Press Release Fall 2006 ~~~ from Consilience Productions New CD Release from The Vinson Valega Group: "Awake" IT’S NOT JUST GREAT JAZZ, IT’S A WORKING DEMOCRACY Consilience Productions announces the release of Awake, a new CD by the Vinson Valega Group. The recording highlights ten original compositions and continues the tradition of jazz activism, stressing the music as a vehicle to stimulate civic involvement. The project, in all of its aspects, reflects Valega’s strong belief that the principles of jazz and democracy are linked. As he states in his liner-notes essay, “When We Fall Asleep, Democracy Suffers”: Jazz is a direct by-product of the American ideal – founded upon individual expression and freedom, yet devoted through participation to the greater good. Just as the music on this CD was only made possible through the intense participation of each musician, our society is only able to function when its citizens become involved – actively involved. The sextet features accomplished New York City musicians in a rich instrumentation, including Terell Stafford on trumpet, Anton Denner on alto sax, flute and piccolo, Chris Bacas on tenor and soprano saxes and clarinet, Jon Cowherd on piano, Josh Ginsburg on bass and Vinson Valega on drums. Recorded in late May, 2005, it represents Valega’s third project as a leader and producer. To commence his democratic concept, Valega invited each band member to contribute a composition to the project. This approach yields a d