The core members of Elevations are: Brett Williams, Anton DeFade, George Heid III, Michael Stephenson and Benny Benack III Testimonials about these artists and the music in this CD: "In every generation, there is a thread. There is a thread of individuals that stand for the majesty of our humanity, the celebration of that which gives us the ability to communicate in the most intricate ways. It is our ability to cultivate that communication, to document it, and codify it to further express that which we are. ELEVATIONS is the embodiment of this thread, seeking to be that bridge throughout the generations and keeping that which makes us profoundly human alive and thriving. This musical document speaks to that bridge and celebrates the rich traditions found in jazz music while propelling the music forward. I celebrate this generations thread keepers ... Elevations!" Sean Jones – Trumpeter - Composer - Educator ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “I congratulate the musicians and vocalists who recorded this wonderful CD. Listening to the very first tune, “Emergence”, started me on a journey. With players like these, I know that there is real hope for the future of jazz. The rich sounds of this group grows as they add Hammond B3, Vibraphone, Woodwinds and Percussion, giving us the warmth of a small orchestra. I believe this CD should and will get a lot of deserved play. To all the artists here I would like to say, keep up the good work. Roger Humphries - Drummer – Educator – Formally with Stanley Turrentine, Horace Silver, Ray Charles -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Every day you hear the news media broadcast negative things about our young people. So the question is: what are the good young people up to? Some of them use their intelligence along with the blessing of talent, and choose to study a musical instrument and learn the music called Jazz, contributing to America’s most original art form. What you hear on this CD are young, gifted artists, committed to uphold the integrity, humility, discipline, patience, diligence, respect and acknowledgement for the culture, lived by the people who invented and innovated this art form. This music promotes a way of life that celebrates the human spirit and brings out the best in all of us, and we become Elevated! Dwayne Dolphin - Bassist – Composer - formerly with the Wynton Marsalis Quintet --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The first thing I hear is harmony and history. I don’t think that was by accident, it was divine intervention that brought these young men together and because they are in unison as a group, they can collaborate with others of like mind & spirit. Five young artists of music, possessing solid skills on their instruments, guided by deep roots and respect for this African/American classical music called “jazz”, to such a depth that they can compose their musical stories in this universal jazz language and interpret it with a variety of instrumentation with such feeling. ELAVATIONS will take you to a place, a space in time where you will be soothingly massaged and inspired to the optimistic side of life; LOVE, RESPECT, JOY! K. Mensah Wali, Artistic Director, Kente Arts Alliance