RECORDINGS

This is my first recording with pianist Cliff Monear, who has accompanied me for over ten years. We are joined by the talented bassist Nick Calandro, a member of Cliff's own trio. Good friend and frequent recording partner, drummer Randy Marsh is the final element for the musical chemistry to work its magic.

This CD was recorded in two sessions. The first features Cliff, Nick and  Randy. The second session spotlights pianist Tad Weed, bassist Kurt Krahnke and drummer Pete Siers, who has performed on several of my previous CDs (and continues to inspire me). I am most grateful to Cliff, who also served as recording engineer on these dates.

All of these exceptional musicians perform with me in the rich jazz scene around Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan. Additionally, we have played concert halls and jazz clubs in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Hawaii and Paris, France.

A myriad of emotions are explored within the folds of this album. Feel the thrill of love and the chill of love lost, the awe inspired by the redwood forest, the optimism born of a clear day and the wonder of a dark night. Enjoy these Kindred Spirits.

Paul Vornhagen                                                                                          January, 2004

 

My Newest CD! " HEART " (BOPO RECORDS '01)
featuring pianist TAD WEED. A rich selection of 4 original instrumentals,
4 vocal standards and 5 instrumental arrangements of composers
including Juan Tizol,Duke Ellington, Freddie Hubbard and Matt Dennis.

With PAUL VORNHAGEN on tenor, soprano, alto and baritone saxes, flute and vocals. GARY SCHUNK on piano and organ. PAUL FINKBEINER on trumpet and flugelhorn. JIMMY COOK on trumpet. PAUL KELLER on bass. RANDY MARSH on drums. Songs include originals Swing As You Are and Mulligan Man. Also Soy Califa (Dexter Gordon), Speak Low, Silver's Serenade (H. Silver), I remember You, El Toro (W. Shorter), I've never been in Love before and Crazeology (Bud Powell) . 74 minutes in length.

1997 release recorded for SCHOOLKIDS RECORDS. With PAUL VORNHAGEN on saxes, flute and vocals. GARY SCHUNK on piano and organ. JIMMY COOK on trumpet. KURT KRAHNKE on bass and RANDY MARSH and GERALD CLEAVER on drums. Songs include original compositions: Parisian Protocol, Cozy Does It, Montuna Salad and Rusty's Theme. Also standards: They can't take that away from me, Will you still be Mine, Bolivia (Cedar Walton), Hackensack (Monk), Blame it on my Youth, Crazy she calls Me. 68 minutes in length.

1995 release for SCHOOLKIDS RECORDS. With PAUL VORNHAGEN on saxes, flute and vocals. RICK ROE and PHIL KELLY on piano. JIMMY COOK on trumpet. KURT KRAHNKE on bass and PETE SIERS on Drums. Songs include original tunes: Warmin' up the House, Springwatch, Swingstick and Groovnik. Also standards such as: Makin Whoopee, Ask me Now (T. Monk), I get a kick outta you, This can't be Love, You'd be so nice to come home to. 68 minutes in length.