FOR THE SKY IS A SUITCASE:
"In their self-titled release, The Sky Is A Suitcase showcases a style that brings back rebellion to jazz - it surprises, excites, and inspires... These songs are personal, and there is a palpable sense of reflection coming from each member in every arrangement on the album. Each track mimics a story, fading in and out of emotions, and there is an intense solidarity within these players. Once you've entered this aural dream state, you'll never want to leave."
-Earshot Jazz
FOR SEQUOIA ENSEMBLE:
2014 NW ACOUSTIC JAZZ ENSEMBLE OF THE YEAR
-Earshot Jazz "Golden Ear Awards"
"There’s very little conventional structure to this music. There’s no relying on a return to a previously traveled spot and the shape of a song may not become apparent even after it’s reached its conclusion. The obligation of an ensemble who takes this approach is to make every moment interesting, which Sequoia Ensemble does with a remarkable consistency...Plenty of intrigue and amazement to be found here, an equation that results in an abundance of fun."
-Dave Sumner (Bird is the Worm, eMusic, Wondering Sound)
"The writing is ambitious and the lines between improvisation and composition are delectably blurred... It’s a testament to Gillis that the disparate directions on Sequoia do indeed hold together as an album, albeit a challengingly varied one, thanks to the assured arrangements and the sensitive and dynamic ensemble work. Highly recommended."
-Earshot Jazz