The latest album from UCF’s esteemed jazz faculty has been well received following its release on January 6. Imagination, a live duo recording from Rupert & Drexler, debuted at #16 during its first week on the CMJ chart, made the Top 50 on the Roots Music Report, and landed on CMJ and JazzWeek’s ‘Most Added’ charts.
The album features jazz studies program director Jeff Rupert on tenor saxophone and jazz faculty member Richard Drexler on piano. The two musicians have shared the stage since 1988, performing in a variety of bands and collaborating on numerous projects.
In addition, Rupert conducts UCF’s Flying Horse Big Band and leads The Jazz Professors, another successful UCF faculty group. The Professors’ 2013 album Do That Again was a top-ten hit on JazzWeek.
Pianist Richard Drexler, also a member of The Jazz Professors, teaches jazz bass at UCF. He is also a producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. He tours with the Jeff Berlin trio and has accompanied many prominent vocalists.
Imagination was produced by Rupert and is available for download on Amazon Music and CD Baby.