Upside Out
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Upside Out is the debut studio album by the Riverside City College Jazz Ensemble and its various combos, released in 2003 under the Sea Breeze Vista Jazz label. According to music critic Jack Bowers, the album showcases the talents of a college-level jazz ensemble and trio.[1] It has gained airplay across various radio stations in the United States, highlighting its reach and recognition in the jazz communit.[2][3][4]
| Upside Out | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by Riverside City College Jazz Ensemble and combo | ||||
| Released | December 2, 2003 | |||
| Recorded | 2002/2003, Riverside, CA Austin, TX | |||
| Genre | Jazz, big band, instrumental | |||
| Length | 73:44 | |||
| Label | Sea Breeze Vista Jazz | |||
| Producer | Charlie Richard | |||
| Riverside City College Jazz Ensemble and combo chronology | ||||
| ||||
| cat. # Sea Breeze Jazz-Vista SBV 4554 | ||||
Background
[edit]The Riverside City College (RCC) Jazz Ensemble has been an integral component of the college's music program for over 40 years, serving not only as an educational platform for aspiring jazz musicians but also as a cultural asset to the community. The ensemble allows students to hone their musical skills in various settings, from large band performances to smaller combos, which provide a more intimate performance environment. The album "Upside Out," released in 2003, features an array of these talented students and highlights the creative output of both individuals and the collective ensemble.
Throughout its history, the RCC Jazz Ensemble has showcased its versatile repertoire through performances at numerous prestigious events and venues. These performances include participation in the University of Northern Colorado's Greeley Jazz Festival and the University of Texas Jazz Festivals. The ensemble has also had the unique opportunity to perform internationally in locations such as Japan and Hawaii. Such experiences not only enrich the students' educational journey but also contribute to their professional development as musicians.
One of the ensemble's significant achievements came in 2010 when it secured first place in the Big Band division at the University of Nevada, Reno Jazz Festival.[5] This accolade emphasizes the ensemble's competitive edge and demonstrates its commitment to musical excellence. As the group continues to perform and compete, it maintains a reputation for high-quality jazz musicianship within the academic and musical communities.
In addition to competitive performances, the RCC Jazz Ensemble features interactions with various renowned guest artists, providing students with invaluable exposure to the jazz genre's diverse styles and techniques. Esteemed musicians such as Carl Saunders, James Moody, Bob McChesney, Mike Stern, Poncho Sanchez, and Kim Richmond have participated in guest artist workshops and performances with the ensemble. These interactions not only elevate the educational experience for RCC students but also connect them with established professionals in the music industry.
Further contributing to the evolution of jazz music, the RCC Jazz Ensemble actively commissions new works each spring. This initiative reflects the ensemble's commitment to fostering contemporary jazz literature and nurturing emerging composition talents. Recent commissions have been obtained from respected jazz composers such as Bob Curnow, Jack Cooper—who composed the title track of "Upside Out"—David Caffey, and Matt Harris. By commissioning new pieces, the ensemble ensures that its repertoire remains relevant and engages both performers and audiences alike.[5]
Recognition
[edit]The music from the CD was performed multiple times during tours with the RCC Jazz Ensemble, showcasing a diverse range of jazz compositions. Notably, the ensemble embarked on a concert tour of Japan, where they engaged with international audiences and exemplified the global reach of jazz music. In addition, the RCC Jazz Ensemble performed at prominent events such as the Reno Jazz Festival and the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) Convention, both of which are well-established platforms that celebrate and promote jazz education and performance.[citation needed]
The CD was distributed to numerous radio stations throughout the United States, making it accessible to a wider audience. For instance, Texas broadcaster 91.3 KVLU-NPR featured "Upside Out" on their January 2004 playlist, reporting that the track received frequent airplay, indicating its presence in the jazz radio landscape. This level of attention from notable radio stations plays a significant role in promoting jazz compositions, as radio play[6] is a critical avenue for reaching listeners and influencing the popularity of jazz artists. The cumulative effect of these performances and broadcasts illustrates the CD's impact within the jazz community and its contribution to the ongoing appreciation of the genre.
Reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic Guide |   [7] |
| All About Jazz | (very positive)[8] |
| Jazz Journal International[9] | (very positive)[9] |
The CD has received notable attention within the jazz community, evidenced by its consistent airplay on various jazz radio stations across the United States. Stations such as WBIO in Indiana, WPKN in Connecticut, WAER in New York, and KSDS in California have included it in their playlists, highlighting its relevance among jazz disc jockeys and audiences. This level of airplay underscores the album's appeal and indicates that it resonates with listeners who seek quality jazz music..[2][3][4][10]
In reviews and assessments published by industry experts, the album is categorized as post-bop jazz, a subgenre known for its complex harmonies, inventive rhythms, and a blend of improvisational styles. Critics have noted that the musicians exhibit a maturity and musical sophistication that might suggest they are in their thirties, rather than their twenties. This observation speaks to the high level of artistry and skill present on the recording.[citation needed]
Sea Breeze Records, a label renowned for its extensive documentation of collegiate and high-school jazz bands, has emphasized the significance of this release. According to their catalog, the album has been highlighted as a strong addition, reflecting the label's commitment to promoting high-quality jazz works. The label’s history of supporting emerging talent in the jazz scene establishes a benchmark for quality and credibility in the genre.[citation needed]
Track listing
[edit]All tracks are written by individual composers and arrangers
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Are We There Yet? (Lyle Mays, arr. Bob Curnow)" | 6:13 |
| 2. | "Upside Out (Jack Cooper)" | 9:18 |
| 3. | "Widow's Walk (Rick Margitza, arr. Dan Gailey)" | 8:36 |
| 4. | "The Third Wind, (Lyle Mays and Pat Metheny), arr. Sandy Megas" | 11:52 |
| 5. | "Seven Eleven (Chris Potter, arr. Paul White)" | 7:43 |
| 6. | "Bumbershoot (Béla Fleck)" | 6:02 |
| 7. | "Wondering (Shane Jordan)" | 3:50 |
| 8. | "Donna Lee (Charlie Parker)" | 5:32 |
| 9. | "Nasty Dance (Bob Brookmeyer)" | 12:38 |
| Total length: | 73:43 | |
Recording Sessions
[edit]- Tracks 1-8 - 2002/2003, recorded at Riverside Community College, Riverside, CA (in studio)
- Track 9 - 2003 Longhorn Jazz Festival, Austin, TX (live)
Print music from this recording
[edit]- Are We There Yet? is published by Sierra Music Publications OCLC 31705699, 221634750
- Upside Out was commissioned by the Riverside City College Jazz Ensemble, Charlie Richard - director and is published by UNC Jazz Press
- Widow's Walk is published by UNC Jazz Press
- Nasty Dance is published by Kendor Music Publications OCLC 220131842
Personnel
[edit]Musicians
[edit]- Conductor: Charlie Richard
- Saxes and woodwinds: Travis Alegria, Kelly Corbin, Ioana Fleming, Jason Jamerson, Demetrius Patin, Bill Preci, Trevor Shiffermiller, James Reinbolt, Jaime Royal, Gerry Whitaker
- Trumpets and flugelhorns: Everardo Aguilar, Kinkch Degrate, Paul Karandos, Tatsuya Koyama, Brian Mantz, Don Marino II, Carlos Villa, Kevin Young
- Trombones: Dan Bigler, Diane Bigler, Rick Covarubias, Frank Hickman, Joe Martinez, Marcos Rodriguez, Nicholas Terwilliger, Aaron Wharton
- Guitar: James DePrato, Josh Miller, Erin Von Pingle
- Piano: David Peoples, Erin Von Pingle
- Bass: Bill Dickson, Shane Jordan, Ferrari Watts
- Drums: Jon McCammon, Dan Rocadio, Chad Villarreal
- Percussion: Michael Gaylord, Anna Perotta, Angela Thomas
Production
[edit]- Recording engineer, mixing: Charlie Richard
- Mastering: D.J. Alverson
- Liner notes: David Caffey
- Cover art and graphic design: Joan Rovan Wales
Charts
[edit]| Year | Chart | Type | Song/Album | Position | Chart Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | JazzWeek Airplay Reporting | Album | Upside Out | 164 | February 6, 2004[11] |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Jazz, All About. "Jazz Album: Upside Out by Viktoria Tolstoy". All About Jazz Musicians. Retrieved 2025-02-24.
- ^ a b WBIO Fort Wayne, Indiana, NPR Jazz. Tossed Jazz Salad: Jazz with Bob Mayer, Tue. Nov 20th 2012, 7:21pm, RCC Jazz Ensemble “The Third Wind” from Upside Out
- ^ a b KSDS Playlist Archive, Wednesday, August 4th 2010, 5:41 AM, RCC Jazz Ensemble, Nasty Dance from Upside Out
- ^ a b WAER Playlists, 88.3 (NY), Afternoon Jazz hosted by Eric Cohen, April 24, 2012, RCC Jazz Ensemble, DONNA LEE, from Upside Out Start Time, 3:41:04 PM
- ^ a b RCC Jazz Ensembles, information and media
- ^ 91.3 KVLU – Jazz, Blues, and New Age Play List report
- ^ All Music Guide, SCOTT YANOW, review
- ^ All About Jazz, JACK BOWERS, review Published: February 20, 2004
- ^ a b Review, Jazz Journal International, Volume 58, Issues 7-12. Billboard Limited, 2005. pp. 33
- ^ Playlists and musings from David Golden at WPKN 89.5 in Bridgeport, CT. Playlist, September 21, 2008, Set Two, RCC Jazz Ensemble; Nasty Dance; Upside Out (2003 Sea Breeze Vista), played before mic break 10:57 a.m.
- ^ "JazzWeek Radio Airplay charting". 11 January 2004. Archived from the original on 2023-10-02.
