"Steve Herberman is an exceptional guitarist...known for his deft counterpoint" --Downbeat Magazine
"The clarity and balance Steve gets with his right hand is amazing". - Jim Hall
Besides the accolades Steve receives as a performing and recording artist, he is also a serious and fluent jazz educator. He has been on the faculty of Towson University since 1999 and has written instructional material for Downbeat Magazine, Mel Bay's Guitar Sessions, Just Jazz Guitar and the National Guitar Workshop newsletter. Steve has conducted masterclasses for several noted university music programs and is on the faculty of Maryland Summer Jazz.
Herberman graduated with honors from Berklee College of Music in 1988. He has since performed with musicians Keter Betts, Buster Williams, Gary Bartz, Chuck Berghofer, Mark Ferber, Steve LaSpina, Jeff Hirshfield and John Pisano. Steve has moderated symposiums with panelists and guitar greats Jim Hall, John Scofield, Ralph Towner, Jimmy Bruno, Howard Alden, Eric Johnson and Martin Taylor at the World Guitar Congress in 2004. Steve Herberman has recorded three CDs as a leader; Thoughtlines (2001) Action: Reaction (2006) and Ideals (2008.) Steve’s latest CD “Ideals” reached the Top 10 of the Jazzweek charts for national airplay. Action:Reaction, a CD of Steve's original music, was chosen as one of the top CD's of 2007 by Jazz Improv magazine. He is a Comins Guitars endorser.
"Steve's improvising is uniquely fresh with melodic ideas that twist and turn and perk your interest with occasional elements of humor as well. There is a constant groove in his solo lines. He shows prowess harmonically and linearly with an abundance of chops and with an exceptional clarity to it all." - Gene Bertoncini
"Steve Herberman exhibits a vast harmonic palette involving uncommon stretches on the fretboard along with a real capacity to burn on fluent single note lines... His sheer command of the instrument puts one in mind of such jazz guitar masters as Joe Pass, Joe Diorio, Lenny Breau, and Gene Bertoncini. His nuanced touch, excellent tone, tasteful, even phrasing and fresh writing style, further elevates Herberman far above the pack of other talented Berklee grads...definitely worth checking out for fans of advanced jazz guitar."- Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes (05/07)
Steve Giordano is a jazz musician’s jazz musician – a world class jazz guitarist, composer and educator. Most of his private students are on-the-scene players and educators. Giordano’s master classes are usually directed to university level musicians at the University of the Arts and Temple University in his home town of Philadelphia and as far away as his ancestral birthplace in Sicily at the Accademia di Chitarra Moderna.
The SPACETET, with three CDs to date, usually consisting of guitar, sax, trumpet, bass and drums, is Giordano’s current project manifesting his original music. Drawing from the influences of impressionistic classical composers Ravel and Debussy and the creative genius of innovative jazz players throughout his life, Giordano’s music is both beautiful and complex, characterized always by sensitive melodies and rich harmonies. Giordano’s lush compositions inspire the SPACETET ‘s creative improvisations.
Steve’s musical path too him through blues, swing, be-bop, straight-ahead, hard-bop,post-bop, fusion, progressive and avant garde. He was sparked by Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Ralph Towner, Jack DeJohnette, Kenny Wheeler and Chick Corea. Giordano played rock in clubs in his teens, gradually subverting jazz into the repertoire in his early 20's. His jazz baptism was playing with drummer Chico Hamilton. Following came the organ circuit with Richard Groove Holmes and Willis Jackson, with tours in the U.S., France, The Netherlands, Belgium and Spain.
The composing years followed, listening to arrangements of early Quincy Jones, Gil Evans and Claus Ogerman; being romanced by the Brazilian players Egberto Gismonti, Joao Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim; getting immersed in the music of the more modern classical composers Debussy, Ravel and Barber. Then the reaching of the ECM label artists stretched his ears. What came out of the mix was what has been attributed to Giordano as his particular style of composition called impressionistic jazz, stressing interactive playing rather than solo-conscious spotlight on guitar, modern rich harmonies, and lush and unpredictable passages. His first recording contract was with Muse records in the company of Mike Richmond, Billy Hart and Barry Miles. Then, the formation of the SPACETET, surviving over the past twenty years.
Steve, on his philosophy of music:
“I have been a musician all my life since the age of 6. My music has had many stages of development throughout my life but the thing that remains constant is my musical evolution. I often have to say to a frustrated student "there is no getting to the end of growing so you may as well enjoy the ride". Luckily, I have naturally adopted this maxim in that music has always been fun for me. Even during periods of insecurities, growing pains, and humbling experiences, the actual playing, composing or teaching music always transported me to an egoless place of reverie. I believe in positive thinking and that art, especially one's own, should be more enjoyed than judged. Growing in music is a lifelong process that shouldn't stop, and each stage has its own validity.
My artistic principles have always been of a purist nature in that I do not compromise any aspect of music. In playing, I won't play uncreative music to make more money. I turn down higher paying money jobs in music when I know I will be miserable playing uninspiring music with uninspiring musicians. In composing, I do not write a piece of music to please a particular audience. In teaching, I will not give students quick fixes in the form of pre-set material that sounds good but rather show them how they can think about music thus generating their own creativity. This method is far more time consuming and more demanding of the student as well as myself. Teaching is not a business to me but a necessary undertaking on my part to preserve creative music as an art form as well as my own development as a growing musician.
My strongest hope is for musical evolution. That means letting go of some of the old, dead, been there-done that, and allowing the new, fresh, inspired in. That also means new teaching concepts involving interactive playing; getting students to rely on intuition more than thinking while creating; getting more comfortable with that gray area in art like the power of influence over directness; putting jazz history in it's place: the past. We have been regarding it long enough. In our current timeline, jazz history and all those great players live inside of us. They are part of who we are. Let's trust that and move on.”
From the wilds of Manhattan to the shores of Japan and Germany, jazz guitarist Vic Juris has covered an impressive range of territory, musically as well as geographically. He has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Phil Woods, Jimmy Smith, Sarah Vaughan, Chico Hamilton, Dave Liebman, Richie Cole, Mel Torme, Eddie Jefferson and Nancy Wilson. In the mid eighties Vic teamed up with the phenomenally talented guitarist Bireli LaGrene and the two began playing together regularly. Their popular performances were charged with the intensity of two masters challenging each other to new heights. Vic and Bireli toured Europe together.
Vic has also been a member of the David Liebman group since 1991. This band has recorded 10 CDs, traveled throughout Europe, Japan, Israel, and the United States throughout the 1990s and is still going strong till this day. Vic was also a member of the Gary Peacock Quartet and musical director of the Charles Mingus Guitar Quintet. He performed at George Wein's J.V.C. Festival, in duets with John Abercrombie and Russell Malone. As a leader, Vic is performing in the U.S. and in European venues. His own quartet includes saxophonist Dick Oatts, and has recorded on the Steeple Chase label "Night Tripper", "Pastels", "Moonscape", "Remembering Eric Dolphy" . His CD "Songbook" hit top 10 pics in 2000. Vic has also recorded on Double Time Records "Music of Alec Wilder". Vic's 2004 release of "Blue Horizon" listed him as top pics for that year. He is currently recording for the Mel Bay label. Vic tours as a special guest, with his own band or in duo with vocalist Kate Baker.
Vic Juris is also one of the leading jazz educators throughout the world. He has written two books published by Mel Bay, "Vic Juris Inside/Outside: Original Play-Along Modern Jazz Guitar Solos" and "Modern Chords:Advanced Harmony for Guitar". Both books are highly regarded by up and coming guitarists. He currently teaches at The New School for Social Research, Rutgers University, and Lehigh University, and conducts clinics throughout the US and Europe.
"Tom Lippincott is an original voice on the guitar. He has created his own vocabulary and expresses that on a customized instrument with additional strings. The result is compelling and unique and unlike any other player I've heard. I look forward to hearing where his musical journey will lead, and I'm very happy to play with him whenever I can." - John Stowell
Originally from New Jersey, 8- and 6-string guitarist Tom Lippincott grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but has made South Florida his home since 1988. He has a bachelor's in jazz studies from the University of North Texas as well as a master's in jazz performance from the University of Miami. Tom's teachers have included Randy Wimer, Jack Petersen, Dan Haerle, Phillip Hii, Rick Peckham, Randall Dollahon, Mick Goodrick, and jazz drum great Ari Hoenig.
Tom currently teaches jazz guitar at Florida International University and both jazz improvisation and jazz guitar at Miami/Dade College. He also teaches privately. As a performer, Tom has played throughout the world as a solo guitarist and in many different group configurations. He's had the opportunity to perform and/or record with such jazz luminaries as Ed Schuller, Don Friedman, Carlos Averhoff, Gary Campbell, John Stowell, Ben Monder, Jonathan Kreisberg, John Fedchock, and Dave Liebman. He has also played on several recordings, including his own 2000 release, Painting the Slow Train Brown. Among other awards and accolades, Tom was the winner of the jazz category of Guitar Player Magazine's 1992 Ultimate Guitar Competition. He also maintains a website, www.tomlippincott.com, which has further information, photos, and sound clips as well as essays, articles, and a schedule of upcoming appearances.
Bassist/composer Drew Gress performs extensively with artists on the cutting edge of contemporary improvised music. His latest project as a leader, 7 BLACK BUTTERFLIES (Premonition Records), features 9 of Drew¹s newest original compositions and was released in MAY 2005. This was the follow up to 2001's SPIN & DRIFT, which received widespread critical acclaim and also featured Drew's pedal-steel guitar playing. He also leads the quartet Jagged Sky; their debut recording, HEYDAY(Soul Note) was released in 1998 and is now considered somewhat of an underground classic. Previously, he was a founding member of the cooperative quartet Joint Venture, producing three albums in the early 1990s for Enja: Joint Venture, Ways, and Mirrors.
When Drew is not leading his own ensembles, he can be heard within those of Ralph Alessi, Tim Berne, Uri Caine, Gerald Cleaver, Ravi Coltrane, Marc Copland, Fred Hersch, John Hollenbeck, Tony Malaby, and Mat Maneri.
(In a previous musical life, he grounded the performances of Buddy Hackett, Phyllis Diller, Zoot Sims, Cab Calloway, and Pia Zadora). Drew has toured North, South, and Central America, Europe, and Asia, and has served as Artist-in-Residence at St. Petersburg Conservatory in Russia and at the University of Colorado-Boulder. The Gaurdian selected a concert given by his Spin & Drift quartet as London's Best Jazz Concert for 2002, and in the same year he received a SESAC Composer's Award; this in addition to previous grants from Chamber Music America, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Meet the Composer. He currently resides in New York.
Juampy Juarez is one of the most versatile players of Argentina. He can play jazz, rock, fusion or heavy metal with equal facility. Juampy studied with Pat Martino, Jack Wilkins, Gene Bertoncini, Jonathan Kreisberg, Barry Harris, Sid Jacobs, Paul Meyers, Bruce Arnold, and his main mentor, Pino Marrone. He has performed around the world, including in Argentina, USA, Brazil and Thailand with the likes of John Stowell, Jack Wilkins, Gene Bertoncini, Peter Mazza, Tony DeCaprio, Russ Spiegel, Pino Marrone, Steve La Spina, Sid Jacobs, Sheryl Bailey, Jim Silverstein, Rick Stone, Jim Hershman, Pedro Aznar, Paul Meyers and Jim Masters, among many Argentinian top stars.
Juampy has been teaching for the past 22 years, privately and at universities. He is a clinician too, and writes lessons for music magazines. His book about Contrapuntal Improvisation is due out soon. In this book, Juampy shows his investigations, new devices and own variations on Jimmy Wyble’s techniques and dodecaphonic concepts and beyond. His main musical project is with Powerjazz Trio, which has released two CDs (one with John Stowell as a guest) and one DVD. Juampy is an endorser of Di Marzio pickups, Radial pedals, Hamer Guitars, German Aprile Guitarras Artesanales, Clayton Picks and Argon gigbags.
What other guitarists have to say :
“He has a really original approach-very contrapuntal” - Ben Monder
“Bravo Juampy! You have such a great feel and your ideas are fresh and in the perfect slot. You move on, too !” - Gene Bertoncini
“You're playing really great. Nice tone and phrasing” - Jack Wilkins
“A lovely playing and some incredible chops” - Jim Silverstein
“He is a very fine guitarrist” - Bruce Arnold
“You have a lyrical approach to the guitar, I like your creative use of space” - John Stowell
“I like the tunes, you have nice intros and good phrasing” - Jonathan Kreisberg
Canadian guitarist Lorne Lofsky is a mainstay of the jazz scene in the Toronto area where he has been performing and teaching since the 70's. He has performed and recorded with Oscar Peterson, Ed Bickert, Ray Brown, Benny Carter, Chet Baker, Johnny Hartman, Bob Brookmeyer and Pat LaBarbara among many others. From 1983 to 1991 Lorne played in a quartet with Ed Bickert which yielded two fine recordings. From '94-'96 Lorne was a member of the Oscar Peterson Quartet. The group performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Montreal Jazz Festival, Sao Paolo, Brazil and numerous concerts throughout Europe. In addition, Lorne was featured on three CDs with Oscar Peterson. Over the years, Lorne has taught many clinics on jazz guitar and improvisation. He has been an Instructor at York University in Toronto since the late 70's, and has taught for several years at the University of Toronto. Lorne also has an extensive private teaching practice.
Sheryl Bailey, "A modernist burner with an abundance of Pat Martino-style chops, Bailey sails up and down the fretboard with fluid abandon." (Bill Milkowksi, JazzTimes Magazine) is rated among the foremost bopbased guitarists to have emerged in the 1990’s. She is also in demand as an educator. Sheryl has been an Assistant Professor of Guitar at the esteemed Berklee College of Music since 2000, and has been a popular clinician at the National Guitar Summer workshop, The Stanford Jazz Workshop, The Duquesne Jazz Guitar Seminar, Uarts in Philadelphia, and at Southern Cross University in Lismore, Australia.
Baltimore-based Composer/Guitarist/Drummer/Educator David E. Cohen is featured in a number of groups including No Signal, a modern classical and jazz ensemble, the Banana Channel which performs his progressive rock, jazz-fusion, and classic rock pieces, the No Land Band in which he is the lead guitarist and a contributing songwriter. Mr. Cohen has composed a number of jazz and classical works, including pieces for big band, four-guitar ensemble, chorus with electric guitar, solo double bass, full orchestra, chamber orchestra and soprano, brass quintet, solo percussion, amongst many others. His musical influences are diverse, including John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Jean-Luc Ponty, Return to Forever, Billy Cobham, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Tony Williams, Charlie Christian, Pat Martino, Kenny Burrell, Joe Pass, George Benson, Jimmy Smith, The Brecker Brothers, Larry Coryell, Bartok, Stravinsky, Debussy, Messaien, Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Steve Reich, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Yes, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Kansas, Rush, Soundgarden, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Mastodon, and others.
As an educator, Dave offers a unique view in his teaching methods. Trained at the world-class Peabody Conservatory by Paul Bollenback, Tim Murphy, Chris Theofanidies, Kevin Puts, Nicholas Maw, Shafer Mahoney, Paul Mathews, and Libby Larsen, he has many timeless compositional and jazz ideas to share. His instruction style is a fully comprehendible, step-by-step approach which emphasizes the understanding of music theory through an incredibly thorough system of guitar fingerings and visualization methods. Dave has many years of teaching experience and shares them week after week with his 25-student studio.
David will present basic classes for the entry-level jazz guitarist.
Very few guitarists in the world can match Chuck Anderson for his experience, expertise and versatility.
Beginning the guitar at age 14, Chuck developed at an unusually fast rate. By age 16, he was teaching and performing regularly. At age 21, Chuck became staff guitarist at the famed Latin Casino in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The Latin was known for its superstar performers and it was there that he backed up Peggy Lee, Billy Eckstein, Sammy Davis Jr, Bobby Darin and a host of other well known singers and performers.
After four years of work at the Latin, Chuck formed The Chuck Anderson Trio, an original jazz group featuring Chuck's writing and improvisational skills. Their first album "Mirror Within a Mirror" was received with critical acclaim and led to numerous concert appearances. This original recording is included in a compilation CD titled "The Vintage Tracks". The CD released in 2005 and digitally re mastered by Allan Tucker of Tucker Sound / Foothill Digital in 2009, contains all of the trio recordings from the mid to the late 70's.
He became staff guitarist at The Valley Forge Music Fair in the mid 80's, another major showplace where he continued to build an impressive list of credits including Michel LeGrand, Nancy Wilson and Anthony Newley among many others.
The next eight years were devoted to the development of what Chuck called "The Neo Classical Guitar". Here, he composed, transcribed and adapted material never before attempted on the electric pick style guitar. This work resulted in three CDs "Kaleidophon - The Art of the Neo Classical Guitar", "Timeless" and "Virtuosity" as well as many concert, television and radio appearances.
After his prized L5 guitar was stolen, Chuck turned to composition, writing in virtually all styles of music for the media, commercial and art world. This writing experience ultimately became a significant factor in differentiating Chuck's work from other jazz guitarists.
He is a seasoned performer, expert educator and composer. His guitar work has been endorsed by both the Martin Guitar Company and the Gibson Guitar Company.
Current projects include "Freefall" an original collection of 12 songs with the Chuck Anderson Trio. It has been released on the Dreambox Media label. A DVD has also been produced from the Media Jazz Festival
As an EDUCATOR, Chuck Anderson directed the Medley Music School for 8 years. He founded and operated his own private music school for another 8 years. The school employed 12 teachers and had over 400 students. He was elected Artist in Education for the state of Delaware. Chuck was also a consultant in the development of the guitar curriculum for Aula de Musica, a private music conservatory in Spain. He was elected as the only American member of the International Advisory Board for LIPA, the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts. Chuck has lectured at colleges in the United States and Europe. In addition, he has privately trained professional musicians, composers and music educators.
As an AUTHOR, Chuck has been published by several companies. Publications include: Music Pursuing the Horizon, An Improvisational Approach to Rock and Blues Guitar, Reflections for Guitar, Modular Phonetic Rhythm, The 6 Secrets of Guitar Fingering and The Pathways of Guitar including Scale Charting. Other books include: Mastering the Modes, The Private Music Teacher’s Guide, Advertising Music - The Business and Bebop for Guitar. A series called Unlocking the Guitar features topics such as learning the notes on the neck, strums and tunings. He also developed and was featured in an 8 hour video series called Harmonic Tonalities, the Songwriter’s Master Classes.
Education Quotes “Chuck is a premier musician and teacher who enjoys an international reputation for excellence in teaching. He is the author of several publications and is a well known performer with a great deal of experience in virtually all forms of music." ” Dr. William V. Frabizio Chairman, Department of Music, Arcadia College
“Chuck is the teacher and keeper of the knowledge and master of the techniques. Keep passing it on!" Michael Sembello Songwriter/ Producer
“Besides being an outstanding musician, Chuck Anderson has developed a worldwide reputation as an innovative music educator. Noted as an author and researcher, he has developed methods and teaching materials which have helped musicians to develop their creative potential.” John Marshall Martin Guitar Company
“Chuck has an almost singular ability amongst contemporary music educators to balance the relevant academic knowledge with his broad based background as a performer and composer. No one has ever received the student accolades that he received from his lectures here in Liverpool." Arthur Bernstein Head of Music, The Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts
“Chuck Anderson has been a major influence on private music education for over 35 years. Teachers, players, arrangers and songwriters have all benefited from his unique combination of music knowledge, practical street experience and dedication. ” Gerson Rosenbloom President of Medley Music and former executive of NAMM
Performance Quotes “I have known Chuck for many years. He’s still one of the finest guitarists on the planet. Glad he is back on the scene”. Jimmy Bruno, Internationally Renowned Jazz Guitarist
"Great Playing!" Ed Benson, Just Jazz Guitar
"World class music played by world class musicians for world class audiences.” Joel Dorn Legendary Jazz Producer
“Guitarist/composer Chuck Anderson has the ability to turn notes into poetry.” Gerald Veasley Jazz Recording Artist
“Chuck Anderson is certainly one of America's finest and most influential guitarists... ” Dick Boak Martin Guitar Company
“The worst thing you can do is to imagine the uniqueness of Chuck Anderson's music. The best thing is to go see him...” Tom Jensen Today's Post
“Chuck Anderson is a force to be reckoned with. He is an outstanding teacher, a prolific composer and a great guitarist.” Bob Miles Host of "Miles of Music" cable television show
"Chuck Anderson shows an amazing range of virtuosity and creativity in these tracks. Hats off to a true guitar master." Allan Tucker Mastering Engineer at Tucker Sound / Foothill Digital New York
Tony DeCaprio, besides being a guitarist in demand in America and Europe (he has played alongside James Moody, Tommy Tedesco, Steve Kuhn, Peter Erskine and Elvis Presley to name a few), is a world-renowned Master instructor who regularly teaches students around the world via the internet . Jimmy Bruno said "Tony DeCaprio is one of the finest guitarists on the planet!". Tony has authored "Gateway to Guitar Improvisation" and "Strategic Picking and the Improvised Line" and he writes a regular instructional column in Just Jazz Guitar
John Stowell is a unique jazz guitarist influenced as much by pianists and horn players as he is by guitarists. His original take on harmony, chords and improvisation sets him apart. John has taught internationally for 30 years in every educational setting. His clinics are informal, hands-on and informative. In addition to music theory and guidelines for improvisation, John shares his professional experience with the business of music.
"In the age of mediocrity and clones, John Stowell's uniqueness and originality is a breath of fresh air. I love playing with him." - Paul Horn
Ron Carter is among the most original, prolific, and influential bassists in jazz. With more than 2,000 albums to his credit, he has recorded with many of music's greats: Tommy Flanagan, Gil Evans, Lena Horne, Bill Evans, B.B. King, the Kronos Quartet, Dexter Gordon, Wes Montgomery, and Bobby Timmons. In the early 1960s he performed throughout the United States in concert halls and nightclubs with Jaki Byard and Eric Dolphy. He later toured Europe with Cannonball Adderley. From 1963 to 1968, he was a member of the classic and acclaimed Miles Davis Quintet. He was named Outstanding Bassist of the Decade by the Detroit News, Jazz Bassist of the Year by Downbeat magazine, and Most Valuable Player by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
In 1993 Ron Carter earned a Grammy award for Best Jazz Instrumental Group, the Miles Davis Tribute Band and another Grammy in 1998 for Call 'Sheet Blues', an instrumental composition from the film 'Round Midnight. In addition to scoring and arranging music for many films, including some projects for Public Broadcasting System, Carter has composed music for A Gathering of Old Men, starring Lou Gosset Jr., The Passion of Beatrice directed by Bertrand Tavernier, and Blind Faith starring Courtney B. Vance. Carter shares his expertise in the series of books he authored, among which are Building Jazz Bass Lines and The Music of Ron Carter; the latter contains 130 of his published and recorded compositions.
Carter earned a bachelor of music degree from the Eastman School in Rochester and a master's degree in double bass from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. He has also received two honorary doctorates, from the New England Conservatory of Music and the Manhattan School of Music, and was the 2002 recipient of the prestigious Hutchinson Award from the Eastman School at the University of Rochester. Carter has lectured, conducted, and performed at clinics and master classes, instructing jazz ensembles and teaching the business of music at numerous universities. He was Artistic Director of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Studies while it was located in Boston and, after 18 years on the faculty of the Music Department of The City College of New York, he is now Distinguished Professor Emeritus although, as a performer, he remains as active as ever.
Jack Pezanelli is a professor of guitar at the Berklee College of Music, in Boston, MA. Recordings as leader include "Pleasured Hands" with Michael Moore and "Songs and Dedications" solo guitar. Performances/tours with Wayne Cochran, Richie Cole, Larry Coryell, Sammy Davis, Jr., Maynard Ferguson, Shirley Horn, Cleo Laine/John Dankworth, Rebecca Parris, Jaco Pastorius, Herb Pomeroy, Lou Rawls and others.
Jack is profiled in "The Jazz Guitar, It's Evolution and Players Since 1900, Fourth Edition" by Maurice J. Summerfield.
"Straight ahead to be sure, Pezanelli's fluent, solid, clear toned guitar style bristles with undeniable verve." - Jim Ferguson, Jazz Times
Bassist/Composer Avishai Cohen, born April 20, 1970 in Israel, a musician who has been called a “jazz visionary of global proportions” by DownBeat, and was declared one of the 100 Most Influential Bass Players of the 20th Century by Bass Player Magazine, is renowned around the world as an influential double bassist and profound composer, and has received a deluge of critical praise for his recent recorded output and live performances.
In February of 2005 Razdaz Recordz released At Home, an album that was arguably Avishai Cohen’s most compelling and striking new recording to date. That is until the artist conceived of, and recorded his newest CD, the spectacularly beautiful, Continuo.
Continuo, Cohen’s third recording on his label Razdaz Recordz, and his seventh as a leader, was recorded in Gothenburg, Sweden in December 2005 with Avishai’s core trio of pianist/keyboardist Sam Barsh and drummer/percussionist Mark Guiliana (drums, percussion). The trio, a crackerjack unit that has been on the road for the last two and a half years, welcomed into the fold a long-time collaborator of Cohen’s, fellow Israeli Amos Hoffman, who contributed his singular oud playing to several tracks. Avishai explains the importance of having Hoffman contribute his artistry to this recording: “A lot of the new material on Continuo has a through-composed, classical music-like nature to it, as well as open sections for solos. In addition to that, there are strong Middle Eastern influences in some parts of the compositions. Contemplating the material for the album, I realized I wanted an additional color added to the trio in order to enhance those influences. There was only one man for the job, and that man is Amos Hoffman. Amos was a member of my earlier New York band, which recorded my first three records (Adama, Devotion & Colors).”
“ ... one of the most gifted bassists of his generation is finding his own voice as a composer.” - The New Yorker
“ .. one of the best double-bassists in the world.” - Kerstan Mackness, Time Out London
Top-notch guitarist Roni Ben-Hur is known to the growing number of listeners who have been captivated by his lyrical playing. He invests his solos with genuine emotion, never sounding as if he is merely running through the changes. Check out any of his recordings and you will wish to hear much more of this special talent." -- Mark Gardner, Jazz Journal International (cover feature, Nov., 2006)
Year by year, Guitarist Roni Ben-Hur has been building an increasingly stellar reputation for himself since he first migrated from his native Israel to New York City, back in 1985. A passionate leader, player, composer-arranger, published author and respected educator, Roni now stands as one of the elite players in modern jazz. Keepin' it Open, his fifth release and his debut on the Motema imprint elevates his game yet another notch or two as he leads a company of fellow jazz greats - pianist Ronnie Matthews, drummer Lewis Nash, bassist Santi Debriano, percussionist Steve Kroon and new trumpet sensation Jeremy Pelt through a very personal and multicultural jazz adventure.
As a teenager, Roni Ben-Hur fell in love with jazz while still in his native land of Israel. Born to a family who emigrated from Tunisia, he grew up with the exotic, seductive rhythms of North Africa and the soulfulness of Sephardic Jewish melodies. Interestingly, this unusual background made for a very natural transition to jazz. Roni recalls, "though no one in my family was a professional musician, music was a central part of our life. Every celebration and holiday included singing and dancing, mostly with the accompaniment of hand drums. Music elevated us in times of happiness as well as hardship. This experience taught me the strength and power of music."
Ben-Hur has performed and recorded as a sideman of choice with such jazz luminaries as Barry Harris, Chris Anderson, Rufus Reid, Walter Booker, Jimmy Heath, Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Cecil Payne, Charles McPherson, Etta Jones, Marcus Belgrave and Bill Doggett. He has led his own band at innumerable gigs around New York, including Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, Sweet Rhythm, Birdland, The Blue Note, Smoke and Lenox Lounge, and has performed at the Newport Jazz Festival, The JVC Jazz Festival, Belleayre Festival, Mellon Jazz Festival, Princeton Jazz Festival, Saratoga Jazz Festival, the Child of the Sun Festival and more. Ben-Hur also plays guitar on his wife's newest record, Amy London: When I Look in Your Eyes which is slated for tandem release with Keepin' it Open in May on Motema Music.
Jazz Education highlights An avid educator, Ben-Hur's teaching career began in Israel in 1981. Since then, he has established three successful, ongoing high school jazz music programs at the Professional Performing Arts School, The Coalition School for Social Change, and Landmark High School, all in New York City. His inspirational demeanor and communication skills create a strong personal bond with his students, prompting actress and social / educational activist, Bette Midler, to ask Ben-Hur to model a music education program for other public schools in New York City. He has directed the jazz program at Kaufman Center's Lucy Moses School since 1992.
As an author and teacher, his 2003 book "Talk Jazz Guitar" (distributed by Mel Bay) has been published in both English and Japanese. A second book on harmonic concepts for guitar is due out in the Spring of 2007 (also to be distributed by Mel Bay). Aside from his ongoing teaching duties at the Lucy Moses School in Manhattan, he has also been collaborating with his wife, singer Amy London, on running interactive programs that guide elementary school youngsters into the world of jazz. "Teaching is something I feel very passionate about," says Roni. "I like to provide students with valuable information to help them see the bigger picture. They must always remember that music is art and art is for the sake of beauty for all people because it elevates the human spirit."
Over the past 20 years as a performing artist, Ben-Hur has definitely practiced what he preaches.
Armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of standards and an empathetic musical soul, the music flows from Jon Wheatley’s guitar in chord melody and single note improvisations that convey the history and emotional richness of the American songbook through jazz harmony. Hearing Jon play the standards, modulating through keys, building through chord melodies and subtly quoting other tunes during his improvisations can have an intoxicating effect on the listener.
Jon is one of Boston’s busiest guitarists, and his resume as sideman is dense. With a career spanning thirty-three years, he’s played with a number of famous players, including Scott Hamilton, Ruby Braff, Alan Dawson, Teddy Kotick, Diana Krall, Mike Metheny, Karyn Allison, “Sweets” Edison, Urbie Green, Joe Wilder, Benny Waters, Dick Hyman, Donna Byrne, Marshall Wood, Daryl Sherman, Ken Peplowski and Randy Sandke to name a few, and all have benefited from his masterful playing. In addition to gigging an average of 3-4 times a week, Jon is the coordinator of the Guitar Department at University of Lowell, MA, is now a faculty member at Berklee, and teaches privately.
“Jon is one of the premier guitarists of today … his repertoire is endless. It's a thrill to hear him!” (Arnie Krakowsky)“…there is no more inspirational person to me on any instrument.” (Marshall Wood)
Jay Umble has studied with world-renowned guitarists Pat Martino and Joe Diorio and has released two recordings which incorporate straight ahead and modern jazz styles. He is currently finishing a recording project with international percussionist, Jamey Haddad from the Paul Simon Group. Jay is on the faculty of Bucknell University and Susquehanna University where he teaches guitar mechanics, harmony, theory and fretboard integration in addition to general guitar playing. He has several instructional books published through Mel Bay Publications with endorsements from such jazz greats as Steve Kahn, Pat Martino, Paul Bollenback, Joe Diorio, Barry Greene, Sid Jacobs and Rene Stefano. Jay's latest book, "Payin' Your Dues With The Blues", is due out in the Fall of 2007. He serves as a jazz guitar clinician for the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz organization and also writes a monthly guitar column for their newsletter. Jay performs throughout Central Pennsylvania with his Jazz Standards Trio, Duo and his modern trio, STRING THEORY.
Electric blues meets bebop with contemporary influences. An exciting convergence of sounds that has made Randy Johnston one of the hottest jazz guitarists both in the United States and abroad.
January 2006 marked the release of "Randy Johnston Live", a full length DVD trio recording. This comes on the heels of the audio CD "Is It You?" which was a major hit on jazz radio in 2005. His previous eight CDs "Hit and Run","Detour Ahead", "Homage", "Riding the Curve", "Somewhere in the Night", "In-A-Chord", "Jubilation", and "Walk On" have all recieved critical acclaim and commercial success. Johnston's recordings have throught the years featured an impressive array of sidemen including Grady Tate, Joey De Francesco, Benny Green, Eric Alexander, Idris Muhammad, and the legendary Johnny Griffin among others. These albums feature both original material and compositions drawn from the great American songbook as well as new interpretations of the classic jazz repertoire.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Randy Johnston moved to Richmond, Virginia when he was thirteen years old. Since arriving in New York after attending the University of Miami, Florida in the late 1970's and early 1980's he has performed and recorded with such jazz notables as Lou Donaldson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Houston Person, Etta Jones, Lionel Hampton, Jack McDuff, Warne Marsh, Lee Konitz, Tom Harrell, and Irene Reid. Randy has toured the world many times concertizing including stints in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa.
The key to this guitarist's appeal is how successfully he has blended various inspirations to create a firey jazz/blues style that reaches both the head and heart. "My influences are a diverse group for sure" says Johnston. "Guitaristically I would say Wes Montgomey, Pat Martino, Grant Green, George Benson, Jimmy Raney, Kenny Burrell, and even B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix have played a role in my development." Of equally profound influence have been the great horn players such as Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis and also pianists such as Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, and Wynton Kelly. Singers such as Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles in fluenced Johnston's soulful phrasing. Finally, saxophonist and producer Houton Person played a significant role as a mentor in enhancing Johnston's general musical knowlege and recording skills.
In addition to his performance and compositional talents, Randy Johnston has achieved distinction as an educator. He is currently on the jazz faculty at New York University; the State University of New York at Purchase, New York; and the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford, Connecticut. His responsibilities at these institutions include teaching ensembles and master classes as well as private instruction in jazz guitar. From 1991 to 1995 Randy was on the music faculty of Long Island University. He taught at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music during the years 1981 through 1987 and was a teaching assistant at the University of Miami, Florida from 1980 through 1981 while he was earning his music degree. In addition to these long term academic positions, Johnston conducts clinics and seminars on his many travels throughout the United States and abroad.
Sid Jacobs' fascination with the guitar began at the age of seven. At the age of eighteeen, he obtained a position as guitar instructor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, making him the youngest faculty member in the school's music department. After moving to Los Angeles he developed the curriculum for the Advanced Bebop and Jazz Guitar course at the Dick Grove School and the Jazz Guitar class at the Musicians Institute (MI and GIT), where he continues to teach. "...beautiful and sensitive playing..." - Tony Mattola "...a great player and great educator... Sid's marvelous transcriptions of Bill Evans' tunes for solo guitar have just raised the guitar to a new level. This is contemporary guitar at its harmonic best." - Joe Diorio "...a fine and unsung player & I cannot praise this work too highly..." - Adrian Ingram, Just Jazz Guitar
Any jazz fan will tell you Harvie S is one of the great bass players on the scene today. He's played with the best and he continues to challenge himself and his peers in new artistic directions. Moreover, Harvie is a producer, bandleader, composer and educator.
Harvie S has performed with masters in jazz and Latin music including Stan Getz, Pat Metheny,Chet Baker, Dexter Gordon, Jim Hall, Michael Brecker, Gil Evans, Arturo O'Farrill, Lee Konitz, James Williams, James Moody, Al Cohn and Zoot Sims, Houston Person, Art Farmer, Toots Thielemans, Bob Mintzer, Joe Lovano, Dave Leibman, Vic Juris, Danilo Perez, Paquito D'Rivera, Ray Barretto, Ray Vega, David Valintin and countless others. He can be heard on several hundred CDs as a sideman, eight as a leader and another fifteen as a co-leader with such greats as James Brown, Chick Corea, Mike Stern, John Scofield, Michael Brecker, Tom Harrell, Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers, Kenny Barron,Ingrid Jensen, Pat Martino, Dr. Billy Taylor, Grover Washington Jr., David Mathews, Virginia Mayhew and Tony Bennett.
Over 100 Harvie S compositions have been recorded on CDs Records and Videos.
Harvie S arrived in New York in 1973 and a short time later co-led the now legendary Double Image Band that recorded for ECM and Enja Records and performed at major festivals throughout the world. He also was a member of the Steve Kuhn Quartet which also recorded on ECM and featured many of his compositions.
After playing a short stint with Stan Getz in 1979 Harvie decided to make his first solo effort and sent a copy to Gramma-vision records. Soon a contract was signed and Harvie's first Solo release "Underneath it All" made it's debut. Two more releases followed "Urban Earth" and "Smart Moves". Urban Earth was on the Radio Charts for 2 months and hit 3 in the nation. It also charted on Billboard Jazz. Smart moves was #10 on the charts and received rave reviews.
Ever questing for new sounds and Harvie recorded "In a different Light". this project included Mike Stern, John Scofield, Mick Goodrick,Leni Stern and Leon Parker(his very first recording). Gary Giddins chose this CD as one of the best of 1990 in the village Voice.
Ever broadening his musical scope, Harvie started studying Afro-Cuban music twelve years ago and has been on the Latin-Jazz scene ever since. He combines both idioms in a bold new music with The Harvie S Band. The music is best described as Jazz on the Latin side combining the melodic and harmonic sophistication of jazz and the extraordinary rhythmic intensity of Latin music. The Harvie S Band has performed throughout the world. Their recent release, "Funky Cha", has garnered rave reviews.
In addition to his performance career, Harvie is an active educator; he has held the jazz bass instructor position at The Manhattan School of Music for both undergraduate and graduate divisions since 1984. Some of his former students are Drew Gress, Todd Coolman, Dieter Ilg, Hans Glawischnig, Thomas Morgan, Zack Lober and Billy Norris. He has been a guest lecturer at The Cologne Hochshule, McGill University, Berklee College of Music, SUNY Purchase, Patterson College, the Eisler School in Berlin, The International Association of Jazz Educators, The Eastman School of Music, The New School and numerous other colleges and universities worldwide.
Harvie is a receipient of many major grants from the Fund for U.S. Artists, National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, ASCAP, and Meet the Composer. In 2004 Harvie S was chosen to give lectures on Latin Jazz at The International Society of Bassists and the International Association of Jazz Educators. In 2006 Harvie's compostion "S" was a winner in International Song Writing competion .
In the fall of 2003 Harvie S toured Southeast Asia for 6 weeks as a Jazz Ambassador; a very successful tour that garnered rave reviews and spread goodwill abroad.
He has been a guest on NPRs "All Things Considered" and "Fresh Air." His career is documented in Leonard Feather's Encyclopedia of Jazz, the Grove Dictionary of Jazz and the All Music Guide.
Harvie S has written the themes for the documentaries "The Trumpet Kings", "The Piano Legends" and "John Coltrane" and can been seen and heard on the music videos of Toots Thielemans, Pat Martino, Juan Carlos Formell, Sheila Jordan, Jay Clayton, Jane Ira Bloom and others.
The duo project of Sheila Jordan and Harvie S set the timeless standard in bass and voice performance. They recorded 7 Cds together.
The Harvie S band has played festivals worldwide and in 2004 headlined at the Syracuse Jazz Festival and he Lake George Festival, the Delaware Water Gap Festival, Cape Cod Jazz Festival and Stamford Arts Center.
Harvie has had featured articles in Downbeat,Jazziz,Cadence ,Coda(Canada),Jazztimes, Swing Journal(Japan), Jazz Life, Jazz Forum(Poland),J azz Hot(France), Hot House,the Music Paper, the New York Times, the New York Post, the Los Angeles Times, Jazz Podium, Jazz-it(Italy) and numerous others.
Jack Wilkins has been a part of the New York jazz scene for more than four decades. His flawless technique and imaginative chordal approach have inspired collaborations with Chet Baker, Sarah Vaughan, Bob Brookmeyer, Buddy Rich and many others. A consummate accompanist, Wilkins has played and recorded with renowned singers Mel Torme, Ray Charles, Sarah Vaughan, Tony Bennett and Manhattan Transfer.
Performing solo and ensemble concerts as well as giving master classes on the double bass and period instruments on four continents, PAUL ELLISON is the Lynette S. Autrey Professor of Double Bass and chair of strings at Rice Univesity’s Shepherd School of Music and guest tutor at the Yehudi Menuhin School, the Royal College of Music, and Bass Club, England. Summer positions include principal bass at the Grand Teton Music Festival and faculty/performer at Festival Domaine Forget, Quebec. Former students hold titled positions in major ensembles and institutions of higher learning on five continents.
Previous positions include principal bass of Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Aspen Festival Orchestras (also faculty), professor of double bass and chair of strings at the University of Southern California, and president of the International Society of Bassists. Ellison was the first to receive both the diploma and teaching certificate from Institut International Rabbath, Paris. “...The treat of the afternoon turned out to be hearing the double bass as a solo instrument...Paul Ellison...demonstrated virtuosity. [The] bass shines as [the] music festival gets underway.”
Chris McNulty is increasingly acknowledged by musicians, peers and critics alike as a jazz vocalist-composer with a unique vision, boundless creative energy and strong individual style. Her risk-taking, fluid and powerful emotional approach, support, but never compromise her musical sensibilities. In short, she is a consummate musician with great pitch and control who can touch an emotional core with an audience in a way very few of her contemporaries can. By simultaneously reinforcing and re-defining the boundaries for jazz singing, McNulty breaks new ground, on these last two recordings in particular. Her compositions have been hailed as rich harmonically, melodically and lyrically and well worthy of the company they keep along side the great standards she continues to interpret and explore.
McNulty first visited New York City in 1985 and settled there in 1988 after being awarded an International Study Grant from the Australia Council. She has collaborated and performed with some of the finest musicians on the jazz scene today including: Gary Bartz, Paul Bollenback, Gary Thomas, Mulgrew Miller, Peter Leitch, Ugonna Okegwo, John Hicks, Frank Wess, Ingrid Jensen, Terri-Lyne Carrington, Tim Garland, Tom Lellis, Billy Hart, Ed Howard, Jeff Ballard, Dave Pietro, Joe Locke. She maintains an active touring schedule. Her 2006-2007 program includes several U.S tours, festival dates in Australia and tours to the UK, Ireland, Europe and Russia.
What the critics have to say about McNulty’s latest work on her newly released Whispers the Heart:
“McNulty is capable of injecting emotion, pathos, irony & meaning into her work …a gift that few singers can lay claim to.”George W. Carroll, The Musician’s Ombudsman, August 2006
“McNulty’s intonation and articulation are commanding - and provide a preview for the level of musical excellence and creative artistry with which she leads throughout the album. McNulty scats and she is marvelous.” Clive Griffin, Jazz Improv, October 2006
Paul Bollenback's emotionally expressive style and eclectic approach is the result of years of listening, studying and playing music by Carlos Santana, Yes, Wes Montgomery, George Benson, John S cofield, Pat Metheny, Kenny Burrell, Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter and Lenny Breau.
"Not one jazz virtuoso could put the definition of jazz into words, but all agreed that you know it when you hear it. That's the way it is with Paul Bollenback. It's bona-fide playing, unambiguous, up-front and powerful," summarizes George Benson, a long-time friend.
Saxophonist/Teaching Artist/Composer Jeff Antoniuk was born in Edmonton, Canada in 1965. He lived in Benin City, Nigeria as a child, and began his musical education there studying classical piano. Since 1986, however, he has spent most of his professional time in the USA. Jeff, his wife Terry, and their son Aidan, live in Annapolis, MD.
After graduating from Grant MacEwan Community College in Edmonton, Canada, Jeff attended the renowned University of North Texas, where he earned two degrees, culminating in a Master of Music in Jazz Performance and West African ethnomusicology. He composed for and played with the famed One O'Clock Lab Band for three years, recording as many CD's with the group. Further, he directed one of the school's big bands and taught saxophone and improvisation in the UNT jazz department.
Upon graduation, Mr. Antoniuk co-founded the Unified Jazz Ensemble, a quintet that became the flagship of the National Endowment for the Arts “Rural Residency” artist-in-residence program. For four years, he taught, composed and performed full-time under the auspices of the NEA. During this time, the Unified Jazz Ensemble also toured Canada, the United States, Korea, Japan and Okinawa. Jeff and the UJE played before the National Arts Council, performed for the IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators), and were adjunct faculty at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa for two years.
Jeff, during his 12 years with the band, composed for and performed on all five CD's produced by the UJE, including New Slant, released internationally on IGMOD Records in 1997. In May of 1998, his composition “Hypothesis” won the Billboard Songwriting Contest for “Best Performance,” and he was a winner of the 1996 JAZZIZ Magazine “Woodwinds On Fire” saxophone talent search. Aside from the UJE, Jeff has performed and toured with talents as diverse as Freddie Hubbard and Doc Severinsen to Ray Charles, Kenny Rogers and Natalie Cole. For his composition “Borrowed Time,” Jeff won the 1999 “Sammy Nestico International Big Band Composition Contest” sponsored by the U.S.A.F. Airmen of Note. He was then commissioned by the USAF to write the band an arrangement of Duke Ellington’s classic “Come Sunday.”
A dedicated educator, Jeff has worked for many years as a Teaching Artist with the Washington Performing Arts Society. With his two professional groups, The Jazz Update and "Groove Nation," Jeff brings traditional jazz into the elementary classrooms of the DC-Virginia-Maryland metro area. Each year his quartet plays Monk, Ellington, Jobim and Coltrane for more than 12,000 school age students. Currently a faculty member in the jazz department at Towson State University near Baltimore, MD, Jeff teaches undergraduate and graduate jazz saxophone, as well as performing numerous yearly concerts as a member and composer for the Towson Faculty Jazz Ensemble.
Jeff is the owner of Jazz Band Masterclass, an adult jazz education coaching company. He is also founder and Director of Maryland Summer Jazz, one of the few adult/amateur jazz camps in the country. He is a longtime member of the rock/funk show band Sound Connection, a ten-piece group that travels internationally for clients such as Donald Trump and Bellagio in Las Vegas. Jeff works with his own jazz quartet "Jeff Antoniuk and the Jazz Update," a band comprising some of the best musicians in the area (Tony Martucci, Tom Baldwin, and Wade Beach). A dedicated freelance musician and recording artist, Jeff can be heard throughout the DC/VA/MD metro area.
As a musician for over 30 years, and a working pianist for 10, I've had many experiences with teachers from classical to jazz. Mr. Antoniuk is simply put, awesome. His ability to communicate his message of improvisation is inspiring.” -Rodney B.
"There are few great players--and fewer great teachers. Imagine the odds of finding both in one person! Jeff is that unique combination of both. In this respect he compares to Cannonball Adderley and Branford Marsalis. He inspires with his awesome playing and has a unique gift of guiding you to new levels you never thought possible..." -Owen D.
Masters 
