Withholding Nothing

Withholding Nothing

Available on CD/Digitally

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Pianist and composer Alton Merrell’s sensitive and lyrical new album Out this Thanksgiving on MCG Jazz. Withholding Nothing represents transparency of the artist – Alton Merrell showing the world his true self. This recording is Merrell’s message about when life becomes challenging, surrender even when you do not understand that is Withholding Nothing. 

Merrell’s musical artistry is a unique blend of lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and fluid technique that spans multiple music genres including jazz, gospel, classical, pop, and rhythm and blues. Merrell’s rich musical interpretations take listeners on spirit-filled excursions that deeply touch the soul.
Out November 24, 2023 via Pittsburgh’s own MCG Jazz label, the album is full of a variety of styles of jazz from rag to gospel. The music reflects Merrell’s faith and diversity. On his new album, Withholding Nothing, Merrell offers seven new compositions along with new arrangements of hymns including “Amazing Grace,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “I Love You Lord.” The title track, “Withholding Nothing” written by William McDowell holds significance for Merrell as his “go to” song that got him through the greatest challenge in his life. The song’s message encapsulates this warm, sensitive, lyrical and emotional recording.

Track List

  1. Amazing Grace [06:30]
  2. Alfred’s Blues [06:08]
  3. Withholding Nothing [05:47]
  4. Beautiful Love [04:29]
  5. Main Street Rag [02:53]
  6. Expectations [06:36]
  7. Swingatism [05:46]
  8. Great Is Thy Faithfulness [02:52]
  9. The Rapture [08:22]
  10. I Love You Lord [04:17]
  11. Selah [05:46]

Credits

Marty Ashby: Producer, Engineer (All Tracks)
John Newton: Composer (Track 1)
Alton Merrell: Piano (All Tracks), Composer (Tracks 2, 5-7, 9, 11), Strings Conductor (Track 3), Synthesizer (Tracks 6, 9, 10)
John Shannon: Guitar (Tracks 1, 9, 11)
Paul Thompson: Bass (Tracks 1, 5, 9, 11)
Tom Wendt: Drums (Track 1, 5)
William McDowell: Composer (Tracks 3, 8)
James Moore: Trumpet (Tracks 2, 7)
Chris Coles: Alto Saxophone (Tracks 2, 7)
Jason Kush: Tenor Saxophone (Tracks 2, 6, 7)
Anton DeFade: Bass (Tracks 2-4, 7)
James Johnson III: Drums (Tracks 2-4, 6, 7, 9-11)
Denzel Oliver: Bass (Tracks 6, 10)
Jeff Bush: Trombone (Track 7)
Thomas Chisholm: Piano (Track 8)
William Runyan: Composer (Track 8)
Laurie Klein: Composer (Track 10)
Zanetta Wingfield Butler: Vocals (Track 10)

(P) 2023 MCG Jazz
(C) 2023 MCG Jazz