Première of a new piece commissioned by the Los Angeles Jazz Society‘s New Note program.
New Note is a project designed to support and promote the talents of young emerging jazz composers by providing commissions for new works which will be premiered at local jazz venues. This project adds another component in the organization’s mission to help preserve the future of jazz by identifying and nurturing young jazz musicians of tomorrow. More info at https://lajazz.org/programs/new-note/
Composer note:
Before this commission from the Los Angeles Jazz Society, I had not really composed a note of music since recording my debut album almost exactly two years ago. Between being extraordinarily busy with touring and there being somewhat of a lack of inspiration (perhaps confidence) to write new music, I sort of let that part of my musicianship slip so to speak. And then, COVID-19 hit (as well as re emergence of this country’s deep racial and social issues), and since, it has been especially difficult to find motivation to even practice my instrument, let alone sit and compose, since there are no longer many opportunities to perform live anymore. So, when I was approached with this amazing opportunity, it was exactly the jolt I needed to obsess over music again, and the result were these three short pieces, written and completed entirely during my time of quarantining in Los Angeles. They are also the results of invigorated inspiration and imagination, and I am enormously grateful to the Los Angeles Jazz Society and the Angel City Jazz Festival for both of their parts in that.
Personnel
Christian Euman – drums
Ido Meshulam – trombone/bass trumpet
Josh Nelson – piano
Paul Cornish – Wurlitzer
Dave Robaire – bass
Hailed as one of the “six drummers you should know about” by Revive Music, Christian Euman has definitely earned his right to be included on such a list of percussionists rising in the music scene.
Christian Euman
Christian Euman is an important emerging voice on the drum set, and his unique style, creative approach to performance and improvisation, and infectious energy keeps him in high demand.
His musicianship was shaped during his tenure as a student at Western Michigan University, as well as at the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA (now known as the Herbie Hancock Institute), where he studied and shared many stages with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Chris Potter, John Patitucci, Stefon Harris, and many more. Christian has since performed and toured worldwide with Kurt Elling, Billy Childs, Walter Smith III, Jacob Collier, Sara Gazarek, Will Vinson, Mike Moreno, and many others.
Christian has also contributed his distinct voice to the Hollywood scene, being the featured drummer for “La La Land Live” at the Hollywood Bowl and in Taiwan, as well as in scores for major award-winning films, such as Green Book and Ford v. Ferrari. He has enjoyed performances on stages around the world, including in the White House for the Obamas and at the Playboy Jazz Festival, alongside Hancock and Shorter. Christian has also established himself as an appreciable bandleader and composer, leading different projects at performance spaces throughout the United States.
Christian is currently based in Los Angeles, CA, and is the touring drummer in Jacob Collier’s Djesse World Tour. He is a proud endorser of Canopus Drums, Aquarian Drumheads, Vic Firth Sticks, and Zildjian Cymbals. His debut album Allemong was released in June 2020.