Background:
I am Sarah Pillow, and those of you who know me, know that I like to sing many different styles of music. Over the past two years, I was asked to create some concerts in Manhattan that bridge early music with jazz, which brought me back to my jazz roots. I had the privilege of working with some of the greatest jazz musicians in New York, and after producing four concerts, the next logical step is this recording project.
The Artists:
We have a stellar, multi-generational ensemble of players and a rich selection of jazz standards on the theme of The Four Roads - where astronomy and music meet. The title of the album will be Wanderer- like an astral nomad drifting in search of a place in the ether, guided by the promise of discovery.
The Album will Feature:
Marc Wagnon, vibraphone - Marc is a master of the 4-mallet technique, and has played with such luminaries as Percy Jones, Dave Douglas and headed his own band for several albums.
Dave Kikoski, piano - Dave is a jazz legend, as a bandleader and as a sideman for such jazz greats as Roy Hanes, Billy Hart, Randy Brecker, and Christian McBride.
Donny McCaslin, tenor sax - Donny was a fellow student with me at Cabrillo College in California, and I'm so proud of where his career has taken him. And now he will be joining me on this recording! Besides working with artists such as David Bowie and Steps Ahead, Donny has recorded several albums as bandleader of his own compositions.
Joey Curreri, trumpet - Joey has already drawn attention for his intricate compositions and smooth, luscious sound on the trumpet. Originally from Los Angeles, he has made his home in NYC after recently earning his Masters degree from Manhattan School of Music.
Nicola Caminiti, alto sax - Nicola is a Latin Grammy-nominated and multi-awarded Italian saxophonist and composer, arranger and educator.
Joe Martin, bass - Joe's supportive, lyrical and harmonically inquisitive playing has led to tours and recordings with artists including Mark Turner, Chris Potter, Joel Frahm, Dave Kikoski, and Billy Hart. He appears on dozens of albums as a sideman.
Mike Clark, drums - Mike started out as drummer for Herbie Hancock's The Headhunters, and has collaborated with such jazz greats as Bobby McFerrin, Nat Adderly, and John Scofield. His incisive playing has garnered him an international cult following and influenced generations of drummers throughout the world
Appeal:
I am asking for your help in the realization of this project. It’s a big one, but in order to do justice to this gathering of talent, we need a large, live recording studio, professional mixing, mastering and an aggressive promotion campaign in order to do justice to our and your investment and philanthropy.
Budget:
Artist fees: $10,400
Recording: $2,100
Mixing $1,500
Mastering: $2,050
Lodging: $750
Catering: $200
Transportation: $1,000
Manufacturing: $1,000
Promotion: $6,000
Total: $25,000
Our fiscal sponsor, Fractured Atlas, allows your donations to be fully tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. It’s a great relationship and we have been utilizing their benefits for several years during our fundraising efforts. Fractured Atlas accepts credit cards, checks and ACH/wire transfer.
What We Have Raised So Far:
Thanks to your generosity, we have previously raised over $2,000 that will be put towards this project. Any donation, no matter what amount, really adds up and helps us reach our goal.
Thank you!
I am excited to move this project to fruition. Wanderer is a concept album: every song connects to the idea of drifting, searching, traveling, yearning, or returning. Wanderer will be available in the summer of 2026 - and we hope you will join us in creating some timeless music with a thematic lens that gives even well-known standards new emotional context, lift spirits and inspire.
Please feel free to share this project on social media! @Buckyballmusic or #JazzWanderer