Self Released (2014)

  • Ben Flocks – Tenor Saxophone
  • Ari Chersky – Guitar
  • Sam Reider – Piano, Rhodes, Accordion
  • Garret Lang – Bass
  • Evan Hughes – Drums

California is my home. I was raised on Battle Mountain in Bonny Doon, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Here, incredible serenity is juxtaposed with a battle to preserve the unique rural environment. Growing up surrounded by towering redwoods, wildflowers, and the Pacific Ocean, the natural beauty of Santa Cruz shaped my upbringing and inspired the music on this record. “Battle Mountain” is dedicated to the wonder and mystery of California.

I’d like to thank my family, my bandmates, John and Jay at Tiny Telephone, Mark Wilder, Nick Hemenway, and Chris Elfving. Thanks to Joshua Redman for his guidance and inspiration, along with Donny McCaslin, Taylor Eigsti, and Julian Lage for their encouragement. I’d also like to thank my former teachers Ray Brown, Joe Gilman, and Victor Lin. I’m also thankful for Tim Jackson, Jim Nadel, and Dave and Iola Brubeck, who have supported me over the years. Finally, thanks to all my friends!

credits

released February 11, 2014

Ben Flocks - Saxophone
Ari Chersky - Guitar
Sam Reider - Piano, Fender Rhodes, Accordion
Garret Lang - Bass
Evan Hughes - Drums

Recorded March 5th and 6th, 2013 at Tiny Telephone in San Francisco
Engineered and Mixed by Jay Pellicci
Mastered by Mark Wilder
Artwork by Chris Elfving