Ben Markley, University of Wyoming associate professor of music and department head,
is releasing his first original album, titled “Tuesday Morning Feeling,” with the
Ben Markley Big Band Friday, April 17.
The album features a fresh collection of Markley’s original compositions, highlighting
his distinctive writing style, brought to life by an all-star lineup of contemporary
musicians, including Terrel Stafford, Steve Davis, Steve Nelson, David Wong, Kyle
Swan and Bijon Watson.
“I have been a big band arranger for a long time,” Markley says. “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.”
The album title “Tuesday Morning Feeling” captures the album’s uplifting, hopeful
and “downright fun” vibes. It represents the sound of starting the day with optimism
and belief that there is good in the world.
“Tuesday Morning Feeling” features 11 songs, including “Tell The Truth,” a piece that
showcases the talents of the band and individual artists. Another of Markley’s writings
is “Snowy Range Blues,” which features a drum-horn duet before solos from Steve Nelson,
Steve Davos and Terrel Stafford.
“As a composer of seven songs on the album, I can’t pick one that is my favorite,”
Markley says. “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.”
“Tuesday Morning Feeling” showcases the music of 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); Markley (piano); Steve Kovalcheck (guitar); David Wong (bass);
Kyle Swan (drums); and Steve Nelson (vibraphone).
“I’m excited that this album is taking off from a platform built from the previous
work,” Markley says. “I’ve worked in a number of different settings, and this album
is bringing all that together.”
The album will be available Friday on all streaming platforms and for purchase at
Amazon, Target, OA2 Records and online at https://benmarkleymusic.com/store.
For more information, email Markley at bmarkley@uwyo.edu.
