Bill Evans, Victor Feldman, Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, Don Grolnick, Chick Corea, Jan Hammer, Joe Zawinul, Duke & Strayhorn, Cedar Walton, George Cables, Hal Galper, Andy LaVerne, Max Middleton, Richard Tee, Art Tatum, Clare Fischer, Red Garland, Elton John, Billy Joel, Debussy, Bach, Bird, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Michael Brecker, Joe Farrell, Tom Scott, John Patitucci, Jaco Pastorius, Miles Davis, Kenny Wheeler, Rich Matteson, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich, Basie, The Yellow Jackets, Weather Report, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Roby Duke, Thomas Dolby, Rush, The Beatles, John Cougar Mellencamp, Randy Stonehill, The Imperials, Creedence Clearwater, Neil Sedaka, Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross, The Guess Who, Joni Mitchell, Gary Wright, Grand Funk, The Who, Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Anything Motown, Stax & so many others.....
This is 21st century jazz, more difficult to describe than to simply savor.
-Scott Yanow
Nick Manson, John Patitucci, Ian Froman & Andy Suzuki
Recorded in NYC on St. Patrick’s Day, 2008, the improvisational music included within Mercator has little to do with luck, and everything to do with musicality, patience and soulful virtuosity.
Mercator is the result of four journeyman jazz musicians’ willingness to allow seven newly penned compositions; never before performed or rehearsed, take them across a broad, emotional, sonic spectrum, without any imposed limitations.
Three of Mercator’s compositions are dedicated to the recently departed Roby Duke. The musical tour de force that was Roby had an incredible impact upon Nick, John and Andy’s quest as composers and artists who strive for excellence. Patitucci’s “Roby” is homage to the heart and soul of the friendship which Roby extended to so many aspiring musicians and adoring fans during his lifetime. Andy Suzuki’s “Red Door” pays tribute to the ferocity with which Roby was capable of displaying towards musical and philosophical ideals worthy of attainment. And Nick’s composition, Mercator, addresses the intellectual and reflective side of Roby Duke, which was guarded and shared with only small number of Roby’s most trusted confidants.
The remaining four compositions within Mercator will excite the imagination too, with incredible free, improvisational cadenzas played by John and Ian, as well as solos by Nick and Andy that are wonderfully weaved into the tapestry of each intriguing tune.
Mercator is undoubtedly a recorded documentation of one of those “must have” moments in emotionally and keenly executed improvisational music.
Nick Manson, Andy Suzuki, Dean Taba and Abe Lagrimas, Jr.
Live at The Honolulu Club. The tune is from Andy Suzuki's cd, Blue Perspective. It's called Mr. D.T, written for bassist, Dean Taba!
Nick plays Wayne Shorter's "Fee Fi Fo Fum" with Andy Suzuki, Kye Palmer, Dave Tull and Larry Muradian.
Hye Nick, Happy new year to you too! Lemeno when your in town, it would be good to see you and play some music too! My contact info is all the same. Looking forward to hearing your CD! THX! Rob
Hey Nick, it's been a long time man. I hope all is well with you in Arizona! Hey, I'm just picking up a copy of your new CD and looking forward to hearing it! Thanks for the connection to Guy! Best, Rob
Thanks Nick, it means a lot! You were great! Solos were beautiful and burning! What a pleasure it is to play with someone who is so well rounded in all dialects of the language of music! I'm happy to know ya! :-) I want to play! Peace to you and Nona!!!
Hey Nick thanks man, i really appreciate it. I got to hear you play before we started and you were killing man, no doubt! I look forward to hooking up with you and Mario on some music in the future. Rock steady man, DA
I miss the little poop too---Isent Brant a text msg today but havent heard back from him..I want togo see him as soon as I can. NealandI are planning a trip to see him--I have just gotten Momma settled in an apt in Greenwood so I will have more free time--I think--take care and keep on keepin on--
Hey Nick! I just picked up "Mercator" from itunes, and I'm enjoying it VERY much! New York is great! Thanks for staying in touch and congrats on another excellent recording. Hope to see you soon.
Thanks so much for the add! Mercator is incredible...you should be very proud. Would love to see you live in Boston one day w/Prof. Froman! Very best, Steve
"Real Love Tried And True" is so romantic! Thank you so much for accepting my friendship. You put a smile on my face today...Keep the music flowing my new friend.
Hey Nick, you were awesome last night! Thanks for doing the gig with me! Looking forward to playing with the project again! Got some new tunes! Peace to you...
Fantastic, three cd's Super talented guys! Hmmmmm....Might have to go 4 sure!! Shantih says Hi! We are at Studio 770 finishing up my debut CD release Stuff! Woo Hoo! bye 4 now, Peggie
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