More Critical Acclaim for Professor Garth Alper’s CD, Stratus

Dr. Garth Alper’s recently released Jazz CD, Stratus, has received more critical acclaim, this time from OffBeat Magazine. Critic Ken Franckling notes, "Familiarity and trust abound here as they explore a variety of moods on seven original compositions and two standards from the jazz canon. The players have a sense where each other are headed, and find ways to complement that journey.” All members of the group, several of which are also on the UL Lafayette jazz faculty, were praised for their contributions to the recording project. The review states, "'Garthbanzo Beans,’ ‘Catharsis,' and the session closer, the twisty-turny 'Off Kilter' are favorites because of their various sprightly and playful feels. Their momentum is carried to a higher level in each case by the intense soloing of [Michael] Jenner on saxophones and [Jeff] George on guitar.” Drummer Chris Munson is praised for his shuffle beat on “Quackery,” and Franckling describes another Alper original, “Ode to Mr. Brubeck” as containing "terrific piano, bass and guitar interplay.” The full OffBeat review can be found at http://www.offbeat.com/music/garth-alper-stratus-independent/. The CD is available on iTunes, CD Baby, and can be streamed on Spotify.