Springdance is the auspicious debut album as leader by Michael Philip Mossman.
Although he has recorded as co-leader (‘Uptown Dance’ on EGT and ‘Granulat’ on Red), as a member of the collective Out of the Blue, and as sideman with a dazzling array of jazz luminaries. Springdance is the most complete representation to date of Mossman’s distinct musical personality. His impressive technique and musical knowledge come from years of formal training. His style and artistic sensibilities come from years of paying dues on the bandstand in a variety of musical situations.
Mossman was born in Philadelphia . A National Merit scholar, he received a bachelor’s degree in Orchestral Trumpet/Jazz Composition from Oberlin Conservatory as well as a B.A cum laude in Sociology/Anthropology from Oberlin College. He continued his musical studies with Vincent Cichowicz of the Chicago Symphony and later with trumpet guru ‘Prof’ William Fielder, who has helped develop such talents as Wynton Marsalis and Terence Blanchard.
Micheal studied arranging with Don Sebesky and received his Masters degree from Rutgers University in 1986. He currently teaches Arranging and Composition at the prestigious New York School for Social Research in New York City.
Mossman is a complete musician – A soloist, lead player, arranger and a composer. This album highlights his solo artistry, attractive compositions, and imaginative arrangements for small ensemble. Nine of ten tracks on this album were composed by Mossman, who shows his ability to write in several different idioms. Given his own interest in Latin jazz, as well as the ethnic diversity of this group, it is only fitting that several of the pieces have an Afro-Cuban flavor. |
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