Greg Spero’s Spirit Fingers

PEACE

Release Date: June 12, 2020

Heralded by the iconic Quincy Jones as ‘an absolutely beautiful human being and an artist who knows how to play from his soul,’ Greg Spero is the leader of the rhythmically-charged quartet Spirit Fingers. The band features bassist Max Gerl, Dallas drum prodigy Mike Mitchell (Blaque Dynamite) and Italian guitarist Dario Chiazzolino. Their riveting 2018 debut, co-produced by Makaya McCraven, was met with fan love and critical acclaim. Mentored by the great Herbie Hancock, Greg Spero eagerly absorbs the history of Jazz and beyond with the utmost respect for the elders and both eyes firmly fixed on new creation in the present. Touring as pianist for pop singer Halsey gave him the range of experience and confidence on any stage. With his Spirit Fingers bandmates, Greg builds the foundation in Jazz fusion and groove and takes off into pop and Hip-Hop exploration. Each member of Spirit Fingers is a bandleader in their own right, but you won’t hear them throwing the word super-group around for its obvious limitations on creative improvisation.

Judi Jackson met Wynton Marsalis at the now famed Jefferson Center in Roanoke Virginia. Soon a box arrived with hand selected titles from Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone. Jackson felt the power and made her decision, honing her skills in the Music Lab at Jefferson Center - the venue made famous by the Grammy winning Family Dinner Vol 1 by Snarky Puppy. Judi was a part of that recording; her performance can be found on the DVD chronicling the event and it must be said that her performance was not overshadowed in any way by the seasoned vocalists on the program. Judi is now listed as a rising start, performing at The London Jazz festival and Ronnie Scotts, with her own project in the works for 2020.

We have yet to know the entire breadth of the work that Greg, Spirit Fingers, and Judi have created together - but we are pleased to announce the release of their first track together. Titled Goodbye, the song spreads out in front of the listener with blunt honesty. The kind of honesty where each player lays out their life story for all to see…

‘I’m not saying I am sorry - that is something I won’t do’

Set for release on St. Valentine’s day (February 14), Goodbye beautifully expresses perhaps the most important part of Love, the part where it ends for now. Mike MItchell lays out on the kit with his signature loose precision, with Spero’s keys dancing around Judi’s lamenting vocals. In style and form it is completely new, in message it is as old as the human story.