REVIEWS FOR DEDICATION SUITE

JIM BEARD: Pianist, Producer, Composer, Orchestrator:

Steely Dan, Wayne Shorter, John McGaughlin, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Pat Metheny. Five recording releases as a leader including “Revolutions” with Vince Mendoza and the Metropole Orchestra.

“Mike Mechem’s music sounds beautiful. I hear film score qualities in the very good sense, with touches of Mendoza/Grolnick. Good, smart stuff.”

STEVE ALLEE: Pianist, Composer, Orchestrator, Arranger, Educator:

Buddy Rich, Randy Brecker, David “Fathead” Newman, John Clayton, Rich Perry. Currently leads a big band and is the pianist with the Rufus Reid trio. Teaching at University of Cincinnati and has lectured at many other colleges as well.

“Wow! Your orchestral suite is fantastic! It is the essence of “our world”. It is fresh, creative, and fun. I am just completely blown away by it! It would be the perfect work to be programmed by an orchestra looking to attract new listeners. Your harmonic vocabulary is advanced and well balanced. Listening to the movements went so quickly because the music is distilled down to the pure substance, the “debre” as the Cajun’s say. Congratulations Mike!”

RICHARD McGEE: Conductor, Trombonist, Composer, Arranger, Educator

Chair CSN Fine Arts Department / Orchestra Conductor, Composer, Orchestrator: Associate Conductor of Las Vegas Philharmonic until 2010 and conducted over 200 performances. Founded and currently conducts Nevada Pops, Composed Western Dance for Orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall.

“Dedication Suite by Mike Mechem is a compelling series of musical excursions, blending lush harmony with inventive rhythm and melody. Each movement reflects a personal or musical influence, unified by rich, jazz-inspired sonorities and thoughtful design. Both introspective and engaging, the suite invites the listener on a deeply personal and imaginative journey.”

DAVE LOEB: Director of Jazz Studies at UNLV, Musical Director, Pianist:

Featured pianist with Las Vegas Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra with: Natalie Cole, Placid Domingo, Garth Brooks, Celine Dion, Quincy Jones, Andrea Bocelli, David Foster.

“Mike Mechem’s wonderful orchestral suite is fresh and invigorating! It embraces a multiplicity of musical genres with harmonic sophistication, cutting edge melodic inventiveness, and ebullient rhythmic material. I give it my highest recommendation for any orchestra to include in their respective jazz and contemporary repertoire! Absolutely brilliant!”

VINCENT FALCONE: Musical Director, Pianist

Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Jack Jones, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Andy Williams, Robert Goulet, Jerry Lewis, Al Martino, Eddie Fisher, Connie Francis, Paul Anka.

“Mike Mechem’s orchestral suite includes a compilation of intricate melodic development and deep understanding of orchestral arrangement. The movements are resplendent with beautiful melodies and interesting uses of orchestral voicing. I would recommend this work to any orchestra as the music would please any musician and thrill any audience.”

NATHAN TANOUYE: Trombonist, Composer, Arranger, Educator

Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies UNLV / Composer, Orchestrator, Arranger: Principle trombonist Las Vegas Philharmonic, Leads Las Vegas Jazz Connection 34 piece jazz orchestra, Arranger/Orchestrator for Celine Dion. Recent premier of original orchestral work performed by LV Philharmonic.

“Dedication Suite by Mike Mechem is a wonderfully innovative orchestral suite, full of color and sophistication, yet it is accessible to all. In many ways this work bridges the gap between modern jazz and classical genres, creating something very fresh and enticing. I highly recommend this wonderful work to any orchestra interested in promoting new, innovative, original works!”