Compass was organized and based from 1969 through 1973 in Oneonta where the group performed primarily in concert settings at colleges and universities, mostly in New York State. Compass performances feature both original compositions as well the works of many of Americas greatest jazz legends.

Fast Facts:

• Compass was 1 of 5 musical groups on a promotional program that opened the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in 1972.
• Compass continues to performed throughout 2017 before quietly retiring the band, though Tom Ives and Rick Lawn continue to perform
• Compass personnel remained unchanged for over 42 years!

The quartet personnel unchanged since 1971

Rick Lawn [saxophones], Joel Chace [keyboard], Tom Ives [bass] and Albert Colone[drums].

Lawn, a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, has had a stellar career in music teaching that has taken him from the University of Northern Iowa, to being Director of Jazz Studies at both the University of Texas and now at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where he is the former Dean of the College of Performing Arts and Professor Emeritus in the School of Music.

Chace, a native of Walton, currently teaches English at the Kent Place School in New Providence, NJ. Joel is a widely published poet and information about his work can be easily found by “Googling” him.

Colone runs a sport consulting business from Oneonta, his home town where he founded the International Soccer Hall of Fame.

Ives, a graduate of Potsdam’s Crane School of Music, recently retired as a music teacher from Cooperstown CS. Before his tenure at Cooperstown, he produced successful music programs at both Cherry Valley CS and at Draper CS. He and his wife Lorraine are founders of Cherry Valley Designs, producing hand made candles, Shalker furniture, and beautifully loomed quilts and such.

Check out this video excerpt from their recent performance at The Smithy Art studio and gallery in Cooperstown, NY .

Upcoming Compass Dates in 2016

Discography

The band self produced an album entitled, “Compass Rises” in 1971 that featured original compositions written and arranged by Lawn and Ives. The original tracks are now considered collectors items by some and have been highly sought after by collectors. Record producers from as far away as France, Spain and the UK have requested copies and entertained a reissue of the original album. Recently Friederiksberg Records reissued Compass Rises on a high quality vinyl Lp and in digital formats through BandCamp [https://frederiksbergrecords.bandcamp.com/album/compass-rises]. Both the LP and digital download, which includes a live bonus track “Rain Dance,” includes an insert with the history of the band including some nicely reproduced photos of the band from the early 1970s. In addition, “Pharoah’s Thing” from the album has been licensed to Jazzman Records in the UK who will soon release a complilation of tracks by other “indie” jazz groups.

What is Man?

Ives, with Lawn, composed and arranged “What is Man?” an ecumenical jazz service that featured jazz quartet, church organ, voices, a baritone soloist and a narrator with an visual presentation. It was premiered in New York City and later produced for television by Iowa Public Broadcasting by Lawn and the University of Northern Iowa. Scenes from this video production are available below. Many have asked if this cantata is available and we are happy to report that it now is available in rental form. The music can be rented along with the quartet, or if you prefer, Tom and Rick will help to rehearse the work in preparation for performance by ensembles of your choosing. Fees are negotiable based on the package that best suits your needs.

Video Excerpts from WHAT IS MAN?

Opening Scene

Second Scene

Third Scene

Fourth Scene

Fifth Scene

Sixth Scene

Seventh Scene

Final Scene