Turning by Colin Dorion

"Turning" is Colin Dorion's first full length album which features pianist Garrett Spoelhof and bassist Leland Nelson. The album is comprised of mostly original compositions by Colin Dorion, with a couple exceptions being "Bessie's Blues" by John Coltrane and "Dolores" by Wayne Shorter.

Each track acts as a love letter to an artist or a style of music that has greatly influenced Colin as a musician and composer.

"Bessie's Blues" is a great blues head by John Coltrane, that can be heard on Coltrane's album "Crescent". The rhythmically unpredictable arrangement of the song takes inspiration from guitarist Gilad Hekselman, who did a rhythmic interpretation of Coltrane's song "Countdown".

"Baena" is a song that takes a lot of influence from Flamenco, a style of music, and other art forms, from southern Spain. Also, Baena is the name of the city where violinist Ángela Varo, the person who introduced Flamenco to Colin, is from.

"Green & Retired" is an homage to the many great Bill Evans trios. Bill Evans revolutionized the way piano trios function and made interaction the main focus of his music. The title is also a nod to comedic personality Zach Hadel.

"Dolores" is a Wayne Shorter composition that has a beautiful melody and it was dedicated to Wayne's friend Dolores. The song was first heard on Miles Davis's album "Miles Smiles" featuring Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams. This quintet shaped how jazz is played today so having one of their songs on the album is almost necessary.

"Blank Canvas" is a completely free song that was all improvised by the trio. The idea is that you have a blank canvas and you realize it is still art even though there's no paint on it. Look at the intricacies in the weaving and how the light hits it. Once you appreciate the canvas as a work of art on its own you can then start adding to it, flowing paint onto the canvas with no real plan. The same idea applies to sounds. Learn to appreciate the sounds around you and even inside you and add to them using your instrument. These concepts where inspired by the great drummer and teacher Bob Gullotti.

"Turning" is a composition that is influenced by the music of India and also Ornette Coleman. Everything centers on the bass's 5/8 ostinato which also acts as a drone. The theme imitates Indian vocalists and is the on and off switch to the song à la Ornette.

"Caution Tape" is inspired by various jazz musicians and composers who are influenced by Hip-Hop. Musicians like Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin, Roy Hargrove, and Ambrose Akinmusire just to name a few.

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Thank you to my parents and sister for your love and support! Thank you to all the teachers who have helped me grow as a musician and a person! Thank you to all my amazing friends and wonderful family for being a part of my life! I appreciate you all! - Colin Dorion

24 year old drummer/composer from Fort Wayne, IN

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