The Groningen Art Ensemble is a unique collective of artists with a common interest in jazz as well as education.  While the ensemble members have settled in the New York Metropolitan area they all share the jazz education responsibilities at the Prins Claus Conservatoire of the Hanze University in Groningen .  As jazz musicians they practice their art in a worldwide arena.  As educators in the Groningen program they trade one week stints at the conservatoire on an eight week rotating schedule.  The connecting factor for these artist is their passion for the music and the clear understanding and desire to keep the art form alive and pass on the tradition. 

THE BAND

Joris Teepe, bass – leader; David Berkman, piano; Don Braden, saxophone; Dena DeRose, vocals, piano; Conrad Herwig, trombone; Ron Jackson, guitar; Brian Lynch, trumpet ; Ralph Peterson, drums

THE MUSIC

New York Comes to Groningen – 5:23 (Joris Teepe)

Keep It Simple – 3:15 (words and music by Ralph Peterson)

Father Time – 6:50 (Don Braden)

Blood Count – 6:48 (Billy Strayhorn, arranged by David Berkman)

Further Arrivals – 8:14 (Brian Lynch)

I’m Old Fashioned – 5:18 (Kern/Mercer, arranged by Dena DeRose)

Take the Coltrane – 5:28 (Duke Ellington, arranged by Joris Teepe)

Mitote – 6:42 (Conrad Herwig)

All My Tomorrows – 6:40 (Van Heusen/Cahn, arranged by Ron Jackson)

Racer X – 5:43 (Ralph Peterson)

Reprise: New York Comes To Groningen – 1:08 (music and lyrics by Joris Teepe)

PRODUCTION

Planet Arts Recordings - Thomas Bellino – executive producer/producer

Produced under the auspices of Hanze University/Prins Claus Conservatoire

Joris Teepe –  producer

Recorded on December 20 & 21, 2003 at Knoop Studio's in New Jersey . - Manfred Knoop, engineer

Mixed and mastered on December 29, 2004 by Don Braden & Joris Teepe at Convergent Sound Works – South Orange , New Jersey

“…a thoroughly enjoyable and fresh approach to the hard bop lexicon”