Album Notes

Liner Notes by B.R.E. Director, Wade Barnes Pragmatic Optimism is a term reflecting in the evolving potential of the human spirit. The evolutionary potential is directly correlated to the development of an artistic and scientific consciousness, whether the relationship is formal or informal. Science, for our purposes, describes the ability to accurately analyze one’s environs and its mechanisms. Such an ability contributes to a prosperous lifestyle, individually, and for the community in which such an individual lives. Our ability to assess and express our feelings and our beliefs about the meaning of life are enhanced by participation in the arts. Determining the meaning or rationale for life, and the universe it inhabits, seems to meet our needs mentally, physically, and spiritually. There is an obvious connection between functioning communities, generally, and the music ensemble. Musicians work diligently to improve technical skills on their instrument, as well as their musical perception and judgement. Those acquired skills are used in the pursuit of common goals with a community of musicians, generally known as an ensemble, band, orchestra, etc. The community goals are successful performances of each composition which results in an emotional connection with audiences. The Brooklyn Repertory Ensemble consists of musicians with strong musical identities garnered from extensive experience. The ten selections in this collection attest to their creating a unique sound which audiences have found, and continue to find completely compelling. One can say without fear of contradiction that the B.R.E. has certainly become one of the finest musical aggregations on the scene; and it is my good fortune to participate in this community of musicians. WADE BARNES, Director, Brooklyn Repertory Ensemble Called “The Future of Bebop” (House of Blues Review, May 5, 2000), Mr. Barnes is certainly one of the great drummers and composers on the jazz scene today. It has been stated that Mr. Barnes has the “swing” of Philly Joe Jones and the technique of Buddy Rich. Although these two musicians have had a profound influence, Barnes has incorporated the ideas of many, especially those ideas of Kenny Clarke, Max Roach and Roy Haynes, to fashion his own very distinct personal sound. In his performing career, Barnes has played with Earl Warren, Howard McGhee, “Doc” Cheatham, Dicky Wells, Cecil Payne, Billy Mitchell, Benny Powell, Leonard Gaskin, Jimmy Garrison, Reggie Workman, Archie Shepp, George Coleman, Jon Faddis, James Spaulding, Sonny Fortune, Wess Anderson and Les Paul. He has appeared at the J.V.C. Jazz Festival (in New York and in Saratoga Springs), The Pori Jazz Festival (Finland), and SatchmoSummerfest (New Orleans, La.), The Smithsonian Institute, Slug’s Saloon, Sweet Basil, Smalls, Snug Harbor and Cafe Brasil (New Orleans), Iridium, Dizzy’s Coca Cola. Mr. Barnes’ discography includes “Passport to Brooklyn” featuring the Brooklyn Repertory Ensemble. (Progressive Records). Other recordings on which Mr. Barnes can be heard are: “The Brooklyn Four Plus One” featuring Cecil Payne, Leonard Gaskin, Ed Stoute, and Tulivu Donna Cumberbatch. (Progressive Records); “Deane’s Basics”, Lester Deane and the Jazz Masters (Progressive Records); “In Your Eyes”, featuring Linda Presgrave (Metropolitan Records); “Wild is the Wind”, Pucci Amanda Jhones (C.I.M.P. Records); “Bridgin’ The Gap”, featuring the Brooklyn Conservatory Faculty Jazz Ensemble (360 Records); “The Sounds...They Show Us” (360 Records). B.R.E. Artists - "Pragmatic Optimism" TULIVU-DONNA CUMBERBATCH - VOCAL Ms. Cumberbatch is a native of Brooklyn, New York, having a musical background which includes participation in the All City High School Choir (Director, Mr. John Motley) and formal music studies at Herbert H. Lehman College. Ms. Cumberbatch currently works with Akyenee Baako and Drumsong Productions, the Hank Doughty/Ray Abrams Big Band, the Cliff Sma