'The Gennett Suite' - CD Release Party -- Buselli / Wallarab Jazz Orchestra

The Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra makes an overdue return to the Jazz Kitchen with the world premier LIVE concert of Brent Wallarab’s The Gennett Suite.  The 4-movement jazz suite is a tribute to Richmond, Indiana’s Gennett Records and the jazz greats that recorded there in the 1920s: King Oliver, Jelly Roll, Hoagy, Bix, and Louis.  As such, it recognizes the critical role that these musicians, this studio, and the state of Indiana played in the worldwide popularization of Jazz and the development of a distinct American identity and character.

The Suite was inspired by such jazz classics as Tin Roof Blues, Chimes Blues, Davenport Blues, Stardust, Riverboat Shuffle, King Porter Stomp, and more!  Wallarab’s composition takes these songs, expands them to a 17-piece jazz orchestra, and gives them a modern, fresh twist while remaining true to their original nature.

The BWJO recorded The Gennett Suite in Bloomington in August of 2022, and the CD is set for release in mid-April with an LP to follow later in 2023.  Noted jazz historians John Hasse and David Brent Johnson are writing the liner notes. Classic artwork for the cover and discs is complete and both a website and documentary (the recording session and interviews with key principals have been taped) are under development.  A global launch and PR campaign will accompany the CD release.

The Gennett Suite will be preceded by Wallarab’s own arrangement of Aaron Copeland’s famed Fanfare for the Common Man as commissioned by Indianapolis’ Melissa and Ted Mau.