Blue River Big Band releases first CD
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Blue River Big Band’s self-titled CD was released last Sunday, the first of two CDs the local band expects to release in the near future.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
An impressive, much loved group of local musicians known collectively as the Blue River Big Band launched their debut CD recording last Sunday at their annual holiday music show at First Church of God in Columbia City.
Originally recorded in December 2006 in the community room at Laud Christian Church, the CD was later carefully mixed by band member Todd Ward. After a lengthy preparation process, it was finally mass produced and ready for public enjoyment.
“This is our first CD,” Ward said, “but we are hoping to have another one out soon. We just need to get our vocals recorded.”
A recording date for material for the next CD is set for January 5. Ward expects the band’s second CD will be ready in mid-2009.
When describing the recording process and how it took such a long while to prepare it for the public to hear, Ward shared the band’s concern with quality.
“When you think, ‘Hey, this is going to be recorded for all time…forever’…it can be hard,” he said.
Blue River Big Band members participating in the recording included: Rolly Stellhorn, Matt Rentschler, Todd Ward, Jason Klingaman, Mark Fritz, Jim Kibby, Phil Zent, Matt Walter, Andy Hogue, Mike Rush, Micah Roddy, Carolyn Clifford, Casey Stansifer and Jeff Cleveland.
The CDs are $10 each and currently available by contacting Todd Ward at toddward54@yahoo.com or via the band’s website at www.blueriverbigband.com
The website also features audio clips and the band’s performance schedule.