Soul Conversations (2021)

Artist: Ulysses Owens Jr.
Personnel:  Trumpeters Walter Cano, Benny Benack III, Summer Camargo and Giveton Gelin; Trombonists Eric Miller, Gina Benalcazar, Wyatt Forhan, Chris Glassman, Seth Weaver and Michael Dease who also serves as the album’s associate producer; Alto players Alexa Tarantino and Erena Terakubo, Tenor players Diego Rivera and Daniel Dickinson; and Baritone player Andy Gatauskas as well as Pianist Takeshi Ohbayashi, Bassist Yasushi Nakamura, Vocalist Charles Turner III and special guest Vibraphonist Stefon Harris.
Description: Soul Conversations was recorded in New York City at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club during Owens Jr.'s December birthday week in early December 2019. But his big band made it's performance debut there two years prior. With it's exuberant sound, sophisticated swagger, undeniable soul, and multifaceted lineup and songbook, the UOJ Big Band is primed to become an ascending juggernaut star on the early 21st century jazz scene.
Alexa's Role: Alto Saxophone
Label: Outside-In Music