Look for the release of vibraphonist James Westfall’s Independent, his debut record. The musicians featured on this recording were hand picked by Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard, and Ron Carter, creating the 2004-2005 Thelonious Monk Institute. This group toured and performed with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Dianne Reeves, Kenny Garrett, Clark Terry, Kenny Barron, and Jimmy Heath. They studied as a group under Terence Blanchard, Jack DeJohnette, Horace Silver, and Charlie Haden, to name a few.  Through the enriching experience of working, studying, living together in downtown Los Angeles, performing, and touring, they developed an eclectic group sound.  Vibraphonist James Westfall gathered his fellow Thelonious Monk Institute musicians, Baltimore’s own trumpeter and rapper Dontae Winslow, Israeli saxophonist Gilad Ronen, Hungarian pianist Tzumo Arpad Olah, Houston bassist Alan Hampton, and New Orleans native James Alsanders on drums, to document this once in a lifetime band recording original compositions by James Westfall. Purchase Independent through CDBaby, itunes, or amazon.com

“Independent proves that this band of musical mavericks has indeed arrived and is here to stay”. – OffBeat 

“With all of the clone-like music in today’s jazz environment, it is nice to hear fresh and developing recordings like Independent”. – AllAboutJazz

“Independent is just that. It stands out as a great new project by a great new artist and composer”. – WWOZ 90.7 Mike Gourrier

“With thought provoking original compositions and an ensemble of talented musicians, Westfall’s “Independent” is a profound affirmation that he is an artist deserving wider recognition”. – WSHA 88.9 Ben Boddie

“…if you are over 40 you might feel you don’t need it…His composition chops appear to float atop a deep well, and we can look forward to his next journey. ” – The Jazz Police