WMU HOME > ABOUT WMU > WMU NEWS Knific and friends release new CD at Dalton concert Sept. 19, 2004 KALAMAZOO--"Siena," the eagerly awaited sequel to Tom Knific's award-winning solo CD, "Home Bass," will be released at a Dalton Center Recital Hall concert, Sunday, Sept. 26, at 8:15 pm. A reception and CD signing follows the performance at Western Michigan University. Admission to the concert and reception are free with a $15 purchase of "Siena," Otherwise, admission is $10. Admission for students and senior citizens is $5. "Siena" features a host of celebrated artists, many of whom will perform at the CD-release concert. Featured performers include pianist Fred Hersch, guitarist Gene Bertoncini, singer Sunny Wilkinson, violinist Renata Artman Knific, saxophonist Trent Kynaston, pianist Steve Zegree and drummer Tim Froncek. The new CD also features saxophonist Billy Drewes, percussionist Jamey Haddad, guitarist John Abercrombie, and pianists Andy LaVerne and Sir Roland Hanna. "Siena" is inspired by the Medieval Tuscan city of the same name, where Knific did advanced music studies. The lyrical and ancient beauty of this city is reflected in Knific's original composition which is also the title track. Knific also penned "The Baron," a tribute to his father, who is a bassist. Other selections include originals of Bertoncini, LaVerne, Abercrombie, Hanna, and stunning standards sung by Wilkinson. Knific, Artman Knific, Froncek, Kynaston, Wilkinson and Zegree are all members of the faculty in the WMU School of Music. Tom Knific, professor of music, joined the faculty in 1987. He is president of the International Society of Bassists. Adept as both a classical and jazz musician, he has been principal bassist of orchestras and has performed as a soloist and in chamber music festivals throughout Europe and North America. He has toured and recorded with Dave Brubeck, Randy Brecker, Art Farmer, Billy Hart, Harvey Mason, John Abercrombie and Toots Thielemans, among others. "Siena" is released by Sea Breeze Records (SB-3069) and distributed worldwide. Media contact: Kevin West, 269 387-4678, kevin.west@wmich.edu WMU News Office of University Relations Western Michigan University 1903 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA 269 387-8400 www.wmich.edu/wmu/news