YMCA Center for the Creative Arts: Collaborations II Jazz

The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley has released its second recording in its Collaborations Series, Collaborations II: JAZZ!”. The Y released its first CD in the series, Collaborations I: Big Easy Connection, on July 1st. That recording featured YMCA music students paired with artists from New Orleans, who helped get the Y program off the ground in 2006. To date, over 200 copies have been sold, with many individual downloads from overseas. Collaborations II: JAZZ! showcases YMCA music students with many additional national recording artists including Jennifer Warnes (“Up Where We Belong”, “I’ve Had The Time of My Life”), Grammy-winner Joanne Shenandoah, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Sean Jones, Bob Mintzer of the Yellowjackets, New Orleans trumpeter Leroy Jones, trombonist Glen David Andrews, Saxophonist Javon Jackson, vibe/drummer Jason Marsalis, educator and bandleader Scott Rutledge, and multi-award winning vocalist Brenda Russell (“Piano in the Dark”). This project has been a 3-year labor of love for the YMCA, who over the period recorded 30 songs, using local venues, and national collaborations and partners. Brian’Oneal, lead singer of the band, The BusBoys, has served as creative consultant on the project. The Y utilized Tylerland Recording Studios in Rome, JA Castle Recording Studio in Utica, and Crossland Recording Studio in Nashville, TN to complete the project. All proceeds from the sale of the recordings help support the YMCA’s Heroes Campaign for scholarships for those who cannot afford programs and services.