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On July 12 is the release of a Dub Step remix of “Let’s Go” Produced By: Kirk Boyer of Mind of KProductions
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Finally, on July 19 is the release of Gerald Veasley’s Electric Mingus Project remix of “ Haitian Fight Song”  by Kirk Boyer of Mind of K Productions.
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Bassist Gerald Veasley gets deep with the music of Charles Mingus

On March 22, 2011, Gerald Veasley will release a re-imagination of works written by acclaimed jazz composer Charles Mingus. Gerald Veasley’s Electric Mingus Project will feature a collection of well-known Mingus pieces performed using cutting edge instruments such as the six-string electric bass, EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument), and EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument). Veasley, former bassist for Grover Washington Jr. and The Zawinul Syndicate, has released eight solo albums of original jazz, funk, and soul tinged compositions. Electric Mingus Project offers an intriguing melding of Veasley’s modernist style and Mingus’s legendary compositional voice.

When asked to describe his process in creating the album, Veasley responds, “We reacted to what was essential about Charles Mingus’s music. We never had an impulse to update or improve it, but instead tried to capture the feeling, which to me is adventurous, surprising, and passionate.” As an example, Veasley points to his rendition of “Haitian Fight Song,” which features fiery solos from Chris Farr on tenor saxophone John Swana on EVI, and the leader on bass. The players’ boldly colored improv, and the band’s unique sonic textures are rendered on Mingus’ “bluesy” canvas, indicating a deep understanding of the late composer’s daring spirit.

Alongside seven Mingus classics are two pieces written by Veasley, which fit seamlessly. Veasley offers insight into the project as a whole. “Ideally, a recording should reflect not just how you play, but who you are as a person. We want this album to be an honest snapshot of the musicians themselves.” This perspective on the concept of a tribute album actually pays the ultimate respect to the late composer. By focusing on themselves, the musicians of The Electric Mingus Project continue an integral part of Mingus’s legacy: the use of music as a vehicle for true, unabashed personal expression.

Gerald Veasley’s Electric Mingus Project is released on the Fanwave Music Group label and will be available at fanwavemedia.com and all major digital distribution centers including iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. The Electric Mingus Project is currently finalizing tour dates for summer and fall 2011. For more information on the project or to interview Gerald Veasley, contact Luther Dowdell of Dowdell and Associates at lutherd@thedowdellgroup.com or (215) 877-6208.

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