Deep, emotive music from the bassist and his all-star ensemble.
This recording showcases his composition skills as well as his instrumental artistry. His Sidemen include, Randy Brecker, Peter Erskine, Bruce Barth, Tim Armacost, and Justin Flynn. This record is presently being played on jazz radio across the country. Los Angeles born and New York based jazz bassist Jim Donica has been playing professionally on the American and international music scenes for over 20 years.
Jim Donica - bass, Bruce Barth - piano, Peter Erskine - drums, Randy Brecker - trumpet, Tim Armacost - sax, Justin Flynn - tenor/soprano saxes, Produced by Rufus Reid
"Stepping Up opens with a strikingly sonorous passage by bassist Jim Donica in tandem with pianist Bruce Barth. Then suddenly the mood is shifted dramatically with swinging brass and a heated solo by trumpeter Randy Brecker. It’s one of several good tunes by Donica. While the group really cooks on a jaunty version of Mingus’ “Goodbye Porkpie Hat”, it’s on the classic “But Beautiful” that Donica has some extended, soulful moments with ultra sympathetic punctuation by Brecker and Barth." - allaboutjazz.com