It’s crazy to me that eight years into reviewing for The Syncopated Times the only previous time I covered After Midnight was their Christmas album. It was great, and hinted at a great band, but I think I can say in January, it was after all, a Christmas album. It’s crazy to me in part that I haven’t commented on them more because the leader of After Midnight, clarinetist Roger Campbell, has been such a strong supporter of The Syncopated Times for as long as I can remember.
After Midnight has been a jazz presence in Denver Colorado for 25 years with nine albums to show for it. In fact they have an offer right now on their website of all of their albums on a custom printed commemorative USB flash drive also containing photos of the band over the years and a video from 2017. It is a clever idea for the digital age, mixing physical ownership with how people actually listen to music these days. It is typical of Campbell who keeps up a level of professional grinding for his band that other groups should try to emulate. From hunting for gigs, to active engagement on social media, he does it right.
The band itself is also very professional. Clean cut, playing appealing titles from a deep book, while staying true to their own timeless jazz sound which includes crowd pleasing riffs and runs. Nearly unique to them in 2024, a vibraphone is a key part of their sound.
Their website is gea
