11th Anniversary – 1995 Jazz in June program – Norman, Oklahoma

Sebastian Whittaker and The Creators

Returning to the Jazz in June stage from a great 1993 performance is Sebastian Whittaker and the Creators. On his debut Justice Records release, “First Outing,” Whittaker created a set of mostly original tunes that recalled the Blue Note Records sound of the 1940s and 1950s. On his next CD, “Searchin’ For The Truth,” Whittaker continued to pay homage to that classic era. His latest effort is “One for Bu!!” which pays homage to Art “Bu” Blakey. And the reviews for “One for Bu!!” are great!

“Whittaker is a Blakey disciple both in his energetic, aggressively swinging drumming style and his leadership of the Creators…carefully crafted arrangements that set up plenty of well-supported solo opportunities for its members. The emphasis is on melodic swing and personal expressiveness… But, in the best jazz tradition, the Creators has its own sound and its own feeling.” -Tom Krebbell, CD Review, April 1994. Jazz Times calls Whittaker’s performances “Tight ensemble work, a variety of hard-swinging tempos and marvelous musicianship.” The Creators feature Jesse Davis, alto sax; Shelley Carroll, tenor sax, clarinet, flute; James Lakey, musical director, trombone; Jacky Terrasson, piano; Barrie Lee Hall, trumpet; David Craig, acoustic bass; and G.T. Hogan, drums.