For some of us, listening to the explorations and innovations of a great composer and or a great instrumentalist is an interesting and satisfying evening pastime. For others though, it is part of a process through which to move forward in their own creative growth. Chris Philpotts is clearly part of the latter group. Classically trained on oboe and English horn, Philpotts shows he is clearly just as comfortable playing music in other genres. He has played in groups featuring fusion, jazz, baroque and free-improv with many Cincinnati area musicians. Most of these collaborations have featured original compositions and improvisational experimentation. One of these groups became the quartet Ekimi. This group has recorded many CDs and features some very talented and eclectic instrumentalists, all of whom compose and perform. Throughout this time, Chris has never stopped playing classical music. In fact, he is currently Principal English Hornist with the Cincinnati Symphony & Pops Orchestras and Principal Oboist with Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. Although his symphonic life demands much of his attention, he has never stopped finding time to exercise his jazz brain and to compose and record music. In various parts of his freelance career, Chris has worked with jazz greats, Dave Freisen, David Darling, Paul McCandless, and Ron McCroby in addition to many outstanding Cincinnati jazz musicians (several of whom are part of this project). Mr. Philpotts’ first CD “Harvest Song”, features his own compositions and is a culmination of years of thought, experience, experimentation, collaboration, angst, and a lot of fun. A thoughtful listen will give many of you that relaxing, interesting, and satisfying evening and will give others of you a move forward into your own creative growth - a tasty listening treat!