Michael McNeill, piano Ken Filiano, bass Phil Haynes, drums Compositions by Michael McNeill Recorded by Jon Rosenberg, January 18, 2014 Natalie Davis-Rooke Recital Hall Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA Mixed and mastered by Jon Rosenberg Produced by Phil Haynes Executive producer: Michael McNeill “Za” is dedicated to the memory of my grandmother, Beverly McNeill. “Placid, Ruffled” was inspired by Pierre Boulez and Ben Thomas. “Picture Window” is dedicated to my parents. Special thanks to Kelly Knox, whose spontaneous choreography 'gave wing' to our live performance. Special thanks to Paul and Beverly Smoker for continuing guidance and inspiration. Critics’ reactions to the trio's first release, "Passageways" (2011) “I often despair of my inability to sort out the vast wave of piano trios that come my way, but sometimes I'm caught by surprise -- just rarely by someone I've never heard of before… [W]hen the pianist takes over he darts in and out, never settling for something ordinary… A-” — Tom Hull “With the release of his debut CD, ‘Passageways,’ McNeill is making a name for himself as a formidable band leader.” — Ron Netsky, City Newspaper “With Passageways McNeill has burst on the modern music scene as an exciting and ingenious composer and improviser. His more seasoned associates, far from overshadowing him, enhance his singular vision. Hopefully this gem of a disc will serve as an introduction to a luminous career.” — Hrayr Attarian, AllAboutJazz.com “Michael McNeill's debut as a leader introduces a fresh perspective to the popular piano trio format… McNeill is an exceptional composer and player, with a debut that sets a high standard for those yet to come.” — Eyal Hareuveni, AllAboutJazz.com “[McNeill’s] extended solo during album- opener ‘Hold On’ offers a master- class in musical storytelling, and his improvised prelude to ‘Metropolis’ is both playful and haunting. This is abundantly exciting modern jazz.” — Jeff Miers, Buffalo News Cover Art: "Beloved Wilderness" © 2010, Emily Otto, www.emilyottostudios.com Design/layout: Julie Zack, www.juliezack.net Produced by Phil Haynes Executive Producer: Michael McNeill © & Ⓟ 2015 Michael McNeill, www.MichaelGrayMcNeill.com