We are living in strange times. Pandemics, Political upheaval, Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon, Artificial Intelligence. Life feels like a B roll movie. We acclimate to the unexpected. Throughout day to day life there are flashes of unreality, as if nothing is as perceived. This is Waking Dream, sometimes it can feel like a nightmare as well. This futuristic octet features five premier guitarists and a power house rhythm section. It is textural and symphonic at times, while firmly rooted in hard bop and the blues. The Detroit Jazz Festival will be the CD release for the groups debut release. With no established precedent, this is a unique fusion of styles and sounds.

Currently an Associate Professor at Michigan State University and Associate Director of Jazz Studies, guitarist Randy Napoleon cut his teeth touring with pianist Benny Green, The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Michael Bublé, and a thirteen year tenure with Freddy Cole.

Napoleon has performed or arranged on over seventy records including the Grammy-nominated releases, Freddy Cole Sings Mr. B and My Mood Is You. He performed on The Clayton Hamilton Orchestra: Live at MCG. Napoleon is featured on Buble’s Grammy-nominated CD/DVD Caught in the Act.

Television credits include The Tonight Show, Late Night With David Letterman, The View, and the Today Show and live performances span the globe including Royal Albert Hall, The Sydney Opera House, The Hollywood Bowl, and Lincoln Center.

Guitarist George Benson calls Napoleon “sensational.” Detroit Free Press critic Mark Stryker says Napoleon “plays with a gentle, purring tone that makes you lean in close to hear its range of color and articulation.”

Napoleon’s twelfth record as a leader will be released this year.