Trumpet/Flugelhorn -
     Brenda Goforth, Tracks 1,2,3,4,5
     Kye Palmer, Tracks 6,7,8
Saxes (Soprano, Alto & Tenor) -
     Frank Villafranca
Trombone -
     Jim Lewis, Tracks 1,2,3,4,5
     Francisco Torres, Tracks 6,7,8
Guitar -
     Andrew Synowiec, Tracks 1,2,3,4,5
     Steve Gregory, Tracks 6,7,8
Keyboard -
     Matt Weisberg
Bass -
     Peter Kastner
Drums -
     Randy Drake



Cottonwood Station
Composed & arranged by Dave Cushman
Published by JRL SGS Publishing, ASCAP
Solos:
    Frank Villafranca, soprano sax

One of the more popular songs at our live performances. Inspired on a Sunday afternoon, driving by a little Station off of CA-395, this laid-back-in-the-pocket smooth funk song was written to feature Frank on the soprano sax. And feature him it does. Frank starts the song playing the melody before the flugel and trombone join in. Then it's off to the bridge where Frank is still playing the melody with the flugel and trombone now harmonized beneath him. Andrew's guitar then joins Frank on the last section of the melody before the solo. This is where Frank's passion for soloing becomes evident. A short interlude before Frank solos over the flugel/trombone melody leading into the bridge. A short vamp for Frank to solo over before the song ends.



Phat Sushi
Composed & arranged by Dave Cushman
Published by JRL SGS Publishing, ASCAP
Solos:
    Frank Villafranca, alto sax

Imagine sitting at a sushi bar with a Phat Sushi roll sitting in front of you, how would that translate into music? You would start with some of Andrew's funky guitar comping to season the rice as it comes out of the cooker. Add Peter, Matt & Randy, spread evenly over the Nori. Add the horns and start rolling. The 3 horns play the melody together, with a few licks from the alto sax and trombone thrown in Spicy Tuna style. On the bridge the rhythm section plays syncopated rhythmic figures together to leave space for the horns to play one of the more challenging sections of the CD. Warning, Frank's alto sax solo is Wasabi hot. Back to the melody and bridge again before changing keys for a sax solo before the last bite. Don't forget to tip your chef.


And Daisy Makes Five
Composed & arranged by Dave Cushman
Published by JRL SGS Publishing, ASCAP
Solos:
    Frank Villafranca, alto and soprano saxes
    Matt Weisberg, piano

Named after Daisy, the fifth of six daughters belonging to my sister-in-law. A pretty melody that is played individually by each of the horns and the guitar before the song ends. As the melody stays the same, the groove underneath slowly changes. Although the song starts with a mellow Bossa beat, the song ends up quite funky. Frank adds a solo on both Soprano and Alto sax. A few high notes on the trumpet to end the song.


Um Samba
Composed by Alexandre Menezes Leao Alexand & Almeida Emmanuel Gama De Souza
Arranged by Larry Williams
Published by Universal Music Publishing MGB Brasil LTD
Solos:
    Bill Watrous, trombone
    Andrew Synowiec, acoustic guitar

An obscure Samba heard by Brenda years ago and arranged for Bill Watrous in 2006 as a feature.  He picked this tune as his contribution to our CD. I never get tired of listening to Bill, and this performance is no exception. Bill's playing of the melody makes me feel as if I'm floating above the ground as the rhythm section gently "sambas" along underneath. Andrew plays acoustic guitar on this song. Thanks to Larry for the great arrangement.

AKH Puppy
Composed and arranged by Dave Cushman
Published by JRL SGS Publishing, ASCAP
Solos:
    Eric Marienthal, alto sax
    Frank Villafranca, tenor sax

1-2-3-4 Go! Up tempo swing, what could be better? Adding Eric Marienthal of course. The song starts with the horns jumping in and out of unison as the rhythm section makes room. Peter starts walking in "4" as the band hits the bridge, the bridge is reminiscent of a big band kicking along as Matt solos on the piano. Back to the melody again leading up to Eric’s blistering solo break. Eric shows why he's one of the most sought after players in Los Angeles. Next up Frank follows with his solo before Eric & Frank trade 8’s, reminiscent of a big band sax battle. A short drum solo before the horns and guitar team up for some acapella playing. The band swings to the end, hold on.


Reseda Fire Road
Composed and arranged by Dave Cushman
Published by JRL SGS Publishing, ASCAP
Solos:
    Steve Gregory, guitar
    Frank Villafranca, alto sax

For decades I ran/biked up and down the Reseda Fire Road in the Santa Monica Mountains. This song reminds of those excursions into nature. The 3 horns and Peter impersonating a 4th horn is how the song starts, representing the beginning of the trail, the short downhill past the message board weaving in and out of the trees until the trail meets the mostly dry river bed. Steve soulfully plays the guitar melody as we ride through the river bed, Frank joining in as we ride along. Just as the trail makes a sharp left and starts uphill, the horns get together for the bridge and next A section helping us up the hill. Just as we make the sweeping left-hand turn with the picturesque overlook to our right, Frank and Steve are playing the interlude. We continue riding up as Steve and Frank solo. The horns get together to finish the song, arriving at Mulholland just as the tune ends. Now we get to turn around and speed down the hill home.


Stealin' My Money
Composed and arranged by Dave Cushman
Published by JRL SGS Publishing, ASCAP
Solos:
    Franncisco Torres, trombone
    Kye Palmer, trumpet
    Matt Weisberg, keyboard

Good solid 8th note Rock groove with a bit of Funk for flavoring. A growing trend in the band, the song starts with Peter playing bass acapella. Steve joins next on the intro and continues to rock along with Peter for the next 30 measures. The horns start out playing the melody in unison, soon they're in harmony and up an octave. Outstanding solos by our brass section, Francisco and Kye. Although not in the brass section, Matt solos. A horn soli before the band returns to the melody. If you're still asking who's Stealin' My Money, then you haven't been paying attention. Listen to the song again!



Funkfully Yours
Composed and arranged by Dave Cushman
Published by JRL SGS Publishing, ASCAP
Solos:
    Kye Palmer, trumpet
    Steve Gregory, guitar
    Matt Weisberg, keyboard
    Frank Villafranca, alto sax

This song could have been called "Six" considering the song is made up of 6 measure phrases. The first six are Peter acapella. Six measures later Steve joins in, another six until Matt and Randy jump in. Finally the horns get their turn to play their six measure melody. Everyone is all together on the 11 measure bridge leading into Kye soloing over "bass only" six measure phrases. Sax and trombone play 6 measures leading into Steve's guitar solo on 4 measure phrases. Six more measures before Matt takes his turn at 4 measure phrases. The horns play yet another 6 measure phrase leading into the sax solo. Frank solos on a 4 measure phrase until the band plays the final 8 measures together so the song ends on an even number measure.





Produced by: Dan Savant
Executive Producer: Jim Lewis
Recorded at: LAFX Studios, North Hollywood, CA
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by: Mike Aarvold