"Ambitious writing and arranging for the 12-piece ensemble by Philly-based trumpeter, John Vanore. Hauntingly beautiful…well crafted…stirring orchestration…edgy…swinging." Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes “…their sheer excellence exemplifies creativity in compostion and craftsmanship in the art of arranging…this music is rooted in its heritage while boldly forward looking.”    8 PM Saturday May 26th John Vanore (trumpet and bandleader) is an alumnus of the Woody Herman Band and was a longtime SONY recording engineer.  He has been recording his own and others projects at his current studio at Widener University for many years and has some of the best ears and skills in the business and has worked with a who’s who of stars in the jazz and pop field.  (John happens to be the recording engineer for Marianne’s upcoming jazz CD).  John is also a prolific composer and has produced three CD's with his 12-piece band from Philadelphia, Abstract Truth, all highly acclaimed jazz recordings. His first CD with Abstract Truth, “Blue Route” placed in the DownBeat Magazine Readers’ Poll “Big Band” category with Blue Route placing in the prestigious “Album of the Year” list. Less than two years later, the accolades repeated with the release of "Curiosity". John will debut material from his ambitious new release “Contagious Words”, along with material from “Blue Route” and “Curiosity”. Tickets,  through Instant Seats have been posted at: http://www.jazzway6004.org/products.html  

“As a soloist, Vanore plays his horn open with a bright searching tone. The writing is complicated enough to sound modern and highly crafted, but remains accessible…rich orchestration throughout.” Greg Simmons, All About Jazz About John Vanore A Woody Herman alumnus, John has a strong place in his heart for the power and energy that is part of being a big band. His passion for improvising draws him to the intimacy and interplay of the small group. As a student of Dennis Sandole, composition and the development of a personal soloist identity were and remain the driving force in Vanore’s writing and playing. After Woody’s band, John became a mainstay in the trumpet sections for performers visiting Philadelphia–Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Sammy Davis, Michel LeGrand, Louis Bellson, and others. He has also recorded and produced for EMI, Wyndham Hill, Miramax and has received a Gold Record for his work with Atlantic Records. “Curosity” is more than an album title”, Vanore says. “It is my credo!” With hunger for knowledge and accomplishment that is un-relentless, it was decided to write for and create a “new” group, based on the concept of the intimacy of a small group with the fire power of a big band. (The influence of being in Woody’s band). I decided to call the group “Abstract Truth.” “Contagious Words” continues the evolving identity and redefining the voice of the large ensemble. This collection of 7 originals and one standard displays the palette of the group’s colors, and spans a range of emotions and storytelling, as John calls it. While attending a summer program, while in college, directed by Oliver Nelson, John experienced the pivotal moment of his career—making the decision to pursue music. Nelson’s unique identity was inspirational. Then, studies with Dennis Sandole forged and intensified the same type of identity thinking. The phrase alone “abstract truth” is a great definition of how jazz exists. The abstract nature of sound, itself -- the honesty of the improviser About Abstract Truth There have been 3 iterations of Abstract Truth (the “Truth” as we like to call it).  Today, re-organized and back again, the ensemble’s personnel boast rich and diverse experiences including performing with  Phil Woods, Buddy Rich, Slide Hampton, Randy Brecker, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, The Philly Pops, Pat Martino and many others. The new release, Contagious Words, has already received critical acclaim and has charted in the Top 100 for Jazz Radio. Curiosity has been re-issued to reviews giving testimony to the timeless nature of the music. Work on the groups’ 4th CD has already begun. The early 80’s was the formative period when I decided to write a “book” for a large group (not to be yet another big band). A new and novel approach was a self imposed mandate!  After a few experiments I decided on the jazz quintet with a brass section concept that has become Abstract Truth. Guitar (in place of piano) was an important voice for the writing approach and the French horn a must have in the brass section, with saxophones to be part of the “quintet” while providing color to the ensemble voice. The late 80’s was the “let’s get serious” period. We had been playing in the region with the group’s unique approach receiving enthusiasm and excitement. It was time to record…and Blue Route became the first release (1990). CD Review Magazine’s editor, Dick Lewis named it an Editors’ Choice, Best of the Year and described it as “A widely and wildly varied collection of traditional big band elements blended with contemporary and visionary sounds.” With considerable national radio play the word spread and Abstract Truth placed in the DownBeat Magazine Readers’ Poll “Big Band” category with Blue Route placing in the prestigious “Album of the Year” list. Less than two years later, the accolades repeated with the release of Curiosity.