Tim Whalen is a combination composer/ arranger and in-demand jazz pianist residing in the Washington DC Metro Area. His passion for jazz is evident with his most recently released album, Oblivion: The Music of Bud Powell. Jeff Gruber of Blue House Productions recorded, mixed and mastered the album in our recording studios in Silver Spring. The album features a total of six talented jazz musicians including Whalen himself on piano. The other five musicians include:
Paul Pieper– guitar
Elijah Jamal Balbed– saxophones
Eliot Seppa– bass
Shareef Taher- drums (excluding tracks 5&9)
Carroll “CV” Dashiel III– drums (tracks 5&9)
We here at Blue House Productions were lucky enough to not only produce this album, but pick his brain to see what influenced Whalen on this particular project. Whalen believes that Bud Powell as a jazz musician is sometimes overlooked, resulting in his desire to create this album. After a very welcomed response at a gig at the Smithsonian in 2014, Whalen knew it was the time to record. Each track illustrates Whalen’s love for jazz and his knowledge of the genre. Many of the hard charging, swinging tunes feature intricate unison and harmony lines with the guitar, sax, and piano all playing dizzying runs in lockstep. Modern jazz harmony and a love of great melodies infuse every track. The quartet glides through each piece no matter what the degree of difficulty.
You do not want to miss out on this killer album with ten songs for your listening pleasure! The CD is available on Tim Whalen’s website. Take a listen, and simultaneously experience two jazz greats, Whalen and Powell.