The Head Of A Mouse
Released Sep 29 2023
Audrey Ochoa’s best album yet features inspired and personal compositions performed by an all-star lineup with seamless live-off-the-floor execution.
“My father used to tell me ‘…it’s better to be the head of a mouse than the tail of a lion.’
I didn’t write [these tunes] with any specific musicians in mind – unlike previous albums – so when it came time to start planning the recording, I realized I was going to need different rhythm sections, strings, additional horns and a bass trombone – 12 musicians spread across 13 tracks. I tried to highlight everyone – they’re all musicians I admire so much, it wasn’t hard to find places for them to shine.
All the songs are personal – they’re about family, grief, relationships – I wrote them in late 2020/2021, when live performance was restricted, so composition was all I had as an outlet. I guess I was writing my own comfort music, borrowing from artists like Donny Hathaway and Daniel Caesar – and trying to include styles that I grew up playing, like Ska and Salsa. I even threw in a trombone chorale, a shout-out to my years playing in trombone quartets and choirs – I even sing on one of the tracks.
This is without a doubt my favourite album. We recorded all the tracks in four days, and had it mixed the following week. It was recorded live off the floor – did two to three takes of each tune. I had the artwork finished before we even started recording. Everything about this album came together very easily – it wasn’t a stressful endeavour.” – Audrey Ochoa
Featuring:
Audrey Ochoa – Trombone, Vocals
Mike Lent – Bass (2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 12, 13)
Sandro Dominelli – Drums (2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 12, 13)
Jim Head – Guitar (2, 5, 9, 12)
Chris Andrew – Piano/Keys (1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12)
Rubim DeToledo – Bass (1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10)
Luis Tovar – Drums/Percussion (1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10)
Jeremiah McDade – Tenor Saxophone (1, 3, 4, 7, 13) Guitar (4)
Rachel Therrien – Trumpet (1, 7)
Jennifer Bustin – Violin (2, 4, 12)
Ian Woodman – Cello (2, 4, 12)
Ken Read – Bass Trombone (11)
Tracks
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The Head Of A Mouse
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My Mom (For Phyllis)
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It Never Happened
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Finger Trap
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The Con Artist
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Every Tragedy Needs A Punchline
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Ms. Lastrassi
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Have A Cry
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Embarrassed To Say
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The Tail Of A Lion
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Trashy McDorkloser
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The Hijacker
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I Would Have Told You Anyway
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