Sheilani Alix - Duty Free (The Pacific Rim Sessions) (2020)

"Duty Free: The Pacific Rim Sessions" is a straightforward collection of jazz standards and 1970s music covers recorded in the Philippines and the United States. The journey celebrates musicians on both sides of the Pacific Ocean and illustrates how music transcends all barriers and boundaries.

It's also a chance to celebrate Tonet Lipana, a wonderfully talented Manila-based guitar player. We recorded our session in Manila with him, Vince Lahorra (saxophone) and Dave Harder (bass) in January 2017 with Owner/Engineer Gerry Pineda of Sound Weavers Recording Studio & Productions. We are so fortunate to have had the chance to memorialize his talent and music before his unexpected passing in late 2017. It was truly a loss for the music community not only in the Philippines but at large but are so thankful to be able to share his work with the world. Maraming salamat, Kuya Tonet.

On the other side of the Pacific, we have Greg Sankovich (piano, Rhodes), Lincoln Adler (saxophone), Paul Eastburn (bass), Les James (drums), and guitarists Sean Allen, Scott Foster and Jinx Jones featured on a variety of recordings between 2016-2018. PLUS! an extra special treat-of-a-track featuring DJ Zeph who not only produced the (surprise!) remix offering but has also been a phenomenal source of support (in every way) during the last leg of this album-making adventure.

Huge shout out and thanks to Jesse Nichols, Adam Munoz, Greg Sankovich, Lincoln Adler and DJ Zeph for their mixing magic and Justin Weis and DJ Zeph for their mastering wizardry that beautifully stitched together this musical quilt. And Chris Ferreria for his always beautiful album cover artwork.

2020 has certainly been full of surprises -- but through it all, am so grateful for everyone who was a part of this and even more grateful for all of YOU for your tireless support of live music both onstage and online. Hoping these songs bring a little calmness in the midst of this pandemic chaos. Am looking forward to seeing, hugging and singing in person for you soon…Peace, love and happy holidays....xo, Sheilani