Since finishing the last album, “Brindica,” I’ve been hard at work on a new project called “Vibes On A Breath.” On behalf of the entire ensemble, I’d like to tell you about it.

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It is now 2023 and the Ted Piltzecker Septet has completed the first phase of our project -  a tour and recording in the Denver area. We performed concerts at the University of Colorado/Boulder, a live radio broadcast at KUVO Denver, a concert at TACAW (The Arts Center At Willets), and an appearance at Dazzle Jazz Denver. All  went splendidly, and I'm happy to report that the group was extremely well received at all of the venues (heartwarming). Then when the band was really tight, we took the music into the studio for a couple of days at Mighty Fine Productions to record the project. That also went amazing well.

 

The music is currently being mixed by the extraordinary Fernando Martinez in Buenos Aires, and it's so exciting to hear each song as they unfold.  Next is  mastering, manufacture, release, and promotion. There is still so much to do, and each one of these facets are critical to the success of  “Vibes On A Breath.”

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Here is a little background about the concept: 

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The instrumentation for this ensemble is unique, with four horns, bass, drums, and vibraphone. There are doubles on bass clarinet and flugelhorn to add to the ensemble’s already rich color. The musicians (listed below) were outstanding and I am so gratified that each player took on the project as if it were ‘their own baby.'

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Because I trained as a trumpet major at the Eastman School,  I’m always thinking about breathing while playing the vibraphone. Even while striking metal bars with mallets, I tend to breathe with the musical phrases. And with this group, the percussive nature of the vibes joins with wind instruments whose phrases actually do ride on air—thus the title, “Vibes On A Breath.” For me it feels like magic; this combination offers more warmth and humanity to the “cool” sound of the vibes. 

 

I've always recorded mostly original music, but this album will be a little different. Most of the songs are jazz standards or tunes taken from the great American songbook. (Examples include: Stolen Moments, Seven Steps To Heaven, It Could Happen To You, Nature Boy, If I Only Had A Brain, In Your Quiet Place, New Orleans, Subconscious Lee). They are carefully crafted arrangements that are accessible to any listener and really fun to play.

 

As indicated, these is still much work ahead of us. Revenues for the performances certainly not match the cost of the recording. When studio and professional fees, mixing, mastering, design, manufacture, and promotion are factored in, the deficit will exceed twelve thousand dollars. You can help, and your tax-deductible contribution would be most appreciated;  certainly by us, but also by people of all ages around the world who would get to experience this music.

Here’s how you can support us:

 

• Donate online: Click here to donate!

 

• If you would like to support the project with a tax-deductible check, please make it payable to Fractured Atlas with “Vibes On A Breath” in the memo line, and contact me at Ted@TedVibes.com for address information.

 

• Share our fundraiser: Tell you friends and community about our work and mention that we are looking for support.

 

“Vibes On A Breath” is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of “Vibes On A Breath” must be made payable to “Fractured Atlas” and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

 

We are deeply grateful for your support of this project, and for being a patron of the arts in general. We all can hardly wait for the release, and for more performances.

 

In cooperation,

Ted Piltzecker

Ted Piltzecker Septet

“Vibes On A Breath”

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