Some of DU’s own musicians are making waves in the big band scene. The H2 Big Band, a collaboration between associate professor Al Hood and adjunct professor Dave Hanson of the Lamont School of Music, recently released their second album, You’re It!

Hanson, a composer and pianist, wrote and arranged all 11 pieces. Hood provides strong skills as the band’s lead trumpeter.

“[Hanson is] a fantastic writer and we’re lucky to have him on faculty,” said Hood. “One of the best things about the album is Dave’s music being heard and recognized.”

The band recorded You’re It! in December 2010 over the span of just three days, with one day of rehearsal and two days spent in the recording studio.

The album was mixed in April and mastered at Capital Records in Hollywood.

“It’s amazing the product we got out of three days,” Hood said.  

You’re It! was released over the summer on June 14 to both critical and commercial success.

The album has stayed on the top of the jazz charts 30 for 15 weeks and peaking as high as No. 10.

You’re It! is also currently ranked as the no. 1 album on the nationally syndicated radio show Jazz with Bob Parlocha, meaning H2 is receiving airtime across the country.

The H2 Big Band began with a grant from DU’s Arts and Humanities department.

The money gave Hood and Hanson the opportunity to record their first album, Just A Little Taste, which was released in 2008 and featured Hood playing Hanson’s compositions.

The H2 Big Band is not a live band currently, but with the success of You’re It!, Hood hopes to have a live band and a follow-up album in the near future.

“We’ve found a working band that goes together. People can feel the camaraderie and joy in the album,” said Hood.

Several other talented musicians from the DU community contributed to the project, including Malcolm Lynn Baker, director of the Jazz Studies and Commercial Music Program.

Baker acted as the conductor and music director for the project. Lamont’s Ken Walker plays bass, while Thomas Ball can be heard on the jazz trombone.

The Lamont Jazz Orchestra played through Hanson’s music before it was taken to the recording studio.

Hood attributes the album’s success to inspiration and hard work.

“It sounds cliché, but it’s a follow-your-dreams kind of thing. It’s not inaccessible.” he said. “Follow through step-by-step until it’s done. These kinds of dreams are attainable.”

“[This album] is a reminder to me that good things happen when you persevere,” said Hanson.