Posi-Tone Swingtet
Celebrating 25 years of recording, One For 25 embodies the vision of producer and label owner Marc Free as both curator and tastemaker. What began as a role dedicated to upholding quality standards and helping artists realize their musical visions has evolved into assembling a vibrant repertory company of musicians who collectively bring fresh energy and broad appeal to jazz audiences. This special album features close collaborators whose artistry shines in straightforward, captivating performances designed to engage new listeners and deepen appreciation for the music.
Farnell Newton — A versatile force in the music industry, Newton tours extensively with artists like Jill Scott and “Bootsy” Collins, leads his own funk band The Othership Connection, and hosts a jazz radio show on KMHD. Since his first Posi-Tone release Back To Earth (2017), Newton has become a go-to trumpeter for the label, recently releasing Rippin’ & Runnin’. He also founded the popular jazz social media community Jam of the Week, now boasting over 70,000 members worldwide.
Patrick Cornelius — This award-winning alto saxophonist began working with Posi-Tone on his 2011 album Maybe Steps. His elegant compositions and expressive playing have garnered widespread acclaim. His 2019 release This Should Be Fun featured top-tier musicians, and Cornelius remains a vital presence across numerous Posi-Tone projects.
Diego Rivera — Known for his robust tenor saxophone tone and a unique blend of straight-ahead jazz with Latin influences inspired by his heritage, Rivera has been a strong Posi-Tone presence since 2015’s Decisions with Michael Dease. His own album Connections (2019) and an upcoming release further cement his role as a dynamic artist and passionate educator at Michigan State University.
Michael Dease — Among the world’s leading trombonists, Dease boasts over a dozen albums as a leader and has contributed to more than 200 recordings. Winner of the 2016 DownBeat Critics Poll for Rising Star Jazz Trombonist and two-time Grammy Award winner, Dease also teaches jazz trombone and improvisation at Michigan State University.
Lauren Sevian — One of today’s most sought-after baritone saxophonists, Sevian’s 2018 album Bliss (Posi-Tone) features top musicians like Christian McBride and E.J. Strickland. She leads multiple ensembles worldwide and performs regularly with renowned big bands including the Mingus Big Band and the Count Basie Orchestra.
Art Hirahara — Posi-Tone’s most recorded pianist, Hirahara is a first-call player for the label. Residing in New York for over 15 years, he has developed a distinctive sound across five leader albums and countless collaborations.
Theo Hill — Raised in Albany, NY and performing at NYC’s Smalls Jazz Club by age 16, Hill made his Posi-Tone leader debut with Promethean (2016). Known for his energetic and progressive playing rooted in jazz tradition, he is a member of the Mingus Big Band and has released two additional albums with the label.
Boris Kozlov — A jazz community veteran, Kozlov leads the Mingus bands and plays with many jazz greats. This award-winning bassist adds a solid foundation and colorful nuances, including two original compositions on this album.
Rudy Royston — One of today’s most in-demand drummers, Royston brings power, creativity, and rhythmic mastery. A mainstay in the bands of Dave Douglas, Bill Frisell, Chico Freeman, and others, he adds vibrant energy to numerous Posi-Tone sessions.
One For 25 stands as a testament to Posi-Tone’s quarter-century dedication to jazz, capturing a compelling mix of seasoned artistry and fresh energy that invites listeners to keep swinging.
Celebrating 25 years of recording, One For 25 embodies the vision of producer and label owner Marc Free as both curator and tastemaker. What began as a role dedicated to upholding quality standards and helping artists realize their musical visions has evolved into assembling a vibrant repertory company of musicians who collectively bring fresh energy and broad appeal to jazz audiences. This special album features close collaborators whose artistry shines in straightforward, captivating performances designed to engage new listeners and deepen appreciation for the music.
Farnell Newton — A versatile force in the music industry, Newton tours extensively with artists like Jill Scott and “Bootsy” Collins, leads his own funk band The Othership Connection, and hosts a jazz radio show on KMHD. Since his first Posi-Tone release Back To Earth (2017), Newton has become a go-to trumpeter for the label, recently releasing Rippin’ & Runnin’. He also founded the popular jazz social media community Jam of the Week, now boasting over 70,000 members worldwide.
Patrick Cornelius — This award-winning alto saxophonist began working with Posi-Tone on his 2011 album Maybe Steps. His elegant compositions and expressive playing have garnered widespread acclaim. His 2019 release This Should Be Fun featured top-tier musicians, and Cornelius remains a vital presence across numerous Posi-Tone projects.
Diego Rivera — Known for his robust tenor saxophone tone and a unique blend of straight-ahead jazz with Latin influences inspired by his heritage, Rivera has been a strong Posi-Tone presence since 2015’s Decisions with Michael Dease. His own album Connections (2019) and an upcoming release further cement his role as a dynamic artist and passionate educator at Michigan State University.
Michael Dease — Among the world’s leading trombonists, Dease boasts over a dozen albums as a leader and has contributed to more than 200 recordings. Winner of the 2016 DownBeat Critics Poll for Rising Star Jazz Trombonist and two-time Grammy Award winner, Dease also teaches jazz trombone and improvisation at Michigan State University.
Lauren Sevian — One of today’s most sought-after baritone saxophonists, Sevian’s 2018 album Bliss (Posi-Tone) features top musicians like Christian McBride and E.J. Strickland. She leads multiple ensembles worldwide and performs regularly with renowned big bands including the Mingus Big Band and the Count Basie Orchestra.
Art Hirahara — Posi-Tone’s most recorded pianist, Hirahara is a first-call player for the label. Residing in New York for over 15 years, he has developed a distinctive sound across five leader albums and countless collaborations.
Theo Hill — Raised in Albany, NY and performing at NYC’s Smalls Jazz Club by age 16, Hill made his Posi-Tone leader debut with Promethean (2016). Known for his energetic and progressive playing rooted in jazz tradition, he is a member of the Mingus Big Band and has released two additional albums with the label.
Boris Kozlov — A jazz community veteran, Kozlov leads the Mingus bands and plays with many jazz greats. This award-winning bassist adds a solid foundation and colorful nuances, including two original compositions on this album.
Rudy Royston — One of today’s most in-demand drummers, Royston brings power, creativity, and rhythmic mastery. A mainstay in the bands of Dave Douglas, Bill Frisell, Chico Freeman, and others, he adds vibrant energy to numerous Posi-Tone sessions.
One For 25 stands as a testament to Posi-Tone’s quarter-century dedication to jazz, capturing a compelling mix of seasoned artistry and fresh energy that invites listeners to keep swinging.