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A couple of weeks ago I received an email asking me if I would be interested in receiving a promotional copy of Jon Sass's new solo CD "Sassified". I have gotten a a few of these requests before and some of the stuff I have received has been pretty good. I emailed back telling the individual that I had heard Jon Sass live before and enjoyed what he does but would not endorse a recording which I did not feel enthusiastic about.
Well, as I type this I am listening to some fantastic sounds which can't be summed up in sheet music. Jon Sass is a true musician who trancends his instrument. This recording houses no Hindemith or Vaughan Williams. This CD is an aural adventure into what is possible when the mind is allowed to communicate effortlessly through a well trained and well experienced musician through his chosen voice. In this case it happens to be the same instrument most of us here also play, but this is not the voice most of us play.
This CD is difficult to explain without actually experiencing it. There is unaccompanied, ensembled, multitracking, rock beats, comedy, funk, introspection, multiphonics, vocals.
Jon Sass's new "Sassified" represents what can happen when an artist chooses the tuba.
Thank you Jon for the email. And thank you for expanding our minds as to what is possible. His abilities break out of the occasional tuba conference and enter easily into the mainstream.
Jon Sass's website is here: http://www.jonsass.com/
