# Upside Out

Upside Out is the debut album of the Riverside City College Jazz Ensemble and its various combos, released in 2003 under the Sea Breeze Vista Jazz label. According to jazz musician Jack Bowers, the album “showcases the talents of a college-level jazz ensemble and trio”. The album was distributed to jazz radio stations, where it received airplay on multiple stations across the United States.

## Background

The Riverside City College Jazz Ensemble has been a component of the music program at Riverside City College for over 40 years. The ensemble has students in various settings from large band performances to smaller combos. The album Upside Out, released in 2003, features an array of these students and showcases the work of both individuals and the collective ensemble.
Throughout its history, the RCC Jazz Ensemble has played at numerous events and venues. These performances include participation in the University of Northern Colorado's Greeley Jazz Festival and the University of Texas Jazz Festivals. The ensemble has also performed internationally in locations such as Japan and Hawaii.
One of the ensemble's significant achievements came in 2010 when it secured first place in the Big Band division at the University of Nevada, Reno Jazz Festival. As the group continues to perform and compete, it maintains a reputation for high-quality jazz musicianship within the academic and musical communities.
In addition to competitive performances, the RCC Jazz Ensemble features guest artist workshops and performances with musicians such as Carl Saunders, James Moody, Bob McChesney, Mike Stern, Poncho Sanchez, and Kim Richmond.
The RCC Jazz Ensemble commissions new works each spring. Recent commissions have been obtained from jazz composers such as Bob Curnow, Jack Cooper—who composed the title track of "Upside Out"—David Caffey, and Matt Harris.

## Recognition

The music from the CD was performed multiple times during tours with the RCC Jazz Ensemble, most notably on a concert tour of Japan. In addition, the RCC Jazz Ensemble performed at events such as the Reno Jazz Festival and the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) Convention.
The CD was distributed to numerous radio stations throughout the United States. Texas broadcaster 91.3 KVLU-NPR featured "Upside Out" on their January 2004 playlist, reporting that the track received frequent airplay.

## Reception

Professional ratings :
| Review scores ||
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic Guide | |
| All About Jazz | (very positive) |
| Jazz Journal International | (very positive) |
The CD has received notable attention within the jazz community with consistent airplay on various jazz radio stations across the United States. Stations such as WBIO in Indiana, WPKN in Connecticut, WAER in New York, and KSDS in California have included it in their playlists.

## Track listing

All tracks are written by individual composers and arrangers

## Recording sessions

* Tracks 1-8 - 2002/2003, recorded at Riverside Community College, in studio.
* Track 9 - 2003 Longhorn Jazz Festival, Austin, Texas, concert performance.

## Personnel
### Musicians

* Conductor: Charlie Richard
* Saxes and woodwinds: Travis Alegria, Kelly Corbin, Ioana Fleming, Jason Jamerson, Demetrius Patin, Bill Preci, Trevor Shiffermiller, James Reinbolt, Jaime Royal, Gerry Whitaker
* Trumpets and flugelhorns: Everardo Aguilar, Kinch Degrate, Paul Karandos, Tatsuya Koyama, Brian Mantz, Don Marino II, Carlos Villa, Kevin Young
* Trombones: Dan Bigler, Diane Bigler, Rick Covarubias, Frank Hickman, Joe Martinez, Marcos Rodriguez, Nicholas Terwilliger, Aaron Wharton
* Guitar: James DePrato, Josh Miller, Erin Von Pingle
* Piano: David Peoples, Erin Von Pingle
* Bass: Bill Dickson, Shane Jordan, Ferrari Watts
* Drums: Jon McCammon, Dan Rocadio, Chad Villarreal
* Percussion: Michael Gaylord, Anna Perotta, Angela Thomas

### Production

* Recording engineer, mixing: Charlie Richard
* Mastering: D.J. Alverson
* Liner notes: David Caffey
* Cover art and graphic design: Joan Rovan Wales

## Charts

| Year | Chart | Type | Song/Album | Position | Chart Date |
| 2004 | JazzWeek Airplay Reporting | Album | Upside Out | 164 | February 6, 2004 |