Power of Ten¹⁰ Little Big Band

Power of Ten¹⁰, and sometimes 11, is a powerful little big band comprised of some of Philadelphia’s finest jazz musicians. Individually they have impressive resumes and collectively they present Rick Lawn’s contemporary writing with a sound and style that is incomparable. Many of these original compositions and unique arrangements are available for purchase on this web site so if you’re interested follow the links. Some additional charts will be made available in the near future.

CHECK OUT THE NEW LOWER PRICES FOR PLAY-ALONG VERSIONS OF EARTH TONES AND THE GROWING RADIO PLAYLIST!!!

NEW CD “Earth Tones” is now available at your favorite online dealers – CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon, etc.

To tide you over here are samples of all 10 tracks and don’t forget the link below to get your free download track from the same sessions.

My goal in making this recording was first to present pieces that people will enjoy listening to more than once. Music expresses what no words can say, and this music speaks about people, moments in my life, and memorable music that have inspired my eclectic tastes. I also wanted to showcase this incredible group of Philadelphia musicians whose commitment to this project will forever be appreciated. I do hope we plant a few earworms.

1 Never Too Late

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

- This title stems from my mottos – “The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing,” and “It’s never too late.”

2 Sigh of the Soul

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

- The title and music are loose translations of the 4^th movement from Tableaux de Provence for alto sax and piano composed by female French composer Paule Maurice.  It has remained in my memory since performing it as a student over 40 years ago with hopes of one day creating this new rendition significantly different yet similar to the original classical piece.

3 Hopscotch

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

– I’ve followed Mark Allen’s progress as an emerging voice on the baritone sax and as a woodwind doubler since his freshman year at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where he now joins the rest of us on faculty. I composed this as a showcase for Mark and he made us smile on this first take!

4 Quiet Please!

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

– The title, and to some degree the music, was inspired by the occasional frustrations of playing in noisy “jazz” bars.  Play softer and maybe they’ll stop and listen!

5 Tapestry

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

– Who hasn’t been moved by the timeless music on Carole King’s landmark 1971 recording? Check out the original if you aren’t familiar with this classic!

6 Ease It

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

– This arrangement and orchestration is influenced by Gil Evans’ early work and is my small tribute to two other inspiring artists – Cannonball Adderley and Paul Chambers.

7 With a Little Help

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

– The first three notes will give this one away if the title doesn’t, but I’ve made an effort to sufficiently reinvent this Beatles’ classic without destroying its essence.

8 Retrospect

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

- The title describes the architecture of this piece, and my life that always seems to cycle back to music as the “main thing.”

9 No Regrets

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

– I guess getting grey hair had something to do with this title, written on my 60^th birthday and at an introspective moment.

10 Earth Tones

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

– If you are wondering how Chris got the eerie soprano sound on the opening, it wasn’t done with electronic effects but is the natural resonant result of playing into the open lid of the studio’s grand piano while depressing the sustain pedal.  Wonderful Earth Tones came as a result.

 

 

 

 

 

A FREE bonus track can be downloaded from this web site.

 

 

 

 

CLICK HERE to learn more about Power of Ten’s new CD, play-along mp3 tracks and to get your free bonus mp3 track.

Upcoming Performances

Next gig is February 15th, 2012 @ Chris’ Jazz Cafe on Sansom in Philadelphia, PA. First set at 7 PM.

 

THE TEN (sometimes 11) THAT PROVIDE THE POWER

 

Ron Kerber (alto & soprano sax and flute) is one of Philadelphia’s first call musicians, with a career that has crossed genres and styles. He was formerly saxophonist, composer and producer for Blue Note recording artists “Pieces of a Dream”. He has also recorded with Jimmy Bruno, Phil Woods, Gerald Veasley, Jim Ridl, Melody Gardot, Patti LaBelle, Vanessa Williams, Lou Rawls and Teddy Pendergrass among others. He has toured with Burt Bacharach, Rod Stewart and Diana Ross and performed with Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, Ben Folds, Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello, Tony Bennett, Lang Lang, Manhattan Transfer, Randy Brecker, Michael Buble, Jane Monheit, New York Voices, Kurt Elling, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations and Johnny Mathis to name a few. Ron has performed with The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Opera Company of Philadelphia and The Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, and The Royal Ballet. He is a member of Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, and has played in the orchestras of the Forrest, Walnut Street, Prince and Merriam Theaters.

Ron heads the division of Instrumental Studies at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He has served on the Board of Trustees of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and as President of the Philadelphia Chapter. Ron’s most recent CD is available at www.dreamboxmedia.com.

Chris Farr (tenor & soprano sax) received his Master’s Degree from the University of the Arts in 1995, where he is now the Chair of the Saxophone Department. Currently, he can found playing on the Philly jazz scene as well as nationally and internationally. Over the past years Chris has recorded, toured and/or performed with Maynard Ferguson, Randy Brecker, Dennis Chambers, Stanley Clarke, Diane Schuur, Jill Scott, Teddy Pendergrass, Mary J. Blige, Wyclef Jean, Jill Scott, The Roots, Carl Thomas, Jaheim, Terell Stafford, John Swana, Joe Magnarelli, Jimmy Bruno, Lou Rawls, Larry Carlton, Joey DeFrancesco, “Papa” John DeFrancesco & Gerald Veasley.

 

Rick Lawn (baritone sax, clarinet, bass clarinet) holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the Eastman School of Music. Grants from the National Endowment of the Arts have supported his work as a composer, and as a member of the Nova Saxophone Quartet he has recorded on the Musical Heritage Society, Crystal and Equilibrium labels. The Sea Breeze record label issued “Unknown Soldiers,” a CD recorded by the Third Coast Jazz Orchestra featuring his compositions and arrangements. Kendor, CL Barnhouse, Walrus, Concept Music, Alfred, Dorn, and UNC Press music among others publish his compositions. Rick’s books entitled The Jazz Ensemble Directors Manual, Jazz Theory and Practice, and Experiencing Jazz have become staples among jazz educators and students. Selmer has sponsored his clinics, performances guest conducting appearances in 12 states.

Rick contributes most of the compositions and arrangements to Power of 10’s book, and he has performed with Joe Williams, Diane Schuur, Natalie Cole, Marian McPartland, Chuck Mangione, Lionel Hampton, Mel Torme, Bernadette Peters, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Austin Symphony, Houston Lyric Opera Company and the Rochester Philharmonic to mention a few. He is on the faculty at the UArts School of Music.

Matt Gallagher (trumpet & flugelhorn) has performed as a lead trumpet player with professional bands in Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and Wilmington, Delaware. As a member of three local musicians unions, he has performed with several Broadway show pro¬ductions and artists including Randy Brecker, John Fedchock, Robin Eubanks, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Lou Rawls, Bernadette Peters, The O’Jays, The Stylistics, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass, Barry Manilow. Matt is currently the lead trumpet player for the Lars Halle Jazz Orchestra as well as a member of Chico’s Vibe, one of the region’s top party bands. In addition, Matt is a regular studio trumpet player at NFL Films in Mt. Laurel, NJ, and Larry Gold Studio in Philadelphia. Matt has recently recorded for Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, R Kelly, and LL Cool J to name a few. Matt is equally committed to both teaching and perform¬ing. Currently, Matt is the undergraduate coordinator of music education, trumpet teacher, and big band director at The University of the Arts where he earned the MM in jazz studies.

 

 

 

George Rabbai (trumpet & flugelhorn) has toured and recorded with The Woody Herman Jazz Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney, Michael Feinstein and Clark Terry. His beautiful and lyrical trumpet sound can be heard on the soundtrack to Ken Burns’ “Baseball” documentary with his mournful rendition of “Take me out to the Ballgame”. George is an American Civil War historian and has published books and CDs on the origins and development of American military bugle calls. He has been a UARTS faculty member since 1998.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Randy Kapralick (trombone) Randy has played lead trombone for the legendary Motown groups The Four Tops & The Temptations. Throughout his career, Randy has had the chance to perform/record with Tito Puente, Aretha Franklin, Joe Henderson, Gerry Mulligan, Joe Lovano, Maria Schneider, KC & the Sunshine Band, Frankie Valli, Bill Watrous, and Robert Goulet. Randy is the chair of the trombone department at the University of the Arts and received his BA in Studio Music & Jazz Performance from the University of Miami School of Music..

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Kennedy (guitar) has studied with, among others, Jimmy Bruno, Larry McKenna, Bob DiNardo, Joe Federico, and Allan Slutsky. Mike has been teaching guitar for over 17 years. Over the past few years, Mike has had the opportunity to perform with such renowned Philadelphia jazz musicians as Larry McKenna and John Swana and has also has performed with international pop artists such as Lou Rawls, Michael Feinstein, Bernadette Peters, and Elton John. With a sound based in the bebop tradition, yet with a definite modern presence, Mike collected a series of ten tunes for his first self-produced jazz CD, Quartet No. 1, which was released in late 2002. The album received exceptional reviews that praise both the compositions and the musicians. The CD has had airplay in the Philadelphia area, as well as overseas. Mike is presently on the faculty of the University of the Arts where he earned his MM degree and now serves as chair of the guitar department.

Tony Miceli (vibes) In the ’80s, he performed throughout Germany, Holland, Belgium and England with Mallet Madness. He crossed the Atlantic to team up with an ensemble of mostly German musicians interpreting ’60s classic rock into a straight-ahead format. Closer to home, he performs as a leader or sideman in countless jazz clubs and concert halls including: Verizon Hall at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Zanzibar Blue, World Cafe Live, Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus, Chris’s Jazz Cafe, the Painted Bride and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mozart: Reloaded, a January ’06 project for the Kimmel Center’s award-winning Fresh Ink series has Miceli featured as one of the guest artists paying tribute to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in honor of his 250th birthday. Recordings include a self-titled compilation CD; Looking East with the Philly 5; On a Sweet Note, Gerald Veasley and the Electric Mingus Project; Band Shapes with French pianist Olivier Hutman; Monkadelphia; Music From the Inside Out, a companion CD for the new documentary showcasing The Philadelphia Orchestra; and three upcoming CD’s: with Concord Jazz recording artist and guitarist, Jimmy Bruno; with Adam Unsworth, French hornist with The Philadelphia Orchestra and a BMG tribute album to Luther Vandross. In addition to leading his own ensembles, Miceli has performed with Dave Liebman, Ken Peplowski, John Blake, John Swana, Joe Magnarelli, Steve Slagle and others. He is a member of PhilOrch Jazz Ensemble, a quartet featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Adam Unsworth ensemble. He received the BM degree in percussion from The University of the Arts.

 

Bassist Kevin MacConnell has enjoyed a busy and varied career since moving to Philadelphia in 1982. He has performed with jazz greats Mel Torme, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, and has performed and recorded with tenor saxophonist Ernie Watts. He is equally at home in the classical venues as well, having performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Philly Pops and numerous small chamber ensembles. Kevin has performed in numerous “pit” ensembles for performances of “Floyd Collins”, “Candide”, “Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues” and “Chasing Nicolette” to name a few. He has also shared the stage with James Naughton and Faith Prince and of course Paula West. Kevin has worked extensively with tenor saxophonist, Larry McKenna and is featured on Larry’s latest release “Profile” which has received critical acclaim across the U.S. Kevin studied at West Chester State College in the mid-seventies and has studied privately with bassist Domenick Fiore and new york based jazz pianist Sal Mosca (a Lennie Tristano protege’). He teaches at the University of the Arts.

 

 

Tom Lawton studied in Philadelphia with renowned pianist Bernard Peiffer, who had emigrated here from France. After Bernard’s death, Tom began a long association with the late bassist Al Stauffer, who had accompanied Peiffer for several years. Tom and Al were once among Philly’s most visible proponents of free improvisation and were often seen at the Painted Bride and Khyber Pass back when those venues still supported the style. In ensuing years, they were seen playing more subdued (but no less creative) jazz styles at the Fountain Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel. Tom now just subs at the Four Seasons, but can be seen frequently at Chris’ Jazz Cafe. He teaches at Bucks Community College, Temple University and the University of the Arts. Tom is considered by many to be one of Philadelphia’s brightest undiscovered talents. His playing is awe-inspiring and he defines “two handed” piano playing.

Erik Johnson has been a performing musician and composer in Philadelphia for the past 20 years. He was a member of the acclaimed Interscope Records act “Huffamoose” during the 1990′s, touring extensively and performing on many television and radio shows including “Late Night With Conan O’Brien.” Since 1998, Erik has been focusing on an original rock music project, “The Fractals,” with former members of Huffamoose Jim Stager and Kevin Hanson (The Roots, Jay-Z, many others) as well as returning to his jazz roots. From 1998 through 2003 he was a member of Ben Schachter’s “Trio of Many” during which time he recorded with Tim Hagans, Jef Lee Johnson, Gary Bartz and others. Erik has performed with John Swana, Larry McKenna, George Garzone, Jack Walrath, and many other jazz luminaries. Erik was a member of Temple University’s music faculty for eight years and on faculty at The University of the Arts.