Jazz saxophonist David Bixler, of Bowling Green has taken the independent route to release a project
close to his heart.
Bixler’s "Slink," the latest recording by The Auction Project, is now available for purchase
and download for  variety on online sources on his own imprint.
The recording which blends Celtic, jazz and Latin sounds, is a follow up to the 2010 recording "The
Auction Project."
The Auction Project brings together Bixler with his wife violinist Heather Bixler and long-time
collaborator Grammy-winning pianist and band leader Arturo O’Farrill with bassist Carlo De Rosa and
drummer Vince Cherico. On "Slink" the quintet is joined by jazz fusion guitarist Mike Stern on
two tracks and Isaac Alderson play uillean pipes on the closing ballad.
The earliest version of the band performed for a benefit for the Harlem, NY school the Bixlers’ son
attended.
Since the first recording, which  earned four out of five stars from Downbeat magazine, the band has
performed live, including a date last fall at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Perrysburg.
"Slink" features five traditional Irish reels, jigs and ballads, with three David Bixler
originals and a closing air by Heather Bixler.
In his liner notes O’Farrill celebrates the close relationships among the members of the band.
"I imagine if you listen carefully, hidden amongst the chords, the notation, the improvising, the
imposed artificiality of a recording studio, you will hear clearly the sound of great friendships, great
respects, and most of all, the great love."
The band members have deep experience in a variety of styles, and bring them together on
"Slink."
Cherico has performed with some of the legends of Latin jazz including Mongo Santamaria and Tito Puente.

He along with Bixler and De Rosa are also affiliated with O’Farrill’s Latin Jazz Orchestra. O’Farrill
took over leadership of the band from his father Chico O’Farrill, one of the guiding lights of Latin
jazz.
In addition to that orchestra De Rosa has played with a who’s who of both Latin and jazz stars, as well
as the New York City Ballet.
Heather Bixler is a classically trained violinist who has performed with orchestras around the world. She
also branched out to learn, perform and compete as an Irish fiddler.
David Bixler, who heads the Jazz Studies Department at Bowling Green State University, came up as a
member of the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, including a performance at the White House, and with Toshiko
Akiyoshi.
He now leads his own all-star jazz quintet as well as composes. His saxophone quartet has been included
on a Naxos recording.
Online:
www.davidbixler.com