Charles Tolliver Releases “Connect” with Buster Williams

Charles Tolliver: ConnectTrumpeter and composer Charles Tolliver has returned with Connect, which marks his first studio album in 13 years. The four-song album was recorded to tape last year in London with his band called the Charles Tolliver All-Stars, which includes a mighty array of New York-based musicians: saxophonist Jesse Davis, pianist Keith Brown, drummer Lenny White, and legendary bassist Buster Williams.

“The album also bridges together New York and London by featuring leading British saxophonist Binker Golding on two tracks, (Binker & Moses, Moses Boyd Exodus, Zara McFarlane.),” a press release states. “‘Connect’ will be Charles’ first release via London-based independent label Gearbox Records, who are responsible for recent releases by Abdullah Ibrahim, Binker & Moses, Butcher Brown, and Theon Cross.”

Tolliver set up his compositions to help push the players to create more meaningful music. “I like to rumble. I take the most difficult routes for improvisation,” Tolliver states. “It’s easy to play a number of choruses effortlessly and never make a mistake, never break down. That’s no fun. You need to get in hot water by trying something out right from the jump…”

Check out Williams laying down the bottom on “Blue Soul”:

Connect is available now on CD, vinyl and as a digital download (iTunes and Amazon MP3).

Connect Track List:

  1. Blue Soul
  2. Emperor March
  3. Copasetic
  4. Suspicion

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