Spark (New Album)

Spark

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Spark is an eclectic collection of original compositions by saxophonist Jeff Ponders. With influences from John Coltrane, Kenny Garrett, and James Brown, the album explores a variety of jazz idioms, taking listeners from funk to fusion, swing to soul, and church pews to the Caribbean.  The record features a talented group of artists, including Grammy-nominated producers Brandon Williams and Demetrius "Krayon" Nabors, rising jazz drummer Nate Winn, and the electrifying Gerard Gibbs of the James Carter Organ Trio.

 

Spark, an album by Jeff Ponders II on Spotify

As you listen to Spark, I hope that you open your ears, mind, and imagination to ride the musical wave wherever it takes you. It’s my intention that this collection of music will not only provide an epic listening experience, but fuel your creativity, inspire new ideas, and help you get in the zone to achieve better. I hope Spark will be a catalyst to ignite your next level life. 
- Jeff Ponders II

Hear Spark

Album Personnel

2. St. Valentino

- Jeff Ponders II, tenor sax
- Kenneth Gill, trombone
- Frank Walton, trumpet
- Derrick Benford, piano
- Gregory Freeman, percussion
- Matt Ryan, bass
- Nate Winn, drums
- Ashley Nelson, violin
- Carla Rivers-Johnson, violin
- Leslie DeShazor, viola
- Jasmine James, cello
 

1. Shakespeare

- Jeff Ponders II, tenor sax
- John Douglas, flugelhorn
- Frank Walton, trumpet
- Gregory Freeman, percussion
- Gary Johnson, guitar
- Demetrius "Krayon" Nabors, rhodes
- Matt Ryan, bass
- Nate Winn, drums 

4. Change of Pace

- Jeff Ponders II, tenor sax
- Kenneth Gill, trombone
- John Douglas, trumpet
- Derrick Benford, piano
- Jon Dixon, piano
- Demetrius "Krayon" Nabors, rhodes
- Matt Ryan, bass
- Nate Winn, drums

3. Amazing Grace

- Jeff Ponders II, tenor sax
- Gregory Freeman, percussion
- Gary Johnson, guitar
- Demetrius "Krayon" Nabors, rhodes
- Matt Ryan, bass
- Nate Winn, drums

6. I Got Soul (Original Take)

- Jeff Ponders II, tenor sax
- Kenneth Gill, trombone
- Frank Walton, trumpet
- Gregory Freeman, percussion
- Gary Johnson, guitar
- Demetrius "Krayon" Nabors, rhodes
- Gerard Gibbs, organ
- Matt Ryan, bass
- Brandon Williams, drums

5. Time Space Words

- Jeff Ponders II, saxophones, flute
- Kenneth Gill, trombone
- Frank Walton, trumpet
- Joi Tiffany, vocals
- Kenny Watson, vocals
- Derrick Benford, piano
- Jon Dixon, synth
- Gregory Freeman, percussion
- Tony Gordon, pad
- Gary Johnson, guitar
- Demetrius "Krayon" Nabors, rhodes
- Matt Ryan, bass
- Nate Winn, drums

8. I Got Soul (Dirty Take) 

- Jeff Ponders II, alto & tenor sax
- Kenneth Gill, trombone
- Frank Walton, trumpet
- Gerard Gibbs, organ
- Gary Johnson, guitar
- Demetrius "Krayon" Nabors, rhodes
- Matt Ryan, bass
- Brandon Williams, drums

7. Write My Wrongs

- Jeff Ponders II, tenor sax
- Gregory Freeman, percussion
- Demetrius "Krayon" Nabors, piano

All songs written and produced by Jeff Ponders II. Shakespeare and St. Valentino co-produced by Demetrius "Krayon" Nabors. All songs mixed and mastered by Darell “Red” Campbell Jr, except Time Space Words (mixed by Quentin Dennard II. All songs engineered by Jake Shives at Tempermill Studios, Ferndale, MI. Organ recorded at Inner Court Studios in Southfield, MI by Conru "Blacque" Carpenter. Artwork by Justin Norman with The Better Company.

Thank Yous:

  • God: I’m nothing without you. You call me to dream & do the unimaginable. Thank you for endowing me with purpose, passion, and gifts to do Your will. 
  • Charlie, JP3, Avery, Xavier: I love you and appreciate your confidence in me. Thank you for allowing space for me to Spark.
  • Bunnye & JP1: Thank you for supporting my journey and believing in me. You’re best (and craziest) parents a guy could have. 
  • The Amazing Artists on Spark: Your gifts and spirits were exactly what was needed to bring this dream to life. Thank you for embracing and buying into the vision.
  • My Family & Friends: I’m a product of the love and support of my village. You receive and reflect my Sauce. Thank you for the abundance lessons and love that push me forward.
  • Donald Walden, Marcus Belgrave, Wendell Harrison, and Willie J. McAllister Jr: Your generous gifts of time, wisdom, and knowledge helped me become the musician and man that I am. Thank you for investing in my gifts.
  • You, the Listener: Thank you for taking time to listen. This project means nothing without your ears and heart to embrace it. 

Copyright 2018 Jeff Ponders II