In Times Like These (smooth classics)
Adventurous, yet tasty smooth playing by guitarist J.B.Mitchell and sax/fluteman Larry McRae .
The style of these cuts should appeal to many, on one level or another, whether it be intellectually, emotion- ally, musically, or spiritually . Mitchell and McRae have sought to fuse many varied musical styles in a collection of songs that can challenge or soothe the listener. Interweaving saxophone, guitar, and flute solo and ensemble work, with backgrounds of mostly smooth rich rhythmic textures.
Whether you prefer jazz , smooth jazz, gospel or pop, etc. you should find this CD to your liking.
A truly unique musical journey! Check out \"In Times Like These\" for some inspired playing, and wonderfully imaginative arrangements and productions.!!
KARLEDOR PRODUCTIONS
Presents...
Recording Artists
in Performance
LARRY McRAE earned music degrees from El
Camino College and California State University, and is a prolific arranger and composer of
instrumental and vocal music, as well as a conductor and recording artist. His guitar, flute, and saxophone performances are primarily dedicated to gospel music ministry. However, he has worked musically with such Pop and Jazz artists as Donald Byrd, Bill Cosby,
Marvin Gaye, Ronnie Laws, Patrice Rushen,Little Richard, Jeffrey Osborne,Gerald Wilson, The Quincy Jones Workshop, The Sylvers, Sonny Stitt,Harold Land, and the Tom Scott Band. Mr. McRae has worked with such recording and performing religious artists as Shelton Kilby, Dannibelle, the Angelus Temple Orchestra, and Brenda Spraggins.
While on staff with the Inglewood Philharmonic and the Afro-American Chamber Music Society, Mr. McRae was commissioned to orchestrate a variety of works including pieces for opera singers Shirley Verette and William Warfield.
For several years, he taught for L.A. Unified School District . In addition, Mr. McRae tutors privately, and conducts and performs with a Gospel Big Band!
Mr. McRae concertizes throughout Southern California, and is in demand as a composer, arranger, and song developer. He records with his artistic partner, J.B. Mitchell, and manages their concern, Karledor Productions.
J. B. MITCHELL began piano lessons at a young
age and studied drums and percussion at Locke
High School where he performed with such artists as
Ndugu Chanceler, Patrice Rushen, and his
instructor, Reggie Andrews. He became an accomplished acoust-ic and electric bassist and and guitarist while studying music at Oakwood College. He was in
demand there as an instrumentalist and performed with vocal ensembles, as well.
While attending college in Alabama, Mr. Mitchell developed his skills as a sound technician and recording engineer. He has worked with such artists as Take 6, Wintley Phipps, Linda Hopkins, Howard McCrary, Joe Sample, and
Billie Thedford, and was offered a position with the late jazz drummer, Buddy Rich.
In addition to performing and recording jazz and gospel music with his collaborator, Larry McRae, Mr. Mitchell is known for his portrait artwork which has been exhibited and published in respected magazines. He has worked
with challenged troubled youth for many years in the juvenille probation field, and sees music as an avenue for af\"positive lifestyle change in people of
all ages.