Toeing the line between acoustic folk and progressive bluegrass, Big Fan of the Bison began as a project among friends in Denton, Texas. Members Kyle Gordon (mandolin), Sara Beth Hooper (vocals), Ethan Stalbaum (guitar), Chris Petro (drums), Collins McLaughlin (fiddle), and Willie Wrinkle (bass) had all met through school or other musical engagements, finding common ground in their love of collaboration and songwriting. Drawing from diverse musical backgrounds, the band created a sound all their Own, that combines a deep love of folk music, classical, jazz, pop, rock, and everything in between. Their individual abilities as sought-after instrumentalists, arrangers, composers, and songwriters all add to a unique voice that is truly greater than the sum of its parts, and their debut, “Songs from the Frontier.” The band formed in 2018 as a project among close friends, most of whom met while studying music at the University of North Texas. What began as a relaxed weekly gathering centered around playing traditional bluegrass tunes and covers slowly transformed into an outlet for original songs. Over the course of roughly two years and spurred on by de facto manager and friend Jimmy Haslip, an eclectic musical style began to take shape. The combination of each member’s diverse musical background with Hooper’s captivating melodies and ever-memorable lyrics is compelling, moving, and beautiful. While each track on the album offers a refreshing change of pace, it feels like a unified whole. It straddles more than a few genres: Folk, Bluegrass, Americana, and even a hint of Country, with subtle nods to the members’ rigorous classical and jazz training managing to peek through. At its core, this album is a collection of emotional and deeply relatable songs, expressed with an exceptional degree of nuance and taste that is wonderfully unique. Tracks. COLD HEARTED, TOP OF THE WORLD, BETTER OFF, YOU AGAIN, JUST ENOUGH, 5-20, HORIZON, BRIGHTER DAYS, RED ROCKING CHAIR, RELYKS

Big Fan of The Bison

TOP OF THE WORLD

In the autumn of 2021, four musicians and close friends joined forces for a week of touring and recording. This album captures the essence of their appraise live performances accumulating in a 2-day recording frenzy at the legendary Finnvox studios Helsinki. The album features a mix of new and original Aleksi Heinola compositions and works by jazz greats such as Wayne Shorter, Thelonious Monk, Joe Henderson, and Cedar Walton. The recording session was intense, with the group experimenting and playing together nonstop for two days. Their pre-studio performances shaped the music and created a expressive atmosphere in the studio, capturing the tight interplay and energy of a group fresh off tour. Aleksi's latest album represents a significant progression from his prior releases. However, he remains steadfast in his unwavering devotion to the jazz style that he holds most dear. The album serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of hard bop, characterized by its emphasis on captivating melodic phrasing, infectious swing rhythms, and a distinctive artistic flair that sets it apart from other modern works within the genre. The quartet is composed of an impressive array of talent, featuring Finnish drummer Aleksi Heinola, Hungarian tenor saxophonist Gábor Bolla, Finnish pianist Jukkis Uotila, and Swedish double bassist Daniel Franck. A must-listen for any jazz enthusiast looking for a fresh and captivating sound. Tracks: 1. Up & Down 7:25 (Aleksi Heinola), 2. Big Push 6:26 (Wayne Shorter), 3. Peace 5:36 (Horace Silver), 4. Bolivia 6:24 (Cedar Walton), 5. New Vibes 6:39 (Aleksi Heinola), 6. Vananta Land 6:24 (Aleksi Heinola), 7. 10 Points 5:17 (Aleksi Heinola), 8. Rio 5:15 (Wayne Shorter), 9. 415 Central Park West 5:00 (Steve Grossman), 10. Pronto 4:44 (Jukkis Uotila), 11. Think of One 6:02 (Thelonious Monk), 12. Tetragon 6:07 (Joe Henderson), 13. Soul Eyes 7:51 (Mal Waldron)

Aleksi Heinola Quartet

08 Rio

ITI Music Corporation is a record label with jazz from ITI Records, and all other genres including classical and rock music from Warrant Music, since 1982. All ITI Music releases are distributed digitally by The Orchard and physically by MVD.  No other promotion or marketing teams or companies are needed at this time. Thank you.

08 Rio

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