Dan Willis: Velvet Gentlemen (OmniTone 15216)

Cross-inspired by the music of Erik Satie and the precision-randomness paradox of quantum physics and infused with creative improvised music, jazz, and psychedelic '70s and '80s rock, Velvet Gentlemen is an earful experience. 

Dan Willis, one of New York City's most active and versatile woodwind specialists, is known for regular performances across a wide spectrum of music from jazz to Broadway to classical to improvised new music, including as a prominently-heard member of the John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble and the all-star "Downtown" virtuoso chamber ensemble, Area 31. 

Versatile and limber septet includes the prolific drummer/composer John Hollenbeck, leader of the Grammy-nominated John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble and Claudia Quintet, who is developing a wide following among jazz, rock-improv, and new classical circles.

Personnel

Dan Willis, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, oboe, English horn, duduk, sinai, suona, zura, piccolo, bass clarinet, samba whistle
Chuck MacKinnon, trumpet, flügelhorn, EFX Pete McCann, electric guitar
Kermit Driscoll, electric bass
Stephan Crump, bass,^* electric bass^**
Ron Oswanski, Fender Rhodes piano, accordion
John Hollenbeck, drums, percussion

Recorded and mixed on 17 July and 22 October 2003 at Reeling Studios, New Milford, NJ

Engineers: Jim Kerswell, Todd Whitelock
Mastering Engineer: Todd Whitelock

Layout design by Michael McKenna and Frau Kranift
Photographs by Sharon Gunderson
Cover art by John Hughson

Producers: Jim Kerswell, Dan Willis
Executive Producers: Brian McKenna, Frank Tafuri