Yuma Jazz Company releases CD

95 North is the title of the newly-released CD by Yuma Jazz Company. The seven selections were composed by Steven Hennig, who plays trumpet and flugelhorn with the quintet.

Recording at the Chaton Studios in Phoenix with Henning are Brian Carlson, alto and tenor saxophones, Carl Posch, guitar, Jon Knudtson, bass, and Brandon Coz, drums.

The quintet will be introducing the CD during their performance at Julieanna's Patio Cafe, 1951 W. 25th St., Friday, and Lutes Casino, 221 S. Main St. Saturday. Both shows will be from 7 to 9 p.m.

There is no cover charge and patrons can order from the establishments menus.

"The new CD title is about a stretch of road that goes to anywhere, north or out of town, from Yuma," Hennig said. "The music for the CD projects a variety of styles, vehicles for the framework or improvisations for feeling.

"One of the numbers I titled 'Carlypso' because Carl didn't like to play one of the calypsos we had, so I wrote one more 'palatable' for him. It has a definite Latin feeling."

More new original instrumentals have swing, straight ahead jazz - Mixed Feelings - a "heartfelt, darker moody ballad style" Henning explained.

This CD has not yet been reviewed. "Our first one, 'Shades After Dark' has received very positive reviews in publications of Jazz Review, Jazz Now Magazine and Arizona Jazz Magazine."

Yuma Jazz Company was formed about five years ago. "We all have 'day' jobs," Hennig said. "Posch is a music professor at Arizona Western College, Brandon, the band director at Cibola High School, Brian, band leader at Centennial Middle School and Jon, a long-time employee at Yuma Regional Medical Center. I'm definitely involved in music and composing, and also business director for Ballet Yuma."

Henning said the quintet will be playing at Julieanna's on Jan. 27, Feb. 2 and 9 and March 31.

Both the YJC albums will be available for purchase at the shows. "They can also be ordered from the internet, www.yumajazz.com," Henning said.

Pam M. Smith can be reached at psmith@

yumasun.com or 539-6856.