Opus was recorded January and February 2006.I wrote all the songs except Opus 11 in November and December 2005. I composed Opus 1 threw 10 in order which I've never done before, the stream of conciseness just happened that way. I could not think of any song titles, so "Opus" became the title for each work. Opus 11 aka Dex circa 1979 was a old song I wrote in 1979 as a student at the Berklee College of Music, Boston. The song originally appeared on a album by Frank Macchia called "Bogga Bogga" in 1980. Please NOTE, Opus 6 is available at www.heatrecords.com, but not on the album due to length, it features guitarist Jeff Miley, who play's his ass off, so it was a difficult decision to leave the song off the album, but that's show biz.
I used John Lewis on drums, who is also a friend and brother to me. Steve Weingart plays all the burning synth and keyboard solo's on this album. Steve is a musician beyond the outer planets, he can play anything, yet his great vibe and inspiration really separates him from the rest. Jeff Miley is the best young guitarist in Los Angeles, he's a star on the rise.(that's my opinion)
I just like to end by saying thanks to all the great musician's in my life who make it possible to keep bangin' that gong....
Peace,
Tommy Lockett
Tommy Lockett has played as a bassist with John Stowell, Mingo Lewis, Jamie Glaser, Ronnie Montrose, Michael Gibbs,
Steve Weingart, Jeff Miley, Atma Anur, Colin Chin, Herb Pomeroy, Frank Macchia, Brad Hatfield, Michael Hatfield, Ron Feuer, David Goldblat, Michael Moore, Rick Vandivier, Ray Frisbie, Lindsey Boullt.
Tommy has worked as a Music Editor and done Scoring sessions with the London Symphony Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic, Bill Conti, George Fenton, John Frizzell, Mark Isham, Reinhold Heil, and Johnny Klimek.
Tommy is the CEO of Heat Records an Indie Jazz Label based in Los Angeles featuring artist, John Stowell, Jamie Glaser, Steve Weingart, Jeff Miley, and John Lewis.
Steve Weingart wrote music, recorded, engineered and produced a solo project entitled 'Life Times'. In the midst of touring, Steve is currently following this CD up with 2 more recordings which will be available in summer of 2006. These 2 recent CDs also feature fellow Yamaha artist, drummer Tom Brechtlein. Each CD reflects Steve's love of improvisational music. On one CD the music is created with electronic instruments, and the 2nd CD is an all acoustic endeavor.
Some of the other people that Steve has played with:
Chaka Khan - Frank Gambale - Scott Henderson - Eric Marienthal - Kenny Rankin - Jimmy Earl - Ernie Watts - Alain Caron - Michael Ruff - Warren Hill - Marilyn Scott -Jimmy Haslip - Terry Lynn Carrington - Jason Scheff - Keith Howland - Robben Ford - John Pattituci
Jeff Miley has been immersed in the Los Angeles music scene since the
mid-1980's, with an intense dedication to continually improve his
abilities as a composer and as an instrumentalist. He has an
extensive background in both classical and improvisational music.
Jeff recieved a B.M. in classical guitar performance from California
State University Northridge in 1988. He was a member of the first
guitar ensemble ever to have been invited to perform in the
prestigous Tokyo International Chamber Music Festival, and as a
member of this group, he won the Andres' Segovia Performance Award
from the American Guitar Society. Jeff has been featured in Guitar
Player Magazine (winning that publication's "Spotlight Award"),
Gendai Guitar Magazine (Japan), and Jazzwise (U.K.), to name a few.
To date, He has been intimately involved in the release of 5 CD's
featuring his original compositions, including two with his trio,
Code 3. Jeff feels blessed by the wonderful musicians and musical
projects that continue to enter his life.
John Lewis has recorded, toured and played with many great entertainers, composers and musicians. Artists like: Melissa Manchester, Paul Williams, Natalie Cole, Paula Abdul, The Judds, Michael McDonald, Sam Kinison, M.C. Ren, Charo, Gloria Trevi, Marvin Hamlisch, The Temptations, 5th Dimension, Bill Conti, David Benoit, Dave Koz, Ronnie Foster, Gregg Karukas, Shelby Flint, Rick Braun, Peter White, Jonathan Butler, Greg Walker, Chris Botti, Steve Cole, Euge Groove, Scott Wilkie, Mindi Abair, John Stowell, David Lanz, ALT, Candyman, Allegro, Eric Marienthal, Grant Geissman, Jamie Glaser, Michael O’Neill, BrainBox, J.C. Mark, Mike Pinera, Michael Winslow, Brothers Figaro, Keiko Saijo, Michelle Nicastro, Gary Puckett, Jaime Rogers, and Kids of the Century.
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