Something Blue
As with all the Something Blue releases, the goal remains to create a focused program of engaging performances to maximize enjoyment and continue building a wider interest in jazz. As the title suggests, In The Beginning features creative reinterpretations of compositions from the early days of Posi-Tone, marking the label’s 30th anniversary. This collection is designed to inspire listeners to explore the back catalog and deepen their connection with Posi-Tone as a trusted source for musical entertainment.
—Marc Free, producer
Diego Rivera
Rivera is a distinguished saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator, renowned for his powerful tone and distinctive blend of straight-ahead jazz with Latino influences. His professional touring career began in 1999 with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, leading to performances at major venues and festivals worldwide. Rivera’s extensive discography includes multiple acclaimed releases as a leader, along with numerous contributions as a composer and arranger.
Langston Hughes II
A rising voice in jazz, saxophonist and multi-woodwind artist Langston Hughes II is also an active composer and educator. Currently pursuing his master’s degree in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School, he began his musical journey in Washington, D.C., before refining his skills at Howard University. Hughes has toured with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, collaborated with artists like Rufus Reid, Jazzmeia Horn, and Orrin Evans, and performed internationally. He has led his own quartet at venues such as Blues Alley, Keystone Korner, and The Kennedy Center.
Altin Sencalar
Trombonist and composer Altin Sencalar blends his Mexican, Turkish, and Texan heritage into a dynamic musical voice. After earning degrees from the University of Texas and Michigan State University, Sencalar has become a sought-after performer, appearing with artists such as Michael Bublé, Dafnis Prieto, and Ulysses Owens Jr. With seven leader albums—including his latest, Unleashed (Posi-Tone, 2025)—Sencalar continues to tour, educate, and share his evolving artistry.
Willie Morris
Saxophonist and composer Willie Morris, a St. Louis native now based in New York, draws deeply from Black-American musical traditions. Though early in his career, Morris has already collaborated with a broad range of leading jazz artists. Across his first three albums, he has demonstrated both a commitment to the jazz tradition and a personal voice that engages listeners through thoughtful composition and inspired improvisation.
Art Hirahara
The most recorded artist in Posi-Tone’s catalog, pianist Art Hirahara remains the first call for producer Marc Free. Based in New York, Hirahara has amassed a rich résumé of performances and recordings, continually evolving his sound through his extensive discography as both leader and sideman.
Boris Kozlov
Bassist Boris Kozlov is a cornerstone of the jazz community, best known for leading the Mingus Big Band and performing with a wide range of notable artists. As Posi-Tone’s most recorded bass player, his deep musical knowledge, rock-solid time, and nuanced playing provide a strong foundation for every ensemble he joins.
Rudy Royston
Drummer Rudy Royston is among the most in-demand players on the contemporary jazz scene. A regular collaborator with Dave Douglas, Bill Frisell, Chico Freeman, and Linda May Han Oh, Royston also serves as a key member of Posi-Tone’s “house rhythm section.” His precision, creativity, and drive enhance every recording and performance.
As with all the Something Blue releases, the goal remains to create a focused program of engaging performances to maximize enjoyment and continue building a wider interest in jazz. As the title suggests, In The Beginning features creative reinterpretations of compositions from the early days of Posi-Tone, marking the label’s 30th anniversary. This collection is designed to inspire listeners to explore the back catalog and deepen their connection with Posi-Tone as a trusted source for musical entertainment.
—Marc Free, producer
Diego Rivera
Rivera is a distinguished saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator, renowned for his powerful tone and distinctive blend of straight-ahead jazz with Latino influences. His professional touring career began in 1999 with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, leading to performances at major venues and festivals worldwide. Rivera’s extensive discography includes multiple acclaimed releases as a leader, along with numerous contributions as a composer and arranger.
Langston Hughes II
A rising voice in jazz, saxophonist and multi-woodwind artist Langston Hughes II is also an active composer and educator. Currently pursuing his master’s degree in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School, he began his musical journey in Washington, D.C., before refining his skills at Howard University. Hughes has toured with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, collaborated with artists like Rufus Reid, Jazzmeia Horn, and Orrin Evans, and performed internationally. He has led his own quartet at venues such as Blues Alley, Keystone Korner, and The Kennedy Center.
Altin Sencalar
Trombonist and composer Altin Sencalar blends his Mexican, Turkish, and Texan heritage into a dynamic musical voice. After earning degrees from the University of Texas and Michigan State University, Sencalar has become a sought-after performer, appearing with artists such as Michael Bublé, Dafnis Prieto, and Ulysses Owens Jr. With seven leader albums—including his latest, Unleashed (Posi-Tone, 2025)—Sencalar continues to tour, educate, and share his evolving artistry.
Willie Morris
Saxophonist and composer Willie Morris, a St. Louis native now based in New York, draws deeply from Black-American musical traditions. Though early in his career, Morris has already collaborated with a broad range of leading jazz artists. Across his first three albums, he has demonstrated both a commitment to the jazz tradition and a personal voice that engages listeners through thoughtful composition and inspired improvisation.
Art Hirahara
The most recorded artist in Posi-Tone’s catalog, pianist Art Hirahara remains the first call for producer Marc Free. Based in New York, Hirahara has amassed a rich résumé of performances and recordings, continually evolving his sound through his extensive discography as both leader and sideman.
Boris Kozlov
Bassist Boris Kozlov is a cornerstone of the jazz community, best known for leading the Mingus Big Band and performing with a wide range of notable artists. As Posi-Tone’s most recorded bass player, his deep musical knowledge, rock-solid time, and nuanced playing provide a strong foundation for every ensemble he joins.
Rudy Royston
Drummer Rudy Royston is among the most in-demand players on the contemporary jazz scene. A regular collaborator with Dave Douglas, Bill Frisell, Chico Freeman, and Linda May Han Oh, Royston also serves as a key member of Posi-Tone’s “house rhythm section.” His precision, creativity, and drive enhance every recording and performance.