BC Jazz Combos Releases New Album of Original Compositions
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
The Bakersfield College Jazz Studies program is proud to announce the release of Funky Orca, a full-length album that features 12 original jazz compositions. The songs on the album are composed by BC Jazz students and were recorded in the PAC music lab on BC’s Panorama campus between 2023-24.
The Jazz program began recording students’ original songs in 2020, when classes were moved online during the pandemic. They released two digital albums that year, and when classes returned to campus in 2021, they decided to continue recording, producing, and releasing music. They released Big Bang in 2022 and the follow-up, Funky Orca, this month. All albums can be streamed and purchased through the BC Jazz Studies Bandcamp page, and all proceeds benefit the BC Jazz Studies program.
Kris Tiner, Director of Jazz Studies at Bakersfield College, talked about the process of creating this new album. “Students in the Jazz Combos class are encouraged to create and develop their original compositions and arrangements,” said Tiner, “The final exam in the class is a recording session. We record every original student composition, every semester. It’s a great way for students to experience the entire creative process from the initial idea through rehearsal, performance, and studio recording.”
Over 50 songs were recorded for Funky Orca, and the album’s 12 tracks were carefully selected by the program’s faculty and staff. “This album is a really solid and diverse collection of tunes,” says Tiner, “and it’s a very entertaining listening experience from start to finish.”
Congratulations to the BC Jazz program on releasing another outstanding album for all to enjoy. With plans for new releases every few years, we are excited to hear more incredible music in the future!
The BC Jazz combos will be performing at the Bakersfield Museum of Art for the opening of the 5th season of Jazz in the Garden. The free concerts will take place on Saturday, May 10 from 11:00AM-1:00PM. Four student combos from BC will be performing. We hope to see you there!
