"After Hours" offers a rare treat for connoisseurs of jazz classics -- an affectionate musical dialogue between two old friends and jazz greats, singer Sandra Wright and saxophonist Big Joe Burrell. Often Sandra's voice starts the conversation, leading the way until Big Joe's horn comes in to respond, comment, amplify, and query. Sometimes Big Joe sets the tone and Sandra develops and deepens it. Either way, it's a musical discussion made in heaven. The two are backed by a stellar trio of long-time associates featuring drummer Lloyd Herrman, bassist John Harris, and keyboardist Michael Sucher.

The album was recorded in the informal atmosphere of Blue Minute Studios in Montpelier, Vermont. Michael Sucher, who also wore engineer and co-producer hats for this outing, notes that all of the basic tracks were recorded in only one or two takes. Unlike many of today's over-rehearsed and over-processed recordings, which are buffed to a glossy perfection that sounds plastic or canned, this CD conveys the freshness of a live jazz performance by a group of like-minded musicians meeting "in the zone" for a memorable session where everything comes together magically.

Years ago the respective musical journeys of both Sandra Wright and Big Joe Burrell brought them to Vermont. Each decided to settle in the beautiful Green Mountain state where they later came to know each other. Although geographically they have traveled far from their Southern roots, musically they continue to develop the rich and soulful tradition out of which their art emerged, presenting a series of jazz, blues, and R&B interpretations that have won raves from audiences and critics alike.