BY ALLEN A. BUCHANAN, Staff Writer
ST. PETERSBURG — Lakewood High School Jazz Ensemble celebrated the release of their new CD at the music auditorium at St. Petersburg College (SPC) Dec. 15. Parents, friends and band alumni came out to show their support for the national jazz champions of 2016.
With “Swingin’ on 54th,” the band’s first recording, under their belt, “Southside Groove” was released just in time for stocking stuffers. The CD contains four classic jazz favorites, and five original jazz compositions written by students from Lakewood.
Michael Kernodle, Lakewood’s band director, said Tom Morris of Morrisound Recording recorded, mixed and mastered the CD through the SPC’s Music Industry Recording Arts program. Morris sits on the Grammy committee, and has worked with several major artists including Beyoncé, John Travolta, Chuck Owen and Steve Morse.
“Southside Groove” is available for purchase at Lakewood High School, Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum and St. Petersburg City Hall. All proceeds go toward funding expenses for the Lakewood Jazz Ensemble.
