Rich Willey - Laid Back Volume 2

1. Laid Back (On Awakening)* — solo: Rich 8:26 2. Set Me Three — solos: Rich, John 6:03 3. Koo Koo Boogaloo‡ — solos: Steve, John, Rich 6:53 4. Peace Of Mind — solos: Rich, John 8:11 5. Road Of Happy Destiny — solos: John, Paul 5:55 6. Precious Love* — solos: John, Rich, Steve 6:46 7. Yessirree Bop! — solos: Geof, John, Jim 6:33 8. Danza Marítima*†** — solos: Paul, Rich, Steve 6:18 ◊ Rich Willey Trumpet, Tuba (3,5) ◊ John Swana EVI ◊ Carey Deadman** Trumpet ◊ Jim Gailloreto Flute, Soprano Sax, Alto Sax ◊ Geof Bradfield Tenor Sax ◊ Steve Duncan Trombone, Bass Trombone ◊ Paul Mutzabaugh Piano, Keyboard, B3 Organ ◊ Chuck Webb Electric Bass, Upright Bass ◊ Felton Offard Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar ◊ Charles Heath Drums ◊ Rich Trelease*, Rohan Marr†, Jean-Christof Leroy‡ Percussion ◊ Recording studio Palisade Studio, Chicago IL ◊ Recording date(s) January 12–15, 2026 ◊ Recording engineer Jim Massoth and Brian Clavey ◊ Mixing engineer Jim Massoth and Carey Deadman ◊ Mixing studio Crystall Recorders ◊ Mastering engineer Bryan Schwab ◊ Mastering studio Schwab Mastering ◊ Producer Carey Deadman ◊ Executive Producer Rich Willey Rich Willey, Laid Back Vol.2 — Composer and trumpeter Rich Willey presents a dynamic ensemble assembled by Chicago-based producer Carey Deadman to bring his tunes to life, arranged by Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Wally Minko. The recording spotlights the innovative artistry of John Swana on EVI (electronic valve instrument), surrounded by some of Chicago’s premier session musicians. Brimming with infectious and singable melodies, vibrant ensembles and inspired solos, this collection grooves with an energy that ensures a good time will be had by all. Accessible yet sophisticated, the music offers a refreshing contrast to today’s more cerebral “serious jazz,” inviting listeners to reconnect with the joy and spirit that defined the genre’s early days. This set harkens back to a time when “good was popular and popular was good.”