The Alluvion Jazz Series Presents: Randy Napoleon & Waking Dream

The Alluvion Jazz Series presents a guitar summit like no other. Guitarist, composer, and band leader Randy Napoleon will lead an eight-piece band containing five guitar players. This project is called: Waking Dream

The Band:

Randy Napoleon - guitar, leader

Jocelyn Gould - guitar

Luke Sittard - guitar

Chris Minami - guitar

Ben Turner - guitar

Quincy Davis - drums

Langston Kitchen - bass

Rick Roe - piano

Some notes from Randy about this project...

We are living in strange times. Pandemics, Political upheaval, Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon, Artificial Intelligence. Life feels like a B roll movie. I’ve acclimated to the unexpected. Throughout day-to-day life, I sometimes have a flash of unreality, as if nothing is as perceived. This is Waking Dream, sometimes it can feel like a nightmare as well.

I’m primarily and obsessively a student of straight-ahead jazz, but the only time I want to be put in a box is when I’m dead. I believe our artistic duty demands a search for new sounds. Also, I want my music to reflect what it feels like to be living in these times. We are in an abstract Picasso funhouse of mirrors. Steven King books feel more real than the daily news.

In spite of many rational reasons for anxiety, I continue to be optimistic. I still believe in humanity’s better angels. The present unpredictability fuels my creative freedom. The border between my dreams and waking reality is blurring. The world looks different.

I’m especially proud to be able to work with these four amazing guitarists. The definition of a humble brag: they are all former students; I’m the proudest teacher in the world! Now the humble part: I was trying to keep up with these young virtuosos! Ain’t that a kick in the head.

Jocelyn Gould has become a household name in the guitar world over the last few years. She won a Juno award for Jazz Album of the Year in Canada with her first album, and it has been a whirlwind of success since then. Her humanity, fleet fingers and soulfulness shine through on everything she plays.

Luke Sittard is as consistent as the sun in the morning and the moon at night. As the adage goes, some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. Luke is an achiever. Over the last ten years, I’ve watched him doggedly and ceaselessly turn from a beginner into a master. Wherever Luke is right now, he is probably practicing.

Chris Minami is another exceptional player and person. While he can certainly burn, the element that stands out to me about his playing is his lyricism. I was planning on recording a solo on the title track, “Waking Dream” but during our tour leading up to this recording, Chris played so heart-wrenchingly and beautifully, I passed the solo to him for the record.

Ben Turner is one of the most brilliant musical minds I know. He thinks and hears fast. Like all great artists, he is always expanding and polishing his concept. I’ve never met a young musician who knew more music. He is hungry and ambitious, like all four of these talents, the sky’s the limit.

The amazing Langston Kitchen. This nineteen-year-old phenom has only been playing bass for two years. I’m convinced he’s been here before. His abundant gift is matched by his seriousness and hard work. Bebop lives.

Doors open at 7 - Music at 7:30 - $30 advance tickets - $35 at the door

Seated listening room style show - General admission - All ages

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