Jazz at Manta is a new album of originals and a selection of jazz favorites generated by popular demand and executed by the dynamic duo of Gary Washburn, a recognized jazz educator and a multi-instrumentalist, along with Jesse Snyder, an able and versatile saxophone/clarinet player, and simultaneous drummer.
The two Big Island musicians have performed at the Manta Restaurant in the famed Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Kohala Coast for the past five years. They have musical chemistry and syncopated communication that is heard and seen in their live performances Wednesday through Saturday at Manta and on the new release.
Gary Washburn is a gifted and prolific songwriter. His “Mauna Kea Beach Blues” opens the album, followed by “Soft Touch,” both are upbeat and funky tunes.
The album includes favorites of Gary and Jesse that are often requested and loved by the guests and residents of the MKBH properties.
Jazz at Manta is available on CD at the Manta Restaurant Mauna Kea Beach Hotel during performances, online at www.jessejsnyder.com, on Spotify, iTunes, and all popular streaming platforms. By mail: Sax Monkey Hawaii, POB 2723, Kamuela HI 96743.
Track Listing
“If You Never Come To Me” by Antonio by Carlos Jobim
“On a Little Street in Singapore” by Peter DeRose & Billy Hill
“Dream a Little Dream of Me” by Gus Kahn
“Pure Imagination” by Lesley Bricusse & Anthony Newley
“Too Close for Comfort” by Jerry Bock, George David Weiss, Lawrence Holofcener
“Tangerine” by Victor Schertzinger
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg
“Bali Hai” by Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II
Jazz at Manta was recorded by Karl Kasberg at his Kamuela studio, mixed by Karl Kasberg and Jesse Snyder, and mastered by Garey Shelton.
Visit Gary Scott Washburn on Facebook
Visit Jesse Snyder on the web at www.jessejsnyder.com
Photo by Terry Warner