Thomas Milovac - Sun Ray (2022)

"Sun Ray" is bassist and composer Thomas Milovac's debut studio album. Flying through the musical cosmos, the Thomas Milovac Sextet visits the many worlds of the composer's mind. Varying styles, textural landscapes, driving swing, and improvisational communions bring the listener in on this sonic odyssey. We implore you to strap in for the ride.

All compositions by Thomas Milovac except for "King Porter Stomp" which was composed by Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton.

Composer Ben Shorstein wrote about “Sun Ray”:

“Thomas Milovac is an alchemist. I’m fascinated by his masterful combination of elements - textures, instrumentation, composition, structure, free improvisation, structured improvisation, dissonance, harmony, dynamics, space. He uses these aural elements as a visual artist uses the physical to create a unified and harmonious whole; each piece is greater than the sum of its parts. Milovac’s music lives within this sublime contrast of aspects. With this album, I feel pulled in different directions, my expectations continuously thwarted (in a good way). This wouldn’t be possible without the top-class musicians on the album. The absence of piano adds much, as the freed up space allows for greater sonic exploration. The title track, Sun Ray, is a great swingin’ tune, and I particularly enjoy the tasty trumpet solo, punctuated by the bass and drums. Still Moments is emotional wizardry, with beautiful ensemble textures especially from the horns and bowed bass. Quasar is a transcendent, hypnotic exploration of texture and extended techniques of the bass, accompanied by bells. Black Mask is a lovely piece with unique structure, reminiscent of a Duke Ellington ballad, with a Milovacian twist. As an album, this is thoughtfully designed, balanced, and artfully executed creative music.”

Personnel:
Thomas Milovac - Double Bass, Bass Guitar, Percussion
Justin Mendez - Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax
Ryan Devlin - Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax
Shawn Villanueva - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Zach Muth - Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Eric Bailey - Drums