Notes:
What Things Could Be started out conceptually as a reord that blended Jazz with Funk, Hip Hop, Rock, R&B and Gospel. However somewhere in the course of the project, the music seemed to take on a life of its own to the point that I don't think anoyone would be quick to classify it as any of the genres listed above. Moreover, I think some of this music cannot be categorized by any particular genre. So when listening to this record, hopefully you will keep an open mind. One absolute certainty about this record is the stellar performances by the musicians, rappers, singers and poet...I am positive that you will dig their vibe - ROB DIXON

For a young artist, Rob Dixon's music maturity is unparalleled. This album represents the culmination of events and experiences that have affected Mr. Dixon's life as a musician. The music is both respectful of tradition and free with expression and truly shows the musical diversity that is within Rob's creative mind. After matriculating from Hampton University and Indiana University's School of Music (considered the Julliard and Berklee of the Midwest), Rob moved to the top of the music world in New York City playing with legendary and popular artists such as the Count Basie Band, Tony Bennett, the Ellington Band, Slide Hampton, Dakota Stanton, the Illinois Jacquet Big Band, Rufus Reid, Akira Tana, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Jonah Jones as well as Bill Lee (composer and father of Spike Lee), Weldon Irving, Producer Ali Shaheed Muhammed (DJ of Tribe Called Quest), The Skatellites, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and guitarist Melvin Sparks. The compositions and performances in What Things Could Be are Rob's statements that need to be express to the listening public. He has done so here in an exciting and thoughtful manner. - AL HALL


Artist Roster:
Rob Dixon: saxophones, keyboards, programming
Steven Jones: keyboards
Joel Kelsey: bass
Koknosh Lismon: drums, bass
Derrick Gardner: trumpet
Anthony Lee: drums
Cynthia Lanye: vocals
Goldie Johnson: vocals
Kenny Phelps: drums
PJ Majors: drums
Joe Filipow: guitar
Anson Banks: trumpet
Rich Dole: trombone
Celeste Holler: french horn
Gary Mielke: programming, keyboards, bass, organ
Allyson Horton: spoken-word poet Russell Johnson aka Rusty Redenbacher: Rap Chadwick Artis aka Prophet: Rap


Track Listing:
1. Looking Up
2. Galaxies Colliding
3. Soul Solid
4. Love Letter
5. The Earth, The Sky
6. A Better Way
7. From The Flame
8. Love Of My Life
9. Power In The Vision
10. Nashville, Asheville
11. Still
12. Flagships
13. B Minors
14. Beautiful Nightmare
15. Rescue Me



Reviews:

Dixon is clearly conversant in the language of jazz, even as he writes material that straddles the line between contemporary groove and retro vibe. All too many jam bands write charts with complex themes that settle into vamp-like and, consequently, easier to manage solo sections. Dixon challenges not only himself but his band mates with material where the ability to navigate changes and weave melodies through them is an absolute prerequisite. -JOHN KELMAN (All About Jazz)

Dixon neither freaks nor slacks, kind of a halfway point between Nino Tempo and Sanborn but with Grover Washington's melodic sense and a bit of Klaus Doldinger's leavening. - MARK S. TUCKER (F.A.M.E.)
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