Fortitude

Fortitude: 'strength of mind that enables a person to endure pain or adversity with courage.' Alto-saxophonist and composer, John Kocur's second album of inspiring, original music. The follow-up to 'The Smoker' (2009). This time, the John Kocur Quartet is augmented by the versatile nylon-string guitar stylings of Cristian Perez. The music ranges from burning uptempo swing to down-home funk with touches of blues, gospel, flamenco, and classical music. 'I wrote many of these songs in a time of great change in my life. I hope this music will be consolation to anyone who knows what it's like to lose a close relative or friend, start a challenging new job, get laid off, fail at something important to you, or feel like you just can't go on anymore. Be strong, be courageous! Never give up!' -John Kocur 'Alto saxophonist John Kocur isn't called The Smoker for nothing. He's simply one of the finest soloists the D.C. jazz scene has to offer-and, it turns out, one of it's most promising composers and bandleaders, too.' -Michael J. West, Washington City Paper Tracklist: 1. Looking Forward 2. Year of the Dragon 3. Waltz in G# minor 4. Sunday Morning 5. Fortitude 6. Requiem 7. Hallelujah (L. Cohen) 8. The Journey Personnel: John Kocur - alto saxophone Amy Bormet - piano Cristian Perez - guitar Karine Chapdelaine - bass C.V. Dashiell III - drums All compositions by John Kocur (BMI) except 'Hallelujah' by L. Cohen. Design by Dustin Mollick at decidedlydusty.com Recorded and engineered by Aaron Campbell Mastered by SoundLAB Produced by John Kocur Copyright 2013 John Kocur Music.