Dr Richard Miller

Following the success of Word of Mouth Revisited, the critically acclaimed and award winning 2003 release on Heads Up International, the Jaco Pastorius Big Band has crafted a second chapter in their ongoing tribute to the brilliant legacy of the bassist/composer/arranger from whom they've taken their name. The Word Is Out!, an album that features an array of guest artists-not only on bass, but on a variety of other instruments.

This compilation features recordings made between 1950 and 1959 and proves the outstanding pianist to be an equally brilliant and exciting performer of the works of Mozart, Beethoven, Weber, Chopin, Debussy, Ravel and Strauss. In addition the compilation boasts highlights from the legendary 1956 Birdland sessions.

Vocalist Allyson Brigg of Fleur Seule has a sound, style and soul hauntingly reminiscent of a young Peggy Lee. Her sweet tone has just enough of a dash of early Billie Holiday to mix a sweet smile with infectious swing, and it works amazingly well on this album where she’s supported on a mix and match bassist with Jason Yeager/p, Michael O’Brien/b, Paul Francis/dr, Andy Warren/tp, Richard E Miller/g, Ivan Llanes/perc and a handful of background vocalists.