COL Jazz is a God inspired, relevant musical mix of the past, present, and future. The band integrates contemporary and standard songs with the history-rich tradition of jazz. Since 2000 COL Jazz has provided young gifted instrumentalists with the opportunity to play at a professional level around the city of Pittsburgh, the state of Pennsylvania and the entire country. As part of a larger program known as the KRUNK Movement, students in COL Jazz seek to use their talents to bring knowledge about music, health and business to youth everywhere. "Hazelwood is an album dedicated to the people of the greater Hazelwood community in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. The music is inspired by this great community that has seen the best and worst of times. Hazelwood is designated as an “at risk” community. But we are only at risk because we are underserved. Underserved communities are communities that receive little or no support from their city’s government. Underserved communities are historically the communities that help to build America’s thriving cities, but are almost always left behind once those cities are stabilized. These musical arrangements reflect the life and times of the people who are working to make Hazelwood greater than it’s ever been. Each note speaks to the fact that this small community has proven to be bigger and tougher than the times that have challenged it. Center of Life is committed to the empowerment of families, children and youth living in underserved communities. We believe the answer to restoring our communities is within the people who live in our communities. We seek to develop partnerships with those who will embrace this value and are willing to go the distance with us as we learn from and grow with the communities we serve. Enjoy the music!" – Tim Smith, Executive Director Center of Life "COL Jazz has been around since 2000 and has seen some of the finest young musicians in Pittsburgh rise through its ranks. This group of musicians in particular seems to have found a unique chemistry that allows them to collaborate in truly remarkable ways. Writing and recording nearly two-dozen original tunes, they were almost able to make a second full-length album from the tracks they left off Hazelwood! We believe this music speaks for itself and that you’ll be deeply moved by the performances of these fine young musicians." – Peter Chace "HeartlE.S.S. is dedicated to my good friend, Jordan Miles, who was brutally beaten by 3 police officers. The officers were forced to take a paid leave of absence, but that is all. I composed this piece of music as a response to what happened to Jordan. The "E.S.S." in the title stands for the three officers' last names; Ewing, Sisak, and Saldutte. As of 2012 the situation is still unresolved and we are all hopeful and waiting on justice." – Anton DeFade "Malynne is written in honor of my daughter Malynne." – Tim Smith "Dad is written in honor of my father George Heid Sr." – George Heid III COL Jazz Musicians on this CD: Anton DeFade – acoustic bass on all tracks except 8. Benny Benack – trumpet on tracks 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 14; flugelhorn on track 2. Brett Williams – piano on all tracks. Evan Hertrick – tenor sax on tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12; alto sax on tracks 6, 7; soprano sax on tracks 7, 11. George Heid III – drums on all tracks; fender rhodes & wurlitzer on track 1; congas on tracks 6, 7; percussion on tracks 6, 14. Gomeh Barak – trumpet on tracks 6, 10. Isaiah Smith – flute on track 10. Jamar Cromwell – tenor sax on tracks 6, 8, 11. Miles Jackson – acoustic bass on track 8. NAF Keen – vocals on track 14. Tim Smith – percussion on track 7. Executive producer Tim Smith. All tracks recorded at Heid Studios in Aspinwall, PA between July 2009 & July 2011. Recording, mixing & mastering engineers George Heid Sr. & Jim Barr. Artwork by Peter Chace. Center of Life is a community empowerment organization based in Hazelwood, Pittsburgh, PA. 161 Hazelwood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15207. Phone: 412.521.3468 Web: www.centeroflife.net