It’s the late 1960s and the whole culture is hanging on every word, every breath, every note of music by The Beatles. 

In my hometown, there was a great band that played some of the most challenging and beautiful music of that time, including music by The Beatles. This band featured a keyboardist/vocalist named Loren Daniels, and as an aspiring pianist myself, I found myself transfixed with his playing and his incredible musicianship. I felt I had to get to know more about him, and so we ended up meeting by chance and he taught me about how to approach keyboards and music in general. I’ll always be grateful for his kindness and generosity towards me during that time.

Flash forward 50 years or so, and here we are with Loren’s latest release, a collection of his unique and fantastic re-arrangements of classic songs by The Beatles. It is notable that the collection is not necessarily the songs we expect or those that were the biggest hits at the time, but instead it’s those pieces that he felt were most suitable for this kind of treatment. Not surprisingly, the group breathes tremendous life and creativity into these masterpieces, adding harmonic twists and textures more suited to a jazz presentation than anything The Beatles likely imagined.

The production style is modern and yet also evocative of the spirit of the times from which the songs are drawn. A variety of keyboard textures appear including acoustic and electric pianos, organs, and the melodica, which is a great wind instrument that plays like a keyboard but sounds a bit like a harmonica. The background vocals are sophisticated, clear, and always very supportive of the story. For me, it’s a real treat to hear my old pal singing so wonderfully and with such great spirit and enthusiasm.

High praise is due to the entire ensemble — the playing and interpretations are fantastic. Belden Bullock on acoustic bass and Jon JP Peretz on drums contribute beautiful and sensitive counterpoint to Loren’s evolving keyboard textures. Together, they pull together a cohesive and flowing presentation with dynamics and great groove. The whole production is uplifting and cool. 

We got to come together! Sit back and enjoy!

Richard Hilton — keyboardist / arranger / recording engineer with Chic / Nile Rodgers

When we began recording these tracks, I originally conceived them in a vocal jazz piano trio setting. In the middle of the project, the COVID-19 pandemic happened — and changed everything. For this project, it really was a blessing in disguise. With other parts of life on hiatus, I had the time, energy and creative space to hear, experiment with, arrange and produce a fully realized version of this project. New sounds emerged: multi-tracked background vocal harmonies, Hammond B3 pads, growls and sweetenings, vocal percussion sections, multi-tracked vocal improvisations, flugelhorn solos and obligatos, melodica solos and obligatos. What was already a solidly grooving session became enhanced — richer, deeper and juicier!

Working with a recording engineer like Dave Kowalski is an immeasurable joy! Dave knows the way you want something to sound BEFORE you do — he brings Grammy-winning expertise and musicality to every project. When I began to experiment with vocal harmonies, percussion and different instrumentation, Dave gave “Ticket To Ride” his wisdom, musicality, collaborative spirit and his “ears” and years of experience. Thank you for helping me make all the “what-ifs” into the “real deal” — you are the man, Dave!

The sound, groove and feel of “Ticket To Ride” owes so much the incredibly creative and masterful rhythm section of Belden Bullock on bass and Jonathon “JP” Peretz on drums. Belden and Jonathon took my musical sketches and fleshed them out with musical wisdom, energy and experience. Their creative and empathic musical contributions can’t be overstated — thank you, my brothers!

Reggie Pittman plays with such warmth, beauty and sensitivity on every project — he truly brings the perfect vibe and sound to the flugelhorn work on “I’ll Follow The Sun”. From the first time we played together, Reggie and I have shared a deep musical bond — thank you, my brother, for being a part of this project! Teaneck Sound Studio has been the perfect place to realize “Ticket To Ride! Thanks Andrea Valentini for the incredible space in which to create!

Susan Daniels created the vibrant, intricate and incredibly beautiful fiber art piece that is the cover art for Ticket To Ride. Her creativity and ingenuity fill our lives and constantly inspire me — Susan, you are amazing! Karin Greene designed the CD package and booklet. She gathered and arranged all photos and text into an elegant package that clearly and beautifully presents the story of Ticket To Ride — Thank you, Karin! Jeff Collier and Joe Damone took the photographs for Ticket To Ride. Their eye for composition and nuance enhance and illuminate the pieces that adorn Ticket To Ride – Thank you Jeff and Joe!

The thoughtful liner notes were written by Richard Hilton — keyboardist, arranger and engineer with Chic. Rich knows me from “back in the day” — his words capture the essence of this project — thanks, my brother, for your support and friendship!

“When Loren Daniels asked me to write liner notes for this recording, Smilessence, I accepted, as I already knew the music would be good. That comment is incorrect. This recording is an excellent rendering of music by four seasoned players who have been a cohesive unit for several years, performing regularly as the Reggie Pittman/Loren Daniels Quartet.

“Individually, and collectively, this quartet displays years of experience and a musical savvy garnered from a myriad of musical styles. The music presented consists of nine originals from Loren Daniels, one from Reggie Pittman, and an American Songbook classic, delivered with a very fresh harmonic approach.

“The program is very eclectic and strong with something for everyone’s personal tastes. The maturity and experience of this ensemble allows them to play in a calypso style, easy swing, fast, intricate Be-Bop, funky grooves, slow ballads, and slow pensive moody
grooves, with ease and authority. The ensemble’s commitment to the “groove” is prevalent throughout their program, which, in my opinion, exhibits a musical maturity that truly what makes it all work for you to enjoy this recording.

“As I have had repeated listens, what I enjoy the most is the passion, clarity, interaction, and patience given between the players whether they are in supporting or soloing roles. Bassist, Mike Richmond and drummer, Jonathan Peretz, produce a relentless pulse as a team, no matter the tempo or style. This cohesiveness allows pianist, Loren Daniels, to caress the music creating his ideas without conflict. As a trio, these three gentlemen exhibit a chemistry that produces a carpet ride for trumpeter, Reggie Pittman, to ride upon creating meaningful solos throughout. The end result is an ensemble delivering exquisite musical taste, no matter who is soloing.

“Although this ensemble delivers mostly original music, the music presented is very accessible and successfully rendered, in my opinion. When listening to thoughtful, swinging, melodic, and harmonically interesting Jazz, one will always hear something new that was missed the first time around Smilessence, is that kind of recording that will demand, intrigue, and entice repeated listenings. The operative word is listening without simultaneous multitasking. Only then will you truly appreciate the collective efforts of the Reggie Pittman/Loren Daniels Quartet. BRAVO!”

— Rufus Reid, Jazz Bassist/Composer/Educator

“Smilessence” is the perfect way to describe the experience of creating this project: it is joyous, swinging, warm, thoughtful, diverse and has deep grooves!  The 11 tracks of “Smilessence” are imbued with the sound and spirit of a working band: intuitive, playful, supportive and intrinsically connected. Playing music with this group is a true blessing and we are grateful to be able to share it with you. We’d like to thank: Mike Richmond and Jonathan Peretz for their groovability, support and creativity of their playing, Dave Kowalski for his amazingly musical engineering, recording techniques, and great ears, Andrea Valentini for the very hip vibe and equipment at Teaneck Sound Studios, Susan Daniels for her exquisite and imaginative cover artwork, Karin Greene for her great graphic design, Jeff Collier for his artistic photos, Joe and Charlene Sharone and our devoted fans at Classic Quiche Cafe, Chris Kowalski for his post video expertise, Pastor Gary LeCroy and the “Jazz In The Spirit” faithful at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Teaneck NJ, our families, Pernell Bess, Carolyn Spratley, Hae Jin Sunim of Taego Zen Center and all that is divine and spiritual for aspiration, perseverance, positivity, reflection and dedication. May all who hear this music benefit.

Peace, Reggie Pittman and Loren Daniels

Creating this CD has been a joyous experience from beginning to end. We are blessed to enjoy an intuitive and positive musical partnership and we could not have done this without much love and support. We’d like to thank: Our families —Helen, Jasmine and Amani Pittman ans Susan, Greta and Nick Daniels for their love, support, patience and understanding; Bill Moring and Tim Horner for their musicality, sensitivity and giving spirits; Al Perrotta for his great ears and technical prowess; Susan Daniels for the beautiful cover artwork; all those who offered their support and encouragement along the way — Mike Richmond, Bruce Jackson, Joe Sharone, Gen Yamamoto, Mark Morelli, Carl Scariati, Lauren Hooker, the Jazz Vespers crowd from St. Paul’s LC of Teaneck, our friends and colleagues in the Teaneck Public Schools — and all that is divine and spiritual for inspiration, introspection, perseverance, and reflection. May all who hear this music benefit.

Peace, Reggie Pittman and Loren Daniels