Description

In the summer of 2023, Garrett Fasig (tenor sax)and Sam Butler (trumpet) were approached with an idea by the Timeless Music Project: what if we arranged college fight songs for a jazz ensemble? What would that sound like? From then until October, much brainstorming and writing was done to find out how to incorporate this unique American tradition of university pride with another great American tradition: jazz and improvised music. Garrett and Sam collaborated on a set of 12 arrangements for their Visions Ensemble, choosing from the absolute best of college fight songs, and created original arrangements that kept the melodies at the center, but provided new and fresh takes on songs that alumni would know for the rest of their lives.

After a successful premiere in October of 2023 at the SILO Club in Indianapolis, planning began to record the collection of arrangements, the project was set into motion. In March of 2023, the music was recorded in Bloomington, IN, with one special addition. Garrett and Sam co-wrote one more arrangement to feature trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, who met with the Visions Ensemble and offered advice on arranging and performing in 2023. The project aims to bring up memories for listeners, and offer exciting versions of songs they love.

This CD features 13 full-length songs, all arranged by Butler and Fasig, featuring tunes like “Tiger Rag,” “Indiana, Our Indiana,” “Rocky Top,” and “Across The Field.”