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Dear friends, music fans, and new acquaintances. In September of 2011, I recorded my first quartet CD as leader. The album is titled Calling Dexter, and was influenced by the late great saxophonist Dexter Gordon, and how his music made me fall in love again with the great bebop and swing tradition of jazz. I financed the recording myself, but am hoping to raise $3500 through advanced sales and other incentives to get the music packaged and released. I am very proud and passionate about this recording, and your support in bringing this project to fruition would mean so much to me. Thank you for your consideration and please read further and check out the video above for more information about the album and how you can help.
Why Your Help Matters
The big picture - You are helping keep art, culture, and specifically jazz alive. This is a beautiful, yet niche art-form that’s survival is dependent on its creators and fans. In order for an artist like yours truly to tour, get airplay, and stay in the public eye, they must continue to release new recordings. The record industry no longer supports timeless worth-while music, and without consistent releases the artist cannot maintain a career. In addition 100% of every dollar raised and spent in this project is reinvested into the Canadian economy, supporting graphic artists, photographers, manufacturers, film makers, recording engineers, live venues, and the list goes on. Not only are you assisting my career, but you are investing in our collective future.
About the Music
Calling Dexter is a hard swinging, straight ahead jazz album. The music is no-nonsense and is reminiscent of all the classic albums I love from the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. The 10 tracks are a mix of 5 originals and 5 timeless standards including - Young at Heart, The Intimacy of the Blues, Fried Bananas, I’m a Fool to Want You, and The Continental. The Album features one of Canada’s finest rhythm sections who have been playing together for over 20 years with Andre White on piano, Alec Walkington on bass, and Dave Laing on drums.
My conception for this album was to try and achieve an authentic, cohesive, and swinging album that will entertain the listener from beginning to end. The arrangements cut straight to the point, and the music is melodic, swinging, and without filler. We recorded live to tape and avoided editing to achieve an inspired, honest, and authentic sound. I want the concert goer who hears this album to know exactly what to expect when they come to see a live performance, and it was important for me to honestly document this stage of my musical development - mistakes and all.
Budget $3500
- Graphic Design $500
- Manufacturing $2000 - 1000 copies (full colour 6 panel digiPak)
- Music licensing fees $500
- Promotional expenses $500 (postage and copying for mail-outs - long distance calls etc.)
Incentives
$1 big thank you
$10 mp3 copy of the album
$20 signed copy of the album
$30 signed copy + 4 digital bonus tracks
$50 signed copy + 4 digital bonus tracks + sheet music from the session
$75 signed copy + 4 digital bonus tracks + sheet music from the session + Enjoy dinner with Cameron over a bowl of his famous Chili Con Carne
$100 signed copy + 4 digital bonus tracks + sheet music from the session + 1 hour private lesson (greater Montreal area or Skype)
$300 signed copy + 4 digital bonus tracks + sheet music from the session + 18 holes of golf with Cameron (greater Montreal area)
$500 5 signed copies + 4 digital bonus tracks + sheet music from the session + original instrumental composition for you + album credit
$750 5 signed copies + 4 digital bonus tracks + sheet music from the session + live duo concert for you and or your friends (greater Montreal area) + album credit
$1500 5 signed copies + 4 digital bonus tracks + sheet music from the session + live quartet concert for you, and or your friends (greater Montreal area) + album credit
$4000 5 signed copies + 4 digital bonus tracks + sheet music from the session + 2 Dexter Gordon Transcriptions of 2nd Balcony Jump + Cameron’s 1948 Conn 10m tenor saxophone (original cracked lacquer with nickel plated keys - sounds just like Dexter’s horn) + a one hour lesson (greater Montreal area or Skype) + album credit
Other Ways To Help
You can’t afford to purchase a copy or any of my other incentives? No worries, there are plenty of other ways to help.
- Let others know about Cameron Wallis or this Campaign!
- Got computer chops? I don’t, and could use help with website, advertising, social media etc!
- Volunteer to poster or work the door at a CD release event!
- Know someone in the media who’d love this Music? Let me know!
- Help gather an email list of potential fans.
- Hugs are always needed and accepted.
Thank you all very much for your time and consideration!
Sincerely,
Cameron
