During the late summer of 2015, tracks for Life’s Blood Ensemble's  Rising Colossus were recorded at New, Improved Studios in Oakland, California. This milestone project is a massive musical exploration of emergence in multiple movements. It  features original music consisting of 2 or more movements shaped and composed by members Joshua Marshall and Rent Romus as well as compositions by Brett Carson and Joshua Allen. In addition, a reprise of a work written for Romus by the late saxophonist legend John Tchicai was arranged for the seven piece ensemble, as well as a version of Anthony Braxton's “Composition 23J” provided with assistance of the Tri-Centric Foundation.

For Romus and other members of the group ( this will be their first long over due release on vinyl.  The original cover art is from the multi talented  writer/musician/painter Collette McCaslin, and liner notes are being written by long standing music journalist Andy Gilbert.

This recording will be released on April 28th in CD and digital format.  The vinyl record pressing process has already begun and will be ready in time for the the group's release performance at the Red Poppy Art House in San Francisco on May 20th, 2016  - More information about the performance can be found at this link -

Documentation is essential for the legacy of artists struggling to be present in an ever expanding ocean of digital music.  Creating this record is not only a personal milestone for Romus, but an important step towards permanence on a larger scale. Any donation will help us reach this next step.  If not financial then getting the word out can be just as valuable. 

Performing artists:
Mark Clifford - vibraphone
Max Judelson - double bass
Heikki “Mike” Koskinen - e-trumpet, tenor recorder
Timothy Orr - drums
Joshua Marshall - tenor saxophone
Rent Romus - alto saxophone, flute
Safa Shokrai - double bass