Album DescriptionDrummer-composer-arranger Damon Short debuts for Southport with his new ensemble creation "All Of The Above". This epic recording features a mixture of international artists including Paul Smoker, Paul Scea, Jim Yanda, Ryan Schultz, Larry Kohut and Jeff Newell. The music of Damon Short is a continuation of the mid-size group epic, with vivid colors that span many forms of music creating an orchestral palette of beauty and aggressive rhythmic activity. Short, the composer, continues in a tradition that was forged by previous masters like Charles Mingus, Oliver Nelson and Sun Ra. From the opening New Orleans crys of "Then, As Now" to the orchestral epic title track suite, "All Of The Above", there is an urban romantic essence to Short's compositions and a transparent beauty to the ensemble playing. "All Of The Above" was recorded live, direct to digital, without overdubs by noted engineer David Baker. Southport records continues to feature the music of new Chicago composers and musicians offering innovative sounds to a world market Band Members: Damon Short, percussion; Paul Smoker, trumpet; Paul Scea, tenor sax, bass clarinet, flute; Larry Kohut, bass; Jim Yanda, guitar; Ryan Shultz, bass trumpet; Jeff Newell, alto, soprano sax