Bass Trombonist Russ Zokaites To Release Debut Album In November
Dr. Russ Zokaites, visiting assistant professor of music at Morehead State University, is releasing his debut album “Bootleg” on Friday, November 5th. The album, published by Centaur Records and distributed through NAXOS, will be available on all streaming services.
Bootleg is a project showcasing Appalachian-inspired music based on folk music or elements of folk music. These four selections use a variety of instrumentation and compositional techniques to create classical music with a distinctly American sound. Each composition is unique, approaching the concept in a different style and a distinctive context. The tuneful collection focuses on melodies, rhythms, and harmonies that are easily approachable for the listener.
Music composed for the album includes music from GRAMMY Award-winning Kenneth Fuchs, American Prize-winning Martin Hebel, Brad Edwards, and Will Timmons. Collaborating Musicians, Timothy Anderson, William A. Murphy, Gina Pizzoli, and The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” under the direction of Col. Andrew Esch.
Click here to Pre-Order Bootleg.
John Romero, Principal Trombone of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra says, “Russ Zokaites shines in this diverse and colorful album made during one of the most trying times in modern history. From chamber music to fully orchestrated concertos, he finds a unique and warm voice that takes you on a musical journey into many different landscapes. I particularly enjoyed the lush interplay of cello, piano, and bass trombone in “Serenity” by Martin Hebel, and the funky looped beats and harmonies of “A Strange Wayfarer” by William Timmons.”
From George Curran, Bass Trombone of the New York Philharmonic: “Russ Zokaites has assembled a great collection of new pieces that he has had a large hand in getting composed. Brad Edwards’s duets – composed for Zokaites – are excellent concert duets that he and CCM Trombone Professor Tim Anderson handle with excellent style and smooth coordination. In Martin Hebel’s Serenity, Zokaites uses his opportunity to sing a beautiful soulful Appalachian tune in a chamber setting with piano and cello. The cornerstone of this recording is his commission of Grammy winner Kenneth Fuchs in a beautiful concerto for bass trombone, performed with the US Army Band. Zokaites’s playing is light and lyrical, ranging easily from flying high phrases to majestic statements in the low pedal range. Fellow South Carolinian and CCM grad, Will Timmons wrote a very compelling piece for bass trombone and loop station that slowly builds up in momentum. Zokaites plays with varying styles and colors to create a brilliant sonic texture in an exciting conclusion. This is a worthy recording that will introduce you to an excellent bass trombonist performing new music inspired by his Appalachian home.”
Click here to Pre-Order Bootleg.
Russ Zokaites has had a diverse career as a musician and trombonist. His performance credits include recording the Fuchs Bass Trombone Concerto with the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” performances with the Dayton Philharmonic, Kentucky Symphony, Bergan Philharmonic (Norway), The Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, and live of Netherlands Radio 4. In 2014, Zokaites recorded the #1 pop hit in the Netherlands with the band Sunday Sun.
Zokaites’ work in new music consists of interdisciplinary collaborations and social commentary. Mood Swings (2021, McGillicuddy, Findley) presents music composed during the COVID-19 pandemic. His recent album Bootleg (2021, Fuchs, Edwards, Hebel, Timmons) uses folk tunes and elements of American music to convey aspects of Appalachian Identity. The Wild Called Maxx (2016, Whitney George composer, Sammy Lopez illustrator) combines original and popular music with an illustrated storybook about a young millennial searching for a home. The Ghettoblaster Project (2014, the Netherlands) showcased seven compositions recycling noise pollution through a wall of 1980’s boomboxes. Transformative Perspectives (2014, the Netherlands) combined poetry and music in humorous social observation. Included music:
Brad Edwards (1963)
Latchn Duets (2018)
1. I Everlasting Arms
2. II He’s Gone Away
3. III Sweet Betsy from Pike
Timothy Anderson, tenor trombone
Martin Hebel (1990)
Serenity: Trio for Bass Trombone, Cello, and Piano (2017)
Gina Pezzoli, cello William A. Murphy, piano
Kenneth Fuchs (1956)
Bass Trombone Concerto (2018)
The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” conductor: Col. Andrew Esch
William Timmons (1985)
A Strange Wayfarer for Bass Trombone and Looping Station (2020)
Click here to Pre-Order Bootleg.
