Gabriel Santiago Orchestra - ALIVE

LINER NOTES

I first encountered Gabriel Santiago’s music four years ago. When I heard it, I knew that Gabriel’s talent was very special, and I jumped at the chance to have him become a part of the jazz program at the University of Texas at Austin. Upon his arrival in the United States, Gabriel quickly began writing for the UT Jazz Orchestra, the university’s premiere jazz ensemble. His first arrangement for the group was an overwhelming success, setting the stage for a collaboration that has far exceeded any that I could have imagined four years ago, and eventually leading to the sterling ensemble represented in these audio and video recordings.

Gabriel has the unique ability to take a variety of musical genres and cultures and weave them together into compelling, sweeping musical journeys. You will hear elements of all sorts of Brazilian musics combined with North American jazz and European musical traditions. Each piece has its own character, with some selections sounding quite Brazilian while others evoke art songs from Schubert’s time. The finished product is always moving, and often profound.

I am privileged to help Gabriel guide this ensemble through the music’s twists and turns. My role gives me the opportunity to hear vividly Gabriel’s catchy rhythms, beautiful melodies, and colorful orchestrations from the best seat in the house. There are many moments in these compositions that I look forward to with great anticipation each time the pieces are performed. To me, that is one of the hallmarks of beautiful music.

This is music from the heart, played by remarkable musicians and written by a gifted composer. As you enjoy the music, I hope it touches your heart as well.

--Jeff Hellmer

Special Thanks to Kevin Benoit, Marcelo Lima, Jeff Hellmer, Wayne & Alicia Salzmann, Peter Stoltzman, Russell Haight, Patrice Blanchard, Andy Murphy, John Mills, Yevgeniy Sharlat, The University of Texas at Austin, Reagan Kremmer, Michael Crocket at KUT Radio, Carlos Novaes, Sérgio Santos, Antônio Dionísio, David “Catatau” Maia, Pedro “Saraiva” Simão, Noquinha Barreto, Liz Love, Justin Vasquez, Laura Ingles, Cheney Crow, Beverly Spicer, all the members of the orchestra for their belief, dedication and respect for this music and thanks to the audience for their enormous support.
Extra Special Thanks to Délio, Ana Virgínia and Mariana Santiago.

- Gabriel Santiago

Track List

1 – Introduction

2 – Northeast Impressions Suite (For French Horn, Harp & Jazz Orchestra)
Soloists: AnneMarie Cherry (French Horn) / Amanda Jensen (Harp) / Marcus Wilcher (Soprano Sax) / Gabriel Santiago (12 String Guitar)

3 – Words Unspoken (For Soprano Voice, Cello & Jazz Orchestra)
Soloists: Morgan Beckford (Soprano Voice) / David Campbell (Cello) / Peter Stoltzman (Piano) / Aaron Easley (Drums)

4 – Poupée
Soloists: Simon Wiskowski (Soprano Sax) / Gabriel Santiago ( 7 String Classical Guitar) / Charles Lee (Tenor Sax)

5 – Lisbela
Soloists: Sam Pankey (Acoustic Bass) / Peter Stoltzman (Piano) / Gabriel Santiago (Electric Guitar) / John Zarsky – Flugelhorn / Simon Wiskowski (Soprano Sax)

6 - Verdes Olhos
Soloists: John Arndt (Piano) / SubitoBones Quartet – Alex Glen, Josh Balleza, Matt Carr, Jeff Arredondo (Trombones)

7 - Toma Lá Dá Cá (Giving & Taking)
Soloists: Charles Lee (Tenor Sax) / Gabriel Santiago (7 String Classical Guitar) / Justin Vasquez (Alto Sax) / Wayne Salzmann II (Drums)

Conducted by Jeff Hellmer
Recorded live in Austin, Texas on April 2011.
Produced by Gabriel Santiago & Kevin Benoit
Co-Produced by Marcelo Lima
Executive Producer: Délio Santiago
Recorded by Jerry Yoder & Kevin Benoit
Mixed at Rosetta Sound Studios by Kevin Benoit
Mastered by Nick Landis at Terra Nova Digital Audio
Orchestra sequenced tracks taken from the album “Gabriel Santiago” (2007).

GABRIEL SANTIAGO ORCHESTRA

Conducted by Jeff Hellmer

Saxes/Winds
Simon Wiskowski
Rory MacNeil
Charles Lee
Bennett Wood
Bryan Shaban

Trumpets / Flugelhorn
Jared Broussard
Nick Balleza
Ethan Marks
John Zarsky

Trombones
Josh Balleza
Alex Glen
Matt Carr
Fernando Cardoso

Rhythm Section
Gabriel Santiago – Guitars & Vocals
John Arndt – Piano & Hammond Organ
Sam Pankey – Acoustic & Electric Basses
Aaron Easley – Drums & Percussion

SPECIAL GUESTS
Wayne Salzmann II - Drums & Percussion
Peter Stoltzman – Piano & Hammond Organ
Russell Haight – Tenor Saxophone & Clarinet
Justin Vasquez – Alto Saxophone
Dave Campbell - Cello
Morgan Beckford – Soprano Voice
AnneMarie Cherry – French Horn
Amanda Jensen - Harp
Marcelo Lima – Percussion & Vocals

Release date: May 10, 2012