New Jazz from NJ Saxophonist Tom Tallitsch – Ride!! (Video)

So this morning I loaded up two new jazz albums on the iPhone to serve as the soundtrack for my trip to Trader Joe’s, and then proceeded to listen to neither of the albums!! What I did listen to on the way over was Ride the great new release from New Jersey resident Tom Tallitsch!! The album has been on the iPhone for a week or more now and the more I listen to it, the more I like it!!

Tom is another one of those busy busy people who seem to thrive on having a lot of irons in the fire!! He is a  Saxophonist, Composer, Recording Artist, Music Educator, and Host of ‘The Modern Jazz Radio Show’!! The album Ride had me from the very first track, which is also the title track!. “Ride” opens with Tom’s sax and the rhythm section of bassist Peter Brendler, drummer  Rudy Royston and the trombone of Michael Dease. leading the way to the terrific piano of Art Hirahara, who hands off to Royton, who provides a great drum solo before returning to Tom’s tenor saxophone – it’s a great ride!!

But back to all those other hats talented Tom wears. Tom…

…is musical director, and composer for the multi-media dance company Big Sky Project, founded by his wife Carrie Ellmore-Tallitsch.

….owns a highly recommended music tutoring business in Princeton, NJ

….is a popular jazz educator and clinician. He is the founding director of the Central NJ Homeschool Bands, works as a piano tutor to students with autism at The Princeton Child Development Institute

…..was a member of the artist faculty at Mercer County Community College from 1999-2006. He

…..has taught at The Westminster Conservatory, Philadelphia Clef Club, Creative Music Studios, The Groove Academy, and many more.  He

…..is a gifted music educator who has given lectures and clinics at many top high schools including The Lawrenceville School and The Pennington School. He has had students continue on to pursue professional careers at conservatories throughout the country.

….hosts his own jazz radio show titled “The Modern Jazz Radio Show” on the Mercer County Jazz Station WWFM Jazzon2 89.1 HD2. The show features Tom’s own personal jazz picks and commentary, and airs every Thursday evening from 8:00 to 10:00 pm.  Weekly playlists are sent to all artists, record companies, and publicists. Complete biography

When Tom a native of Cleveland, Ohio, does get to go home, which appears to happen rarely it is to Jersey City!!

So check out this fine album! As for me, I’m listening to the latest release from Art Hirahara, as I type this, and plan on checking out a few of Tom’s other releases!!

Here’s a performance of the song “Ride” recorded at At Smalls 2/9/14…..