Ben Markley, associate professor of music and department head at the University of Wyoming, announced on April 15 the release of his first original album, “Tuesday Morning Feeling,” with the Ben Markley Big Band. The album will be available starting Friday, April 17.
The new album features a collection of Markley’s own compositions performed by an ensemble that includes prominent contemporary musicians such as Terrel Stafford, Steve Davis, Steve Nelson, David Wong, Kyle Swan and Bijon Watson. According to Markley, “I have been a big band arranger for a long time. What’s special about this album is that my compositions make up most of it. I have an established voice as an arranger with a wide array of other people’s music. Pairing my arranger voice with my compositional voice is special and exciting for me to share.”
Markley explained that the title “Tuesday Morning Feeling” was chosen to reflect the optimistic and upbeat nature of the record: “It represents the sound of starting the day with optimism and belief that there is good in the world.” The album contains eleven tracks including “Tell The Truth,” which highlights both group performance and individual artistry within the band. Another piece titled “Snowy Range Blues” features a drum-horn duet followed by solos from Steve Nelson, Steve Davos and Terrel Stafford.
As both composer and performer on seven tracks, Markley said he values hearing his work interpreted by accomplished musicians: “One of the best parts of getting to hear your own work is hearing it played by musicians. The players on the album are world-class musicians, and they never cease to amaze me in how they interpret what I write. They shape the music and take it to some dynamic places.” Other featured artists include Wil Swindler, Remy Le Boeuf, Peter Sommer, Jared Cathey and Sam Williams (saxophones); Darren Kramer, Steve Davis, Stafford Hunter and Jon Gauer (trombones); Bijon Watson, Dawn Kramer, Terell Stafford and Gabriel Mervine (trumpets); Ben Markley (piano); Steve Kovalcheck (guitar); David Wong (bass); Kyle Swan (drums) and Steve Nelson (vibraphone).
Markley also said he views this project as building upon previous experiences: “I’m excited that this album is taking off from a platform built from the previous work. I’ve worked in a number of different settings, and this album is bringing all that together.”
“Tuesday Morning Feeling” will be available on all streaming platforms as well as for purchase through Amazon, Target OA2 Records or online at https://benmarkleymusic.com/store.
