liner Notes

Thanks to my family and friends:

Mom, Joyce, David, Peter, Connie, Bill Evans, Jeff and Pat Ciampa, Michael and Sue D’Agostino, Poo and Kathy Waterloo, Anne and Ikuo Matusi, Mike Pedulla, Clifford and Denise Carter, Steve Jordan, Jim and Janet D’Addario, Melissa Shaw Smith, Steve Lobmeier, Peter Janis, Bill and Pat Bartolini, David and Lisa Charles, Joel P. Johnson, Dave Egenberger, Larry Villela, Mark Williams, Peter Simon, Rick Chertoff, Eric Bazilian, Rob Hyman, Michael and Angela O’Donnell, Don Lucoff, David Eden, George and Tracy Allesandro, Ned Steinberger, Tim Godwin, Kim Wah and Holly Baldwin, Ken and Jane Dashow, The Caster Reelers Association and The Dade.

Special thanks to:
Danny and John for their inspiring playing. They have the depth and magic that makes the music always come alive. Jeff Ciampa for his friendship and great talent as both musician and engineer. Richard Brownstein whose incredible talent always makes the music sound great!

Extra special thanks to my wife Connie for her constant love, inspiration and support.

Produced by Mark Egan
Recorded by Jeff Ciampa
-Assisted by Mark Egan
Mixed by Richard Brownstein
Electric Fields Studio, Warwick, NY
Mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, NY

Published by Abjohn music, Azal Music, Conundrum Music, BMI

Art direction/design by Rob Ciampa
Cover Photography by Judy Schiller
Additional photos: Richard Brownstein, Mark Egan
Publicity by Don Lucoff and DL Promotion jazzpublicity.com

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Freedom Town

Released Date : 20 / Aug / 2001

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Album Information

Musicians:
Mark Egan
with: Danny Gottlieb, Clifford Carter, Lew Soloff, Bill Evans, David Charles, Jeff Ciampa and Jon Werking.

Liner notes

Album Liner Notes

My deepest gratitude to the musicians: Danny Gottlieb, Clifford Carter, Lew Soloff, Bill Evans, David Charles, Jeff Ciampa and Jon Werking for their contributions and friendship. They have the depth and magic that makes the music always come alive.

This solo project has been in the making for a long time and Bill Evans, my great friend, recently motivated me to get it in gear and finally complete it. Thank you to Bill “Vans” for pushing and inspiring me.

Special thanks to Richard Brownstein who has an incredible talent for always making the music sound great.

Many thanks to my friends:
Mike Pedulla, Dave, Joyce, and Peter Egan, Jeff and Pat Ciampa, Anne and Ikuo Matsui, Jim and Janet D’Addario, Bill and Pat Bartolini, Rick Chetof, Eric Bazilian, Rob Hyman, Michael O’ddonnel, Roger Lifeset, Eric and Laura Fuchsman, David Egan, Judy Nordschow, David and Lisa Charles, George and Tracy Allesandro, ART, Tim Godwin, Peter Janis, Kim Way and Holly Baldwin, Jonny, Judy, and Rainy Rosch, Mike Holmes, Ken and Jane Dashow, Joe Asionne, Frank and Kate Vignola, Steve Jordan, Poo, The Caster Reelers Association and The Dade.

Extra special thanks to Connie Petersen for her love and Support.

This Music is dedicated to my Mother and Father

Produced by Mark Egan
A Wavetone Production
Recorded and Mixed by Richard Brownstein
Additional Recording by Mark Egan
Recorded July 16th, 17th and 18th, 2001
Electric Fields Studio, Warwick, NY
Additional Saxophone recorded by Bill Evans at Winsome Farms Studio, Salem, NY
Editing by Jeff Ciampa at Natushabi Studios, Warwick, NY
Mastered by Mike Landy at Siam Studios, New York, NY
All songs composed and arranged by Mark Egan
Published by Azal Music/BMI
Photography by Judy Schiller
Art direction and design by Rob Ciampa

Bill Evans appears courtesy of ESC Records

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Beyond Words

Released Date : 21 / Jul / 1991

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Album Information

This music was original inspired by a duo session I had with Toninho Horta in New York City in the summer of 1990. I’ve always been a big fan of Toninho’s music, and Brazilian music in general. I started composing with this direction in mind, combining more ambient and rhythmic grooves as well as songs from Toninho, to create a backdrop for all the great musicians who joined me on this project. Thanks to all of you for your great musical spirits and contributions.

The Players:
Mark Egan – 4 and 8 string Fretless Pedulla Basses, Keyboards
Toninho Horta – Acoustic and Electric Guitar
Bill Evans – Saxophone
Clifford Carter – Keyboards
Steve Khan – Guitar
Danny Gottlieb – Drums
Don Alias – Percussion
Manolo Badrena – Percussion
Gordon Gottlieb – Percussion

Liner notes

Album Liner Notes

Produced by Mark Egan
Recorded and Mixed by Richard Brownstein
A Wavetone Production

Recorded in New York City at: JSM Music, assisted by Jon Altschiller; Studio 900 assisted by Julio Pena, Giant Studios, Fall 1990, Winter 1991.

Mixed at Howard Schwartz Studios by Richard Brownstein and Mark Egan, assisted by John Crenshaw

Mastered at Foothill Digital Productions by Allan Tucker and Frank Pekoc.

Remastered at Electric Fields Studio by Richard Brownstein and Mark Egan.

All arrangements are by Mark Egan except “After the Rain” by Mark Egan, Steve Khan and Dave Liebman.

Toninho Horta appears courtesy of Verve Forecast.

Photography: Front cover photo by Hornick-Rivlin Studios, inside/insert photo by Randall Wallace.

Graphic Design: Wim. R. Brinkley & Assoc., Inc.

Special Thanks:
Connie, My Family, Rich, Toninho, Steve, Clifford, Danny, Bill, Don, Monolo and Gordon for their great contributions, Mike Pedulla, Pat and Bill Bartolini, Jim and Janet D’Addario, Peter Janis, Michael and Sue D’Agostino, Lane Baldwin, Pat and Jeff Ciampa, Melissa Shaw Smith, Lew Soloff, Joel Silverman, David and Lisa Charles, Jon Siberman, Anne and Ikuo Matsui, Dave Liebman for the chords voicings to “After the Rain”, Stan Samole, Kim “Wah” Baldwin, Jerry and Patty Coker, Mike and Angela O’Donnell, The Caster-Reelers Association and the Dade.

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A Touch of Light

Released Date : 18 / Aug / 1988

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Info needed from Mister Egan

Liner notes

Album Liner Notes

Produced by Mark Egan
Executive Producers: Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen
Recorded by Richard Brownstein at Howard Schwartz Recording, NYC, NY – April-May 1988
Technical Engineering by Marty Newman
Mixed by Richard Brownstein and Mark Egan
Assisted by Bill Lacey and Matt Applebaum
Mastered by Bill Kipper at Masterdisk

Thanks to…
D’Addario Strings, M.V. Pedulla Guitars, Ibanez Guitars and Effects, Bartolini Pick-ups, Lexicon, SWR Amps, Straight Wire, Carvin and Telex.

Special thanks to…
My family, the musicians, Gil and Anita Evans, Bill Cosby, Mike, Ted and Lisa Pedulla, Jim and Janet D’Addario, Steve Rabe, Ms. Syd Weiss, J.C. and Patty Coker, Whit Sidener, Ron Miller, Laurie Anderson, Dave Holland, Dave Taylor, Lew and Emily Soloff, Mike O’Donnell, Pat and Bill Bartolini, Steve Khan, Howard Schwartz, Rich Brownstein, Marty Newman, Kim “Wah” Baldwin, Stan Samole, Bill Bowker, Willie, Rich Lazner, and the South Dade.

Danny Gottlieb appears courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corporation

Photography: Judith Schiller
Graphic Design: Andy Baltimore, Dan Serrano, David Gibb, Ivan Salgado and David Kunze
GRP Records Creative Director: Andy Baltimore
GRP Records Production Coordinator: Suzanne Sherman

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Mosaic

Released Date : 2 / Dec / 1985