Vinson Valega Keeps The Dialogue Going With 'Awake'

LOS ANGELES (Top40 Charts/ Consilience Productions) - The project—featuring the sextet of Terell Stafford (trumpet) Chris Bacas (trumpet), Jon Cowherd (piano), Josh Ginsburg (bass), Anton Denner (woodwinds) and Valega (drums)—reflects his strong belief that music and democracy are linked, and as such, is an extension of the dialogue BEYOND music.

"Jazz music, America's true art form," says Valega, "has always been about pursuing freedom through individual participation in a group setting. Within a shared framework, ideas made of sounds flow from one musician to another in a conversation that serves the greater good of the music, creating an atmosphere where the participants are free to express. But this freedom is only possible when each musician is committed to the democratic ideal, where the give and take among disparate voices makes the music blend. In this way, jazz is a direct by-product of the American ideal—founded upon individual expression and freedom, yet devoted through participation to the greater good."

Valega is all about communication both on the bandstand through his music, and off, with his web presence—equal parts promotional site, blog and consciousness-raiser, www.cslproductions.com professes a desire to 'extend the dialogue found between musician and listener into the realm of our everyday lives.'

"Awake" is currently available at, iTunes, CDBaby.com, Amazon.com, and other outlets. Stop by www.cslproductions.com for a tour calendar, complete discography, and additional info. CD release parties are planned for the following dates/venues:
Friday, 6/1: Chris' Jazz Café, Philadelphia
Monday, 6/25: Blue Note, New York City