Recording Session-Power Station at Berklee NYC

May 3rd and 5th, 2025, recordings of pieces for violin and piano took place at Power Station at BerkleeNYC.featuring violinist, Dylan Hamme and pianist, Nicole Brancato The release is forthcoming on Belarca Records.

The sessions were engineered by three-time Grammy Award winner John Kilgore a longtime collaborator with Belarca Records, having worked on numerous projects over the past 15 years.

Dylan Hamme and Nicole Brancato recorded Aria, Duo Montuño, Motions of Return, Scatter My Ashes, and Seven Scenes for Four Violins—the latter featuring Dylan multi-tracking all four violin parts.

For Three Trombones from Japan

For Three Trombones (1984) was recently recorded and performed for the first time by Japanese trombone virtuoso Ryoma Takaoka. Ryoma’s stunning performance is posted on YouTube with the score.

All parts performed and multi-tracked by Ryoma Takaoka, trombone

高岡 竜馬 Ryoma Takaoka

ウィリアム・サスマン William Susman

My High School Jazz Ensemble's New Website

The innovative New Trier West Recording Jazz Ensemble (1966-1980) founded by Roger Mills had a profound influence on my development as a musician. From age 14 - 17, I played piano in the band (1974-78). You can stream our albums as well as learn about other band members and their life in music. The January 2023 issue of Downbeat magazine looks back at the band’s beginnings.

My time in the band and formative years here >

Our album from 1978 >

Our album from 1977 >