Hybrid Jazz From Trish Hennessey - with Fred Hughes!

This is not the first time that Fred Hughes has visited the show.  Everytime he does, it's always huge fun - and insightful!  The heart, mind and soul of an acclaimed pianist - are you kidding?  And then there is the fact that Fred is so GENUINE.  It's why his music shines.  With his latest project (his 8th), he and his trio shine even more than usual.  Here's why - and a reviewer has already alluded to this: these choices on the album are viewed as "untouchable" in certain circles.  What Fred, Amy Shook and Frank Russo do is throw them up in the air, catch them gently, and wrap them in warm blankets - after giving these babies a healthy pat on the bottom :)  It's CHOICE work from these three!

Fred's background is gold, seriously.  By 25, he was already known way beyond his hometown of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His world class piano skills, combined with his reputation as a conductor to watch, were already widely known in Seoul, Korea.  The contributions that Fred made to the First Army Band in Fort Meade, Maryland - and the 8th Army Band in Seoul - set the pace for more recognition.  In a BIG way.  Because Fred eventually made his way to the TOP of the line regarding bands: the U.S. Army's "Jazz Ambassadors!"

Now, here's the thing: Fred was trained to love both Classical and Jazz.  He has a gift for interpreting what composers always meant for future fingers on their work.  He had formed Jazz ensembles through the years but also kept the love for what he learned in his early years of playing.  That's how we arrive at "Matrix."  All that knowledge of orchestration, music directing for 3 Mo' Tenors, touring all over the world, and feeling comfortable as an educator culminates in this recording. There is MUCH more to say about Fred :)  Join us on 2/1 for exactly that!