“Lighter Skies” from the album DOWNSTREAM by West End Composers Collective [WECC] is available on iTunes.
Founded by trumpeter/composer Laura Kahle and pianist/arranger Steve Newcomb, the West End Composers Collective began in 2003 as a monthly gathering of Brisbane’s creative improvising musicians, composers and arrangers to workshop original works at the Tongue and Groove café, West End.
With the success of these monthly gatherings, the growth in repertoire and a grant from Arts Queensland, they launched their debut album “Downstream” on February 11th, 2004 at Brisbane’s famous The Zoo music venue. The launch supported internationally acclaimed artists Ingrid Jensen (Trumpet) and Jon Wikan (Drums), on tour from the USA.
Recorded by Dave Neil 8th Dec, 2003
Mixed by Geoff McGahan
Mastered by Dave Neil at Jumpstart Studios, Brisbane, Australia
Cover painting by Kimba Fatiaki
Tech assistance & photos by Mark Winters
Produced by Laura Kahle & Steve Newcomb
Laura Kahle - composer, flugel (9, 10)
Kristin Berardi - vocals
Shannon Marshall - trumpet/flugel (all except 4)
Shane Hooten - trumpet (4, 9)
Mikael Strand - trombone (all except 5)
Sam Denning - trombone (5, 6, 9)
Phil Noy - alto sax
Isaac Hurren - tenor sax
Graeme Norris - baritone sax
Steve Newcomb - piano
James Sherlock - guitar
Eugene Romaniuk - double bass
Joe Marchisella - drums