In 2020, the year of COVID, John composed and recorded this album. True to a shift in creative direction, these tunes have no 'purpose' other than the full unleashing of John's creative sensibilities, without external impetus, or target, or reason for being other than the joy of creative expression.

These tracks were recorded at The Canterbury Music Co. in Toronto by award-winning engineer Jeremy Darby. Mixed by John Herberman, (except for "Newtown Funk", mixed by Jeremy Darby).  Mastered by Peter Letros at Wreckhouse Mastering.    CLICK "Show More" FOR FULL ALBUM INFO

John Herberman, Scarbee Rhodes Mark I, piano 

Featuring;
Vern Dorge, alto sax, soprano sax, clarinet
Kevin Turcotte, flugelhorn
Jeff McLeod, piano
Doug Wilde, piano
Eric St. Laurent, guitar
Pat Kilbride, 5-string bass, fretless bass, acoustic bass
Davide Direnzo, drums
Mark Kelso, drums
Margaret Maria, cello

All music composed and arranged by John Herberman ©2020 Ceola Music Publishing SOCAN

For more information, or to enquire about purchasing a vinyl copy of this album, email us at info@ceolarecords.com.

Track Notes;

SIDE A 

A SMALL TOWN NEAR PORTLAND 
There was a fantastic jazz/world fusion band in the 80s called “Oregon,” that featured guitarist Ralph Towner and jazz oboist Paul McCandless. This band had a huge influence on me as a young musician, and its sound has stayed with me all these years. This tune is a piano duet (duel?) Jeff is on the left, and I am on the right. Make sure you have your headphones on correctly ... Ah what the hell – put ’em on backwards.  It won’t matter – he’s better than I am anyway. 

STREETS AND RHODES 
I’ve always loved the joyous energy of a brisk jazz waltz, and here’s my take on the form. This is my chance to have some fun on the Rhodes, with beautiful commentary and a fine solo by Kevin on his flugelhorn. The long-tone background lines that Kevin plays are a reminiscent of the great Gerry Mulligan. 

NEWTOWN FUNK 
Everybody’s rockin’ on this tune – Jeff, Vern and Pat give it their all on their solos. Even I get into the action on the Rhodes. 

RAGS TO RICHES 
This song is a nod to Ragtime, an early influence in the history of jazz, and to Oscar Peterson’s “Hymn to Freedom,” surely one of the great riches in Canadian jazz music. I’m on piano. Vern provides ‘commentary and clarification’ on clarinet with one of the most soulful obligato performances I’ve ever heard. I am still moved to tears by his playing on this song. 

SIDE B 

OVERHEARD ON A PARK BENCH 
Sometimes people ask me if I see pictures when I compose. Usually the answer is no, but this tune is different. Imagine a couple of old folks sitting on a park bench in Central Park or Washington Square. They are relaxed, and their interaction reflects the gentle pace of their lives while all around them the city bustles.  People comment on the pair as they walk by (that’s Kevin on his flugelhorn). My piano solo on this tune is an homage to the great Ahmad Jamal.

IN AN ENGLISH GARDEN 
Strange title, I know, and anyone who gets the reference gets free lunch. Hint – it’s a Beatles tune.* A rare chance for the electric piano to shine. Pat plays a beautiful solo on fretless bass near the end. (*the answer is below) 

NuGrv 
That’s “New Groove” for all you over-30s. Not exactly what I’m known for, but I love this kind of music and had a blast writing and playing on it. My good friend, mentor and great composer in his own right, Doug Wilde, sits in on piano and provides some wonderful counterpoint to my Rhodes. 

WHEREVER I WAS, HERE I AM 
This tune was originally composed in the late 70s, but contains many of the same musical elements that I still love to explore, and which I have done on this record. The title contains several references; to Jon Kabat-Zinn’s well known Buddhist writings, to the ‘little people’ within us who have been there since childhood, and to how amazed I am at my own journey and the unlikely path which has led me to where I am today.

Overheard On a Park Bench

07 NuGrv