WJO CD DETAILS
The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra’s ninth album release features new works by Sean Irvine. The album blends vocals, spoken poetry, and instrumental music to tell five distinct stories of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals—amplifying the voices of a community that meets each day with resilience, navigating solitude while reaching for love and freedom. Each movement begins with a poem, accompanied by instrumental narratives that expand on its themes. Four years in the making, this project builds on the foundations of Irvine’s debut album, The Oak & Alley Chapter. ---- Recorded at No Fun Club, Winnipeg MB Recording engineer, editing & mixing / Larry Roy Mastering / Guy Hébert Produced by / Larry Roy Cover / detail from original artwork by Yisa Akinbolaji Distributed by / Chronograph Music This project was made possible by a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts, Manitoba Film & Music, and by on-going support from the Manitoba Arts Council, the Winnipeg Arts Council. & the Department of Canadian Heritage |
Forgotten Stories Suite
Released: February 6, 2026 1. Forgotten Stories ............................................. :55 2. Prologue: Study In Shades Of Palo Santo .... 6:49 3. 2 Brothers ....................................................... 1:03 4. Movement I: Nightmare ................................. 7:23 5. Longing for Texas .......................................... 2:04 6. Movement II: Texas ..................................... 13:55 7. A King & His Castle ........................................ 1:07 8. Movement III: A Perfect Castle ..................... 7:03 9. May He Rest ................................................... 1:19 10. Movement IV: Harold ................................. 10:54 Soloists:
2. Prologue: Study In Shades Of Palo Santo - Andrew Littleford, Larry Roy 4. Movement I: Nightmare - Niall Cade, Larry Roy, Fabio Ragnelli 6. Movement II: Texas - Karly Epp, Sean Irvine 8. Movement III: A Perfect Castle - Will Bonness, Jon Chaloner 10. Movement IV: Harold - Karly Epp, Karl Kohut, Will Bonness, Neil Watson, Fabio Ragnelli PERSONNEL:
Quinn Greene - Narrator Karly Epp - Voice Sean Irvine- Piccolo, Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Soprano Sax, Lead Alto Sax Neil Watson - Soprano Sax, Alto Sax Niall Cade - Tenor Sax Monica Jones - Tenor Sax Kyle Wedlake - Baritone sax Joel Green - Lead Trombone Jeremy Duggleby - Trombone Karin Carlson - Trombone Isabella Lavoie- Bass Trombone Shane Hicks - Lead Trumpet Matthew Walden - Trumpet, Flugelhorn Andrew Littleford- Trumpet Jon Chaloner- Flugelhorn (Feature) Larry Roy - Guitar Will Bonness - Piano, Fender Rhodes Karl Kohut - Upright Bass, Electric Bass Fabio Ragnelli - Drums |
Sean Irvine
In his compositions, Irvine draws inspiration from jazz legends such as Jon Gordon, Derrick Gardner, David Braid, Terry Promane, Michael Cain, and Terry Promane. His writing incorporates elements from jazz, folk, classical, and traditional world genres, reimagining and weaving their elements into eclectic and authentic compositions.
Notes from the composer:
I want this album to speak for itself—to amplify the voices of a community of people who take each day in stride and have lived lives of solitude, grappling for love and freedom. Much like the experience of walking through an art gallery, I hope you will look deeply into the portraits of these folk’s stories and see how each line, shade, and brushstroke speaks to a greater good. For if music can make us feel something, it provides an avenue for connection and empathy.
Thank you, Terry Promane, for making this all possible. At a time when I had put the pen to rest, you guided it back into my hands and encouraged me to share my voice. For this, I am forever thankful.
To the folks who gifted me their stories: I see you, I hear you, and I thank you. May the silence of our demons be laid to rest.
“Through closure it was hope I’d found, for day by day, I’ll take the road ahead of me…” -Sean Irvine
I want this album to speak for itself—to amplify the voices of a community of people who take each day in stride and have lived lives of solitude, grappling for love and freedom. Much like the experience of walking through an art gallery, I hope you will look deeply into the portraits of these folk’s stories and see how each line, shade, and brushstroke speaks to a greater good. For if music can make us feel something, it provides an avenue for connection and empathy.
Thank you, Terry Promane, for making this all possible. At a time when I had put the pen to rest, you guided it back into my hands and encouraged me to share my voice. For this, I am forever thankful.
To the folks who gifted me their stories: I see you, I hear you, and I thank you. May the silence of our demons be laid to rest.
“Through closure it was hope I’d found, for day by day, I’ll take the road ahead of me…” -Sean Irvine
PRESS QUOTES ABOUT THE ALBUM:
Thank you for support from:
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
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