Coffee's On by Preston Fox

Preston Fox:
I grew up in rural Indiana in a town about 30 minutes west of Indianapolis, so I’ve always felt that this place was my home. I’ve grown to love Indianapolis even more since I’ve moved here and learned more about the rich history of Indy jazz.
As a result, I made a goal about four years ago to record my debut album as an homage to Indianapolis jazz to demonstrate gratitude and respect for the inspiration it has provided.
Indianapolis jazz is unique because it has a blue-collar sensibility, a unique rhythmic interpretation, and a folk-like harmonic approach that’s infused with modern complexity. I hope to capture this through the compositions I wrote in this album.
Firstly, “Hubbird” is based on Steve Allee’s composition "Hubbub”, which was written for the Indianapolis jazz club “The Hubbub.” I like to imagine all the musicians who would work all day and then play there all night just for the pure enjoyment of the music. I call it Hubbird because it was influenced by Steve’s tune, but also Freddie Hubbard and Charlie Parker, who’s nickname was “Bird”.
“Beginnings and Endings” is about my experience in Indianapolis. It’s a personal story about my coming to terms with the inevitably of change, and embracing the beauty of new experiences. Through this journey, I grew to see Indianapolis as a home instead of just a place to live.
“Lenny” was written for the guitarist Lenny Breau, who was introduced to me by my teacher and Indianapolis guitarist Sandy Williams. Lenny struggled with addiction his whole life, and much like his idol Bill Evans, they both empathized with the lyrics of the jazz standard entitled “The Days of Wine and Roses.” This is why the chord changes at the beginning of the piece are the same as the first chord changes in that tune.
“44th St” is the street that Wes Montgomery lived on - just a five-minute walk away from my apartment. Oftentimes when I lacked inspiration I would walk to his house. There I would stand in awe that I could develop my craft so close to where one of the great geniuses of this music lived.
“Mass Ave” was written for Sean Imboden because we would hang out a lot at the Chatterbox on Mass Ave, and I wanted to write a song to complement his saxophone sound, which I find to be unique and beautiful. Additionally, Jesse Wittman’s bass work on that track is complementary and supportive, which is everything you can ask for in a great bassist.
“Sandy” was written for my guitar teacher Sandy Williams who is endlessly curious, incredibly supportive, and an amazing player. It features Kenny Phelps, the legendary Indianapolis jazz drummer who is a highly sensitive listener and a totally unique player.
Finally, “Coffee’s On” was written for Steve Allee in honor of his mentor, Claude Sifferlen. It takes inspiration from Claude’s compositions, “Zebras 1-6”, which is why I chose to depict a zebra for the cover art of this album. The harmonic innovations of Claude’s Zebras are influential to me, and they have also been inspirational as a symbol of the individuality of the Naptown sound that I hoped to represent on this album.
I’d like to thank everyone involved with this album for helping to make it possible. This was truly a dream come true. I hope you enjoy the record, and thanks for listening.

Steve Allee:
Hello! My name is Steve Allee, and I am the pianist on Preston Fox’s new album, Coffee’s On. I hope you like it, I hope you check it out!
Hardly a day passes without me thinking of my mentor, pianist Claude Sifferlen. He was so important in my musical development, in music, and as a person. He also introduced me to drummer John Von Ohlen, who played with the Stan Kenton and Woody Herman bands. I was fortunate enough to join their quartet, the Baron Von Ohlen Quartet, early on in my early years, and learned so much from them.
At Claude Sifferlen’s house, he had kind of an open door policy as far as jam sessions were concerned. So, I would call him late morning and he would say, “Coffee’s On”, and that meant “Come on over - we’re having a jam session today.” So, it was that simple.
Sometimes we would spend three, four, five days a week in the afternoon at his house and anybody could show up and play. He had a set of drums, he was ready to go. Musicians like Buddy Montgomery would even come by occasionally. Also, Russel Webster, also a tenor saxophonist who I consider a mentor to me, would also drop by. So, in Preston Fox’s album, “Coffee’s On”, that’s what that title is referencing. The openness of having a jam session, come on over, and without really intending it, I think that’s where the mentorship began.
When I think of Indianapolis, of course I think of family and my friends, but I also think of the musicians that shaped my musical dreams such as Wes Montgomery, J.J. Johnson, Slide Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Virgil Jones, James Spaulding, Mel Rhyne. We have quite a legacy here in this city; I’m very proud to be a part of it!
I hope that you enjoy this album that Preston has produced and composed the compositions for. He is definitely a rising star - someone that you will hear about in the near future. So check it out - “Coffee’s On,” by Preston Fox.

Preston Fox is a proud product of the Indianapolis jazz scene. As a composer and improviser, he seeks to pay homage to his Indianapolis roots while also pulling from various musical influences such as Bebop, African American music, and Baroque and Romantic classical music.