Sam Robinson – Chasin' The Dream

From Sam: "My wife and I were in the car one day discussing possible titles for the album. After several failed attempts on my part, she suggested the title that I ultimately ending up using. "Isn't that a bit too cliché ?" I asked. "Maybe," she said. "But that's what you're doing."

And she's right. I've been playing the trumpet since middle school, but this dream I've been chasing began only a few years ago. Or maybe it's always been there, and it's just becoming more of a reality. In any event, I can definitely confirm that there is a dream out there somewhere, and that in one way or another , I am definitely chasing it. I'm not sure exactly what that dream is, but it includes things like getting more gigs, getting my name out there, and most importantly, GETTING BETTER.

The first tune, "The Gatekeeper," is a genuine homage to everyone who has prevented me from achieving my musical goals. It's not a "diss track." It's not me thumbing my nose at them. It's a real "thank you" to all of the jazz clubs, record labels, radio stations, and musicians who have said "No" to me. Their rejection made me go home and practice. It's that simple.

"Big C's Chart" is based on the harmony of the famous jazz standard "Little B's Poem." I threw in a little shout section as well as an ending to dress it up a bit.

"Leia" is named after my daughter. There have been multiple recorded versions of this song, but I feel that the one on this album is the best take out there.

"Sam's Dig" is an original based on the standard "Dig," which is based on "Sweet Georgia Brown."

"Brian's Tune" was written during the week that a wonderful teacher and colleague of mine, Brian Keller, lost his life to cancer. I felt that he deserved to have a song in his honor.

"Bienvenue" ("Welcome" in French) is a reference to my day gig. I've been a French teacher at Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, IL for 23 years. "Bienvenue" is usually one of the first words I teach my students. "So why is it last on the album?" you might ask.

Because I'm trying to be clever and mysterious.

I would not have been able to chase this dream without the support of the other musicians on this album. Jack Macklin has recently become a rising star on the Chicago jazz scene. I love hIs sophisticated, understated and bluesy style. At his young age, he has already learned a valuable lesson that many musicians take years to understand: more notes don't necessarily equal better music.

Chase Wilkins is another great up-and-comer on the drums. His youthful energy on the album is obvious, and his solid sense of time is exceeded only by his creativity.

Aaron Krings has been playing bass with me for a while. I first met him at a jam session a few years ago. Since then, his career has taken off. Every time I look at Chicago's jazz schedule, his name pops up somewhere. And rightfully so. He keeps getting better and better and I know that Chicago will see this man perform at a high level for quite some time.

Last but not least, Scott Angst is the tenor man in my band, and has been with the SR Quintet since its inception. He's on all the albums. He's on (almost) all the gigs. He's usually the first to respond to a call. He's a great friend and a great player. He has a sound that is entirely his own. He doesn't have to try to sound like anyone else because he doesn't need to. This band would not be what it is without him.

So that's it. I hope you enjoy the album. It's been a dream of mine for a while, and I'm glad to finally be able to share it with you."