Introducing the esteemed California Jazz Conservatory Blue Ensemble, directed by renowned jazz drummer and educator Gerald Cleaver. Comprised of top CJC degree program student musicians, including Adam Torres on alto saxophone and flute, Mario Ramirez on tenor saxophone, Joshua Aldana on guitar, Jonny Kaminek on bass, and Sheldon Alexander on drums, the ensemble recently clinched victory at the California Jazz Championships, solidifying their position as one of the top college ensembles in the state of California and in the country.

Their digital album release, Vexed, features compelling original compositions by four of the group’s members. Recorded, mixed, and mastered in Valencia, Spain, the digital album is scheduled for release on June 28 via California Jazz Conservatory Records and will be available at more than 150 music streaming services, including Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and YouTube . This album showcases the ensemble’s advanced approach to jazz and promises to captivate audiences with the ensemble’s creative and dynamic performances.

Adam Torres - alto saxophone, flute (on “Life’s Storm Suite, Mvt. 1: Foreshadow/Thunder”)
Mario Ramirez - tenor saxophone
Josh Aldana - guitar
Jonny Kaminek - bass
Sheldon Alexander - drums

The California Jazz Conservatory Blue Ensemble is directed by Gerald Cleaver.

Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by Roni Ayala at El Spot Studios, Valencia, Spain
Recording Producer: Zach Mondlick
Co-Producer: Marshall Williams
Cover Design: Nick Phillips and Sheryl Lynn Thomas
Photography: Luca Bordonaro
Videographer: Manu Linois

Available June 28 on CJC Records
Streaming on all platforms: https://cjcblueensemble.hearnow.com


ABOUT THE CJC
Founded in 2009, the California Jazz Conservatory (CJC) is positioned as the only private, accredited music conservatory in the country devoted solely to the study and performance of the African American art form, jazz, and related styles of music.

We offer two distinct education programs:

Master of Music in Jazz Studies, Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, and Associate of Arts in Jazz Studies degrees are awarded by The California Jazz Conservatory.
Classes, Workshops, Camps, and Intensives are offered by our non-degree granting Jazzschool.
The California Jazz Conservatory also offers more than 200 performances a year, featuring visiting artists, CJC faculty, and students.

Learn More at https://cjc.edu

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