Debut CD from an exceptional male jazz vocalist who gives fresh and exciting treatments to jazz standards, backed by an all-star cast. Shining Hour is the result of a collaboration between brilliant jazz vocalist Jeff Oster and talented producer, arranger, and trumpeter Peter Welker (Carlos Santana, George Duke, Bill Watrous, Huey Lewis). Features a prominent mixture of jazz greats such as Fred Lipsius (Blood, Sweat & Tears), Mel Martin (Dizzy Gillespie), Chris Amberger (Art Blakey), Pete Levin (Miles Davis), Andrew Speight (Nat Adderley), and David K. Mathews (Etta James). Engineered by Jim Stern (Cannonball Adderley, Duke Ellington, Bill Evans).
MUSICIANS:
Jeff Oster: vocals
Peter Welker: trumpet, flugelhorn
Michael Whitwell: lead trumpet, flugelhorn
Fred Lipsius: alto sax, piano
Andrew Speight, Jim Rothermel: alto sax
Mel Martin, Rob Roth: tenor sax
Scott Petersen: tenor, baritone sax
Johnny Bamont: baritone sax
Dave Mathews, Matt Clark: piano
Pete Levin: piano, string synth, B3 organ
Randy Vincent: guitar
Chris Amberger: acoustic bass
Kevin Dillon, Louis Romero: drums, percussion
During the past 20 years, there has been a major shortage of male jazz vocalists. The number of significant male jazz singers under the age of 60 can be counted on one's fingers. Jeff Oster is both a new discovery and a veteran. Most of the selections are standards that are given fresh and often-surprising treatments due to Welker's writing and Oster's singing.
Peter Welker says, "I have worked on a lot of CDs, a lot of recordings with a lot of great people, and I think honestly that this is the best thing that I've ever been involved with." Jeff Oster summarizes the experience. "It is such a pleasure to sing with this band and I love Peter's writing. Recording this music with this group, is a dream fulfilled."
-Scott Yanow, Author of nine books on jazz including Swing, Bebop, Trumpet Kings, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76
