Having always found inspiration in the evocative recordings of Gil Evans and Miles Davis, and from the great balladeers - Dexter, Trane, Turrentine, Clifford Brown - veteran Seattle trumpeter/saxophonist Jay Thomas was always on the lookout for the right relationship with an arranger who could properly frame his vision for a recording of richly orchestrated ballads. Meeting the German composer/arranger/trumpeter Oliver Groenewald opened the door to several years of collaboration, culminating in this inspired collection of ten rarely-heard jazz classics and originals, and closing with the time-honored hits, "You Don't Know What Love Is" and "Stardust." Performed with the intention, clarity and sustained energy of a master melodist, "I Always Knew" was recorded in one room, with no separation, no headphones, and no overdubs, channeling the works of Thomas' musical mentors while further establishing his own position in the pantheon of essential jazz voices.

PERSONNEL: Brad Allison - Trumpet and flugelhorn, Oliver Groenewald - Trumpet and flugelhorn, Jay Thomas - Trumpet flugelhorn Alto, Tenor and Soprano Saxophones, Dan Marcus - Trombone and Flugabone, Travis Ranney - Alto and Flute and Clarinet, Pete Galio - Tenor and Flute, Greg Sinabaldi - Baritone Saxophone and Bass Clarinet, Adam Kessler - Drums, Michael Glynn - Bass, John Hansen - Piano

REVIEWS:

• All About Jazz (Review by Paul Rauch)

• Midwest Record (Review by Chris Spector)

• Rifftides (Review by Doug Ramsey)

• Jazz Weekly (Review by George W. Harris)

• Audiophile Audition (Review by Robbie Gerson)