Mike Conrad’s “Fertile Soil Suite”
Soloists: Christopher Merz (soprano saxophone), Dave Rezek (trumpet)
Soloists: Jen Tiede (alto saxophone), Steve Wheeler (flugelhorn), Mike Conrad (piano), Simon Harding (baritone saxophone and flute)
Soloists: Anthony Williams (trombone), Rich Medd (trombone), Joel Nagel (trombone), Nolan Schroeder (tenor saxophone)
Soloists: Robert Espe (alto saxophone), Jon Ailabouni (trumpet), Steve Grismore (guitar)
The "Fertile Soil Suite" celebrates Iowa with original music inspired by unique aspects of the state, performed by Iowa's top jazz musicians.
Battleground - Inspired by Iowa's unique position as the first state to caucus in the U.S. Presidential primary season, and all of the chaos and tension that comes with that
Ioway - Created with themes taken from field recordings of Native American Siouan people
Hog Heaven - Playing on the fact that nearly one-third of the nation's hogs are raised in Iowa
Flyover - Exploring feelings associated with often being overlooked, ignored, or underestimated as a state in the middle of the country
The project is supported, in part, by the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Woodwinds: Robert Espe, Jen Tiede, Christopher Merz, Nolan Schroeder, Simon Harding
Trumpets: Cory Schmitt, Dave Rezek, Jon Ailabouni, Steve Wheeler
Trombone: Anthony Williams, Rich Medd, Joel Nagel, Zack Morton
Rhythm Section: Steve Grismore (guitar), Mike Conrad (piano and compositions), Drew Morton (bass), Dave Tiede (drums)