|
|
In Historic Downtown
Silverton, Oregon |
| The Musicians: | |
|
David Ornette Cherry has performed his
high-spirited, elegant Ensemble for Improvisors at the Rueben
Museum through the Jazz Museum in Harlem in New York City, at the Getty
Museum, Grand Performances, and ALOUD at Central Library in Los Angeles.
His Organic Roots band from Los Angeles performed in a jazz
festival in Sardinia, Italy in September 2008. His collaboration with
performance artist, Susan Banyas, No Strangers Here Today, has
been touring the country, and their recent collaboration, The
Hillsboro Story, world premier at Artists Repertory Theatre in
fall, 2010, followed by a national tour in 2010/11. He is the composer
for Embers, a jazz opera in poems, written by Los Angeles poet
Terry Wolverton, to be presented in Los Angeles in the fall of 2011. website
Renato Caranto is a saxophone player who performs on the Tenor, Alto, and Soprano saxophone, Renato Caranto guides his instruments through a variety of playing styles, including Jazz, Blues, Funk, R & B, and even a little Country. He has gained much experience in over 20 years as a professional musician as he traveled from his home in the Philippines to entertain in several countries before coming to the U. S. in 1981. From 1981
to 1992, Renato joined various Top 40 groups playing in the
lounges of major hotel chains. January, 1992, is notable for
his transition out of Top 40 and into a local Blues/R&B
group. Since that time, Renato has firmly established
himself in the local Portland music scene. He has performed
at all the major festivals in the area including the Mt.
Hood Jazz Festival, Waterfront Blues Festival, and Jazz on
the Water in Newport, OR. He has recorded as a soloist on
many local recording projects and is frequently recommended
by studio personnel to their clients in need of sax solo
work.
" Intensely musical". This description aptly describes Carlton Jackson during a long and varied musical career.A native of Portland Oregon, Carlton has been associated with many areas of the musical world, and continues to be a first call musician in the performance and recording industry. His flowing, incisive style, melded with a firm respect for the inherent tradition within different musical genres has made him the choice for local and national, and international projects.
|
David Ornette Cherry With Expression of Energy Renato Caranto Andre St. James Carlton Jackson
|
|
Drummer Gary Hobbs is a native of the Pacific Northwest
and lives in Vancouver, WA. He has played professionally for over 3
decades and appears on over 50 recordings. Gary played with The Stan
Kenton Orchestra from 1975 through 1977. Through the years Gary has
played with Randy Brecker, Ken Peplowski, Pete Christlieb, Greta Matassa,
Anita O'Day, Suzanna McKorkle, Dan Siegel, Glen Moore, The New York
Voices, Eddie Harris and many more. Bud Shank, Randy Brecker, Bill Mays,
Kurt Elling, Dave Frishberg, David Freisen, Bobby Shew, Bobby Watson,
Bob Florence, Carl Saunders, The Woody Herman Orchestra,Terry Gibbs,
Jaquie Naylor, Jim Widner Big Band, Mike Vax Big Band and Tom Grant are
just a few of the artists that Gary has recently performed with. Carnagie Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Tivoli Garden, Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap are among the venues Gary has played along with scores of festivals and clubs all over the world. Gary is very active in Jazz Education teaching at The University Of Oregon and traveling all over the US doing clinics, concerts and jazz camps with the help of Bosphorus Cymbal Company and Yamaha Drum Company. Web site Dave Captein is an accomplished performer on both string bass and bass guitar, having worked as a professional musician for over 35 years in the Pacific Northwest. A Portland native, he studied with Alice Leyden (Portland Opera Orchestra), Herman Jobelmann (Principal, Oregon Symphony), Ring Warner, James Harnett (Principal, Seattle Symphony) and Chuck Deardorf (Seattle Jazz Bassist). A music graduate of Western Washington University and the University of Washington, where he was awarded a composition scholarship, Dave has performed in a broad range of situations, from symphonic performances to studio and club work, as well as many jazz concerts and festivals around the country and in Europe. |
GARY HOBBS Trio Mark Seales Dave Captein   |
|
Mel Brown Jof Lee Ed Bennett    |
An
Oregon icon in jazz, drummer Mel Brown has been labeled the
"Gentleman of Jazz," with a career spanning over 40 years. In
recognition of his contributions to the cultural life of Oregon, Mel
received the Governor’s Arts Award in 2002.
Jof first began exploring the many puzzles and mysteries of music as a child in Colorado through the mid 1950's and during the post-bop era of the early 1960's. In the days before the academic world began taking a legitimate interest in teaching and promoting jazz, he relied greatly on the wealth of musical knowledge and life experience imparted ( not infrequently unkindly! ) by the "elder"musicians from the Colorado jazz scene. Ed Bennett has long been considered one of the West Coast's premiere string bass players. Currently living in Portland, Oregon since 1990, Ed's work has taken him virtually everywhere in the world. He has worked with, toured internationally, or recorded with many legendary jazz figures, including: Dizzy Gillespie, Terell Stafford, Joe Henderson, Sonny Stitt, Frank Morgan, Richie Cole, Pete Christlieb, Bud Shank, Charles McPherson, Pete Jolly, Joe Albany, James Williams, Mike Wofford, Pete Malinverni, Bill Mays, Dick Berk, Larance Marable, Joey Baron, Bill Henderson, Anita O'Day, Ernestine Anderson, Marlena Shaw, Nancy King, Karrin Allyson, Mary Stallings, Dee Daniels, The Modernaires, and the Gerald Wilson Orchestra In 1974, Ed toured with Jimmy Witherspoon. From 1976 to 1979 he backed Carmen McRae, making his recording debut on "Carmen McRae at the Great American Music Hall" in San Francisco which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1977. In 1981, he worked with the Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Big Band, recording the Grammy- nominated "Tanuki's Night Out." |
 |
|
|
Bridgetown Sextet Andrew Oliver, drums, cornet, piano
Scott Kennedy, piano and drums
David Evans, clarinet, tenor sax
John Moak, trombone
Doug Sammons, guitar and vocals
Eric Gruber, bass
  |
The BRIDGETOWN SEXTET performs authentic, energetic roots jazz from the 1920s, 30s and 40s, with a sound evoking Creole New Orleans, the stomp of prohibition era Chicago, fast-paced Harlem stride piano, and the tight swing of depression era Manhattan. Portland natives Andrew Oliver and Scott Kennedy assembled this group out of a long standing desire to create fresh but genuine music inspired by the forms of early jazz as heard on the records of Jelly Roll Morton, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holliday, and Duke Ellington among many others. The group has worked to capture the natural feel of these early jazz innovations- the drive, energy, and spontaneity that characterize them- while fostering a unique and inventive sound that would move beyond mere traditionalism and preservation in the interest of crafting new music.
David Evans began playing
saxophone and clarinet professionally around Alabama in his 'teens. He
moved to New Orleans to study at Loyola and wound up playing with
everybody in the Crescent City area. David's resume contains names such
as Nicholas Payton, Pete Fountain, B.B.King and a gang of recording
artists reflecting every facet of popular music. Portland based jazz trombonist John Moak has performed with many notable jazz artists including: Ella Fitzgerald, Doc Severinsen, Jack Sheldon, Dave Brubeck, Nat Adderly, Randy Brecker, Diane Schurr, Branford Marsalis, Slide Hampton, Clark Terry, Louie Bellson, Pete Christlieb, Herbie Mann, Rosemary Clooney, Ken Peplowski and James Moody. |
|
Nancy King
has been called everything from a “Cult figure” and an
“uncompromising artist,” (Earshot Jazz) to “the greatest living jazz
singer,” (Herb Ellis). As one of the few improvisers in vocal jazz
to master the vocabulary, Nancy King has “indefatigable scat chops
and a remarkably elastic range.” (The Oregonian)
Nancy came to the San Francisco jazz scene of the early 1960’s from Springfield, Oregon. It was at the legendary Jazz Workshop that she met Sonny King, her future mate, and joined his band. They headlined Monday nights at the Workshop for two years. Others she worked with in San Francisco included Vince Guaraldi, John Handy, Sonny Donaldson, and Flip Nunez. Another major influence was meeting and studying with Jon Hendricks. In ‘66 and ‘67, Nancy did the Playboy Club circuit and was a production singer in Las Vegas, then joined C. Smalls and Company, led by Charlie Smalls, who later wrote the music for “The Wiz”. In the early 1970’s she took a break from touring, settling in Eugene, Oregon to raise her three sons. On weekends she sang in the lounge of the Benson Hotel in Portland with future jazz luminaries Ralph Towner, David Friesen and Tom Grant. In 2001 Nancy was inducted into the Oregon Jazz Society’s Hall of Fame. Selections from “Dream Lands” were featured on the Jazz Riffs Sampler played on NPR stations throughout the US. Nancy and Steve performed at jazz festivals across western Canada (Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Medicine Hat), were on the faculty of Bud Shank’s Centrum Jazz Workshop, and Nancy toured England and Holland with “The Fire at Keaton’s Bar & Grill”.
Bassist Tom Wakeling and pianist/composer Steve Christofferson share a musical bond and creative partnership that spans 30 years. During these years, they recorded three CDs, performed and toured with the great jazz vocalist Nancy King, and were the long-time featured artists at the Riverplace Hotel in Portland, Oregon. Their quartet performs a unique mix of originals and seldom played non-originals, full of surprise, impishness, beauty, and creativity. |
Nancy King --
Vocals Steve Christofferson -- Piano Tom Wakeling -- Bass  |
| Born in Tokyo, Japan pianist Tony Pacini came to Portland, Oregon as an infant. A piano student since age 5, Tony led his first trio as a teenager, holding down weekends at a popular jazz spot. The piano made higher education possible for Tony, including study at Boston's Berklee College Of Music, courtesy of a Leonard Feather scholarship. |
Tony Pacini -- solo |
|
Paul Unger Dick Berk Chris Woitach    |
Paul Unger is the Asst. Principal Bass of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Unger has appeared as a featured soloist with the Fort Worth-Dallas Ballet, Fort Worth Chamber Orchestra, and at the Mimir Chamber Music Festival and has performed with such diverse artists as Bobby Shew, Bernadette Peters, Jay Clayton and Andrea Bocelli. Paul was the Instructor of Double Bass at TCU from 2005-2007 and is also a member of the jazz group Flipside and the eclectic band, Los Noviembres. He also wrote and directed the award winning film, “The Last Supper”, which appeared at the Tribeca Film Fest and composed music for the feature film “Seventy-Eight”. Paul is one of a small, but growing, number of bassists who tunes their bass in Fifths. Dick Berk is the epitome of an accomplished jazz musician who has done everything except receive the widespread recognition he richly deserves. In a career spanning a half-century, Berk has played in the groups of legendary figures Billie Holiday and Charles Mingus, as well as with high profile musicians like Freddie Hubbard, Milt Jackson, Cal Tjader, Ted Curson, Blue Mitchell, George Duke. Berk studied at the Berklee College of Music and played in the Boston area early in the 1960s. He eventually became a part of the New York City jazz scene and worked with Nick Brignola, Ted Curson-Bill Barron, Charles Mingus, Walter Bishop,Jr, Freddie Hubbard, Mose Allison, and Monty Alexander. Moved to Los Angeles in 1968 and began do some gigs with Gabor Szabo and George Duke, and record with Milt Jackson. He played regularly with Cal Tjader from 1969 through 1975 and toured Japan with Georgie Auld. Movie buffs should note he played drums on the soundtrack of New York, New York, and also participated as an actor. In the latter capacity his credits also include the films: "Raging Bull" and "Scarface" and on TV he appeared in "Hogan's Heroes", "Emergency" and "It takes a Thief" along with the Tic Code. He formed a group called "The Jazz Adoption Agency" and recorded a series of albums under this name. Christopher Woitach is a jazz guitarist and composer living in Portland, Oregon. He performs a wide range of jazz styles, from Dixieland to Free jazz, Ragtime to Bebop. His compositions reflect his diverse musical tastes and abilities, and combine the intricacies of Baroque counterpoint with the freedom of modern jazz. Christopher Woitach has played with many nationally and internationally known artists, including Bernadette Peters, Rich Little, Hank Roberts, Bob Mover, Tony Monaco, Mel Brown, and John Stowell. He regularly performs throughout the Pacific Northwest, and at jazz festivals in the U.S. and Canada. |
|
Portland saxophonist Tim Willcox was born in 1975. Since then, he has been making slow but somewhat steady headway in the jazz world. Moving to New Jersey in 1994 to study at internationally acclaimed William Paterson University, Willcox had a chance to study with greats like Kenny Burrell, Harold Mabern, Vic Juris, Rufus Reid, Steve Wilson, John Riley, and many others. After graduating in 1998, Willcox moved to New York and got to play with Marc Copland, Jeff Hirschfield, Vic Juris, Reid Anderson, Ben Monder, Matt Pennman, Scott Mclemore, John Herbert, Michael Kanan, and tons of other really good musicians.
Charlie Doggett began playing drums when his parents gave him a snare drum and a set of hi-hats for his 10th birthday. He fashioned a bass drum out of a hassock and a lampshade served as his ride cymbal. When he was 14 he saved enough money to buy his first real set of drums and landed his first real gig with a top 40 cover band one year later. Doggett was entirely self-taught until enrolling in Lane Community College where he began formal instruction with Alan Keown, and Randal Larson. He would later earn a Bachelor of Music from the University of Oregon where he studied with Gary Versace, Chris Lee, and Alan Jones. He now resides in Portland Oregon.
Storm Nilson has been performing, recording and
educating throughout the United States and Canada for the past 13 years.
His musical inspiration has been nurtured by opportunities to pay with
some of the world's top jazz musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Charlie
Haden, Steve Cardenas, and his long tie friend and mentor, Bruce Forman.
As an educator, Storm has taught as a guest artist and traveling
clinician for the Monterey Jazz Festival and Jazz Master's Workshops. He
was also recently featured at the 2007 50th Anniversary of the Monterey
Jazz Festival and has performed extensively in Los Angeles, San
Francisco, New York, and Montreal. |
Tim Wilcox Trio Charlie Doggett Storm Nilson
|
Randy Porter |
Randy Porter is well known for his fine jazz piano performance. Porter credits Dr. Frank Marks at Humboldt State University for his classical training and musical inspiration. His jazz teachers at New England Conservatory, Fred Hersch and Jaki Baird, along with Art Lande and Butch Lacey, also enhanced his musical scope. As a Steinway Artist, Randy draws from a rich palette of sonorities found within his imagination and the depths of the piano. As a jazz musician, Porter has a refined understanding of improvisation and the spontaneous communication between musicians. Lynn Darroch of The Oregonian states, "Porter has built a reputation as a musician's musician, a knowledgeable, inventive, and sophisticated player with a remarkable sense of time and gorgeous keyboard facility. |
|
David Goldblatt is a first call Los Angeles studio pianist now living in Portland, David has recorded with top artists from Diana Ross and Roberta Flack to Dizzy Dillespie and Wayne Shorter. He is also in demand as a composer and musical arranger, having written for films and TV (Oprah, Dennis Miller, The Net and more). He released his first CD, “Facing North”, on Sweet Basil records in March 1996. David is involved as musical director and composer in residence with “The Exploration Center” TEC , a next level planetary immersive entertainment show and center with transformative enlivening programs. David scored the Showtime series “Defenders”. He’s won critical acclaim for his music and partnership with composer Mark Isham on the CBS series “EZ Streets”. His collaboration with Isham has featured David on many films.
Bassist Dan Schulte teaches electric and acoustic bass at Portland State University. He has appeared and/or recorded with Andrew Hill, Jim Pepper, Roswell Rudd, Jerry Hahn, Mel Brown, Ralph Black and Ronnie Steen, Violinist Rob Thomas, Dick Berk, John Handy, Phil Dwyer, Eddie Weid, Nancy King, Randy Porter, Chuck Marohnic, Chris Lee and Colleen O'Brien, Rob Schepps, John Stowell, Dan Balmer, Darrell Grant, Gary Versace, Kelly Joe Phelps, Suzy Stern, Lawrence Williams, Rebecca Kilgore, Warren Rand, Western Rebellion, Gordon Lee, Shirley Nannette, Gary Hobbs, Graham Lear, Alan Jones Sextet, Kate Power, Dave Evans, Dave Valdez, Matt Lemmler, Christopher Woitach, Cheryl Alex,Bert Wilson, Jay Collins. He has appeared at the Monterey Jazz festivals, Audi Jazz Festival, Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, Mt.Hood festival of Jazz, Bumbershoot Arts Festival, Earshot, Portland Jazz festival and Vancouver Wine and Jazz festivals. He has also performed with the Portland Opera and Portland Chamber Orchestra,and Portland Youth Philharmonic. |
David Goldblatt Trio Todd Strait Dan Schulte   |
|
Dan Gaynor Trio Glen Moore Tyson Stubelek
  |
Glen Moore
is a jazz bassist with early classical training in piano until age
13. He played bass in the school orchestra, experimenting with jazz
and free improvisation on his own. His performing career began at
age 14 with the Young Oregonians in Portland, Oregon where he met
and played with American Indian saxophonist, Jim Pepper. He
graduated with a degree in History and Literature from the
University of Oregon where he also studied the cello. His formal
bass instruction started after college with Jerome Magil in
Portland, James Harnett in Seattle, Gary Karr in New York, Plough
Christenson in Copenhagen, Ludwig Streicher in Vienna and Francois
Rabbath in Hawaii. For the past 30 years, Glen has played a Klotz
bass fiddle crafted in the Tyrol circa 1715 on which he has made
extensive use of a unique tuning with both a low and high C string. |
|
Blue
Gardenia Jazztet
|
The Blue Gardenia
Jazztet
celebrates New York City, San Francisco, & Las Vegas Club-Styled
American & Brazilian Jazz with Blue Gardenia Vocalist Joanna
Rios--and featuring the music & styles of Ella Fitzgerald, Frank
Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Rosemary Clooney, Billie Holiday, Nat King
Cole, Sara Vaughn, Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick, Judy
Garland, Brazil '66, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Astrud Gilberto, and
others.
Blue Gardenia Band members include pianist Charles Guerin, Latin and straight jazz percussionist Raymond Rios, and bassist Tom Ruttan. For additional information, please log on to our website. |
|
Quadraphonnes Mieke Bruggemann-Smith/Baritone Saxophone Michelle Medler/Tenor Saxophone Chelsea Luker/Alto and Soprano Saxophone Mary-Sue Tobin/Alto and Soprano Saxophone Leah Hinchcliff/Bass Ward Griffiths/Drums  |
The
Quadraphonnes
saxophone quartet provide a tantalizing sound filled with funky grooves
and soaring solos. These 4 women, sometimes 6 with bass and drums, come
to the stage with a powerful sound and a rare show including musical
arrangements ranging from Tower of Power to Eric Dolphy to Philip Glass.
Not your average band! The Quadraphonnes, based in Portland, Oregon, perform in many styles. Their shows often blend traditional and modern Jazz, with arrangements of rock/pop/funk songs and a splash of classical quartet music. The quartet has a wide classical repertoire ranging from the baroque to contemporary. The Quadraphonnes have commissioned new works for saxophone quartet and have created a multi-media show including film, live painting, cellos, marimba, and dancers. All members continue to work on new arrangements and original music for saxophone ensemble in all styles. Currently they perform in clubs, at festivals and private parties. They also present educational concerts in local schools and give classical recitals. The Quadraphonnes have been featured on local radio stations KMHD 89.1 and 91.5 KBOO, at the Portland Jazz Festival, Mt Hood Jazz Festival, Portland International Film Festival, North American Saxophone Alliance, Portland Blues Festival, Portland Rose Festival. In 2010 they created: ‘tone-color-melody’ a multi-media extravaganza with the help of a grant from the Regional Arts & Cultures Council. They have been featured in guest spots with Candye Kane, the Mambo Queens, Felina's Arrow and Voodoo BBQ. The Quads comprise most of the sax section for The Lily Wilde Orchestra and are part of the NW saxophone collective and its large saxophone orchestra. At performances the Quadraphonnes often incorporate a rhythm section with Leah Hinchcliff on bass, and Ward Griffiths on drums along with showcasing other talented female musicians. They also perform as a classical ensemble with Brandy Keehn on percussion. All members have their degrees in music and perform and teach regularly in the Portland area. |
|
Laura Cunard
|
A lifelong musician, Laura Cunard has been performing
Jazz, Blues, Classical, Broadway, Pop and Country Music professionally
since her teens. Laura’s introduction to the Portland Jazz Scene came in
2005 when she began hosting the West Side Jazz Jam. Since then, she has
performed frequently in the Jazz Clubs in and around Portland both as a
Soloist and Band Leader. Laura’s voice has been described as “rich, butterscotch, and soaring.” She weaves her piano accompaniment around her singing as though effortless magic is being revealed. Old standards and long-forgotten jewels are dusted off and presented lovingly, interspersed with contemporary musical gems. A sense of optimism and humor can be heard in Laura’s music, along with a beauty that cannot be denied. Laura’s Debut CD, “The Gift”, will be available later this year. It features the drum work of Billie Holiday’s drummer Dick Berk. |
|
Na Mesa is an
eclectic ensemble that plays original and world music.
They fuse lively parlour music from Rio de Janeiro with jazz and a
distinct Portland sensibility. |
Na Mesa Jeremy Winkler - Guitar Jon Shaw - Acoustic Bass Jeff Carey - Percussion Ben Larsen - Mandolin  |
|
Elizabeth Eck has been recognized for her pure and rich
vocal quality by the Portland OREGONIAN. With a rich background,
including Byzantine, Baroque and Bluegrass vocal stylings, her forays
into jazz stylings can only be called BJAZZ. With a degree in vocal
performance from Willamette University (1986) and graduate Master Class
work in Baroque music at the Bach Aria Festival in New York as well as
performing with the world renowned "Capella Romana" ensemble in the rare
genre of Byzantine vocals, with the Portland Baroque Orchestra as
soloist, 12 years with the bluegrass group Roundhouse and directing
vocal coaching and singing instruction for the music ministries at
Morning Star Community Church, she brings a unique perspective to her
own brand of vocal jazz. She owns and operates Red Letter Vocal Studios
in Salem, Oregon. Doc Fleetwood, has been a fixture in the Northwest as a performer and teacher for decades. In addition to his solo performances, he is the solid foundation of the renowned trio, Kilde, Fleetwood & La Freniere. He brings a distinctive expressive quality to acoustic fingerstyle and jazz guitar uniquely his own. With diverse, eclectic influences ranging from Joe Pass, Django Reinhardt and George VanEps to Leo Kottke and John Fahey he incorporates a styling best described by Mr. VanEps as "Lap Piano". |
Bjazz Elizabeth Eck Larry Fleetwood   |
|
Weber Iago Jazz Quintet Evan Kuhlmann   
|
Pianist
and composer Weber Iago incorporates instrumentation, form, and harmonic
language from both the Classical and Jazz traditions with this
Chamber-Jazz project. His compositions masterfully blend the diverse
stylistic elements drawn from the deep traditions of his native Rio de
Janeiro, French Impressionistic composers like Debussy and Ravel,
Contemporary Classical Chamber Music and cutting edge Modern Jazz. Iago's talent for creating a uniquely personal style from such wide-ranging influences is what sets this trio apart from many other Chamber groups. Iago has a highly lyrical melodic sensibility, the harmonic sophistication of a Post-bop Jazz musician and the elastic rhythmic conception of someone who is steeped in the Brazilian musical traditions from an early age. Weber Iago is a prolific composer who has been commissioned to compose works for major chamber music across the country Originally from Jersey City, N.J., b> Eddie Parente studied violin and 4 part harmony at Jersey City State College with Edward Raditz, playing in String Orchestra as well as studying Jazz with Saxophonist Emile DeCosmo. Eddie also studied with violinist Julie Lyonn Lieberman in NYC, but credits trumpeter Ted Curson (Mingus alumni), as a major influence, who held Jam sessions in Hoboken and encouraged Eddie to play Jazz in those formative years. Upon moving to Portland in 1985 Eddie would religiously go to hear The Mel Brown Quintet and participate in Ron Steen's Jam sessions, Eddie has played in Big Band under the direction of Thara Memory and studied Jazz arranging and Composition with saxophonist Clif Waits, at Portland Community College. Eddie has performed at Mt. Hood, Portland, Newport Jazz Festivals, and also travels frequently to Russia collaborating and performing at Festivals, intimate Jazz Clubs and Concert Halls, with many great musicians there. |
|
Keller Coker Trad Trio
|
|
|
Mike Curtis Klezmer Band Mike Curtis - reeds Dave Leslie - keyboards Dave Storrs - drums Page Hundemer - bass  |
Mike Curtis (clarinet, soprano sax, tarogato, composer) has captivated audiences across the US, Eastern Europe, and Russia for 25 years with his passionate, lyrical, and virtuosic klezmer performances. He has been a member of some of the best-known NW klezmer groups: the Hester Street Klezmer Band, Oomph Intercontinental Klezmer, the Mazeltones, and the Mike Curtis Klezmer Quartet. His constant bandmates have been imaginative pianist Dave Leslie and creative drummer Dave Storrs. Their parallel existences in jazz, avant garde, and classical units are revealed in a klezmer that blends cultures and ages. |
| The Pete Krebs Trio is an ensemble whose music evokes the early days of jazz, both American and European. Equal parts Nat King Cole Trio and Django Reinhardt, the PK3 draws from many musical traditions in creating the group's sound. From the wet cobblestones of Paris to the heat of Buenos Aires, and the smoky brilliance of New York's jazz skyline, the Trio evokes an ambiance rooted in the past ant the present. |
Pete Krebs Trio David Langenes Keith Brush |
|
Mark Simon couples jazz experience with
a myriad of jazz influences to create a style of playing
and writing that offers a mature outlook while pushing
his work out to the edge.
As a youngster, Mark studied the works of pianists Hampton Hawes (“His honesty and integrity appeal to me”) and Wynton Kelly, Thelonious Monk, Vince Guaraldi and his brother, Fred Simon, an accomplished jazz pianist and recording artist whom Mark refers to as “my earliest influence”. Growing up in jazz, Mark Simon has gained experience from playing extensively with Leroy Vinnegar and Hadley Caliman, performing in concert with Bud Shank, Jeff Clayton, Joshua Breakstone and singer Julie Kelly and playing jam sessions with several notable jazz artists, including Teddy Edwards, Red Holloway and Herb Ellis. Mark has been a Portland resident since 1978, when he came west from Chicago to study jazz at Mount Hood Community College. He’s been a featured performer with the MHCC alumni band at several Mt. Hood Festival of Jazz events. Since then, he’s played with most of the jazz stalwarts in the Portland area, including Mel Brown, Glen Moore, Nancy King and Ron Steen. His Libra Moon, PORTLAND NIGHTS recording debut (featuring eight Simon originals) includes first-call jazz artists, trumpet and flugelhorn; Gary Hobbs, drums: Dave Captein, bass and Michael Bard sax. Michael co-produced the CD with Mark. Mark continues to compose music and work around the Portland area playing solo piano gigs, accompanying vocalists, playing with jazz groups (including his newly-formed Mark Simon trio), as well as teaching piano and providing services for vocalists With vibrant vocals that range from quiet vulnerability to soul-tinged power, jazz singer Karla Harris brings refreshing lyricism and a compelling presence to listeners. Karla began performing as a teen in her hometown of St. Louis, and was soon singing alongside many of the region’s revered jazz artists. Since moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2005, her reputation as a dynamic singer with a warmth and spirit uniquely hers has grown. She has performed at Newport Jazz Festivals, the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival and more. She is also a regularly featured vocalist with the Bobby Torres Ensemble. Her repertoire spans genres and styles, pulling from standards and classics in jazz, R&B and pop. Of her work, Jazz Scene (Jazz Society of Oregon) writes, “Always respectful of her American Songbook choices, Harris has superb intonation and a contemporary yet appealing approach to the songs. …. She engages the audience and makes us happy to be sharing the evening with her.”
|
Mark Simon & Karla Harris  |
|
Marcus Reynolds & Jessica Schultz
  |
Jessica Schultz is a
jazz singer who is committed to reconciling the tradition of the jazz
vocalist with the eclectic interests of the contemporary jazz musician.
With influences ranging from Sarah Vaughan to Brazilian popular music to
Joni Mitchell, Jessica uses her signature mezzo-soprano to communicate
the heart of a lyric. Jessica has been called a "Lovely, engaging
vocalist" by the Oregon Jazz Society. Downbeat Magazine named her
"Outstanding Jazz Soloist" for 2000 in the college category. Jessica has
performed throughout the United States. In Portland she has been
featured at the Heathman Hotel as well as Darrell Grant's LV's Uptown
Jazz Club. Jessica holds a Master's Degree from Portland State University, where she directed the PSU Vocal Jazz Ensemble, studied vocal pedagogy and performed the song cycle "I Could Breathe a Mountain" by American composer William Bolcolm. As a jazz singer Jessica has studied or participated in master classes with such artists as Sunny Wilkinson, Fred Hersch, Mark Murphy, Kevyn Lettau, Madeline Eastman, and Kurt Elling. Her new cd "Home" is available at jessicaschultz.bandcamp.com and features new arrangements of songs by Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Caetano Veloso, and settings of poems by H.D. website Pianist and composer Marcus Reynolds has begun to make his mark on contemporary jazz as a solo pianist, leader of his own groups and as co-leader of the Farnell Newton-Marcus Reynolds Quartet. His high energy live performances are notable for his angular, rhythmic playing and dedication to presenting original music and contemporary, unique treatments of the standard jazz repertoire. Influenced by modern pianistic figures such as Herbie Hancock, Bud Powell, and Fred Hersch, Marcus is also informed as a composer by European 20th Century classical harmony and the Afro-Caribbean rhythmic tradition. Marcus has opened for jazz giants Betty Carter and Mel Torme in festival settings, and has performed with singers ranging from Michigan vocalist Sunny Wilkinson to cabaret artist Lorna Luft. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University where he majored in Classical Piano Perfomance and Jazz Studies (with Dr. Stephen Zegree), and also studied composition with C. Curtis-Smith and Richard Adams. He often performs in duo with his wife (jazz vocalist Jessica Schultz) at such venues as the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon. In addition to performing, Marcus maintains a private piano teaching studio in West Linn, Oregon where he advocates a healthy, tension free approach to playing the instrument. website |
| Mario Diaz | |
|
Jass Two Plus One Steve Boden --Vocals, Guitar Dick Saunders -- Clarinet, Saxophone John Walling -- Bass  |
STEVE BODEN
Leader, Vocals, Guitar, sings in a smooth, jazzy crooner’s
style. His vintage arch top guitar drives the infectious rhythms of
early Jazz. ‘20’s Jazz guitar pioneer Eddie Lang influences him. Steve
knows the music, the times, the characters, and the events that make the
Roaring Twenties Roar. Steve’s vocal talent was discovered at an early
age, and he’s performed several styles. At Portland's KBOO-FM, he
discovered the romance and adventure of early Jazz music and hosted the
"Ragtime" show. A decade of tours with the show duo "Boden & Zanetto"
also yielded a tape album. Steve co-founded the original Jass Two duo
with reed legend Teddy Deane. DICK SAUNDERS Dick’s virtuoso command of the clarinet and sax shows. the hand of a master of vintage Jazz. He began his career singing on New York radio at age 4. He has played the famed Borscht circuit, directed band and choral units in the US Air Force. He played in the Phoenix Symphony, and top show room orchestras of Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe. He was called to Los Angeles for studio sessions in the Radio,TV and Film industries. His mastery of the woodwind instruments brought him work with such stars as Tony Bennett, George Burns, Sammy Davis Jr., Mel Torme and Frank Sinatra. Dick has relocated to Portland. He has regularly appeared as soloist with Norman Leyden's Oregon Symphony Pops Concerts. JOHN WALLING John’s poppin’, jumpin’ bass line gives Jass Two Plus One distinctive depth and drive. It’s no wonder. John is also featured bassist with Portland’s legendary Stumptown Jazz. He’s played the Hollywood Bowl, and with the Coconut Grove Orchestra. A graduate of Univ. of California at Santa Cruz, he’s a master of both upright string bass and the tuba. His influences include Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong and Mozart. John’s extraordinary talent extends to the classical music world as founder of the Portland Brass Quintet. He’s played with the Santa Cruz Symphony, the Burbank Symphony, and the Rose City Chamber Orchestra. John passes the torch to students as a teacher with Portland’s MUSE Band Performance program. |
|
Performing original and traditional Brazilian songs,
including a new song cycle by Cassio Vianna Letters
to Grace.
Cassio Vianna holds a bachelor of music degree with specialization in Brazilian Popular Music from UNIRIO (The Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro). Cassio started his musical studies early. At the age of 15 he composed his first songs and started to teach music at the Carlos Gomes Music Conservatory. Since then, he has been performing in recording sessions as a keyboard player, arranger and producer. He has studied harmony with Ian Guest, vocal arrangement with Marcos Leite of the group "Garganta Profunda" and piano with Maria Lidia. As a sideman, he has already performed with MPB singers Piry Reis, Fatima Regina, Claudia Netto, Ze Netto, to name only a few. He is also a composer, and some of his songs are now part of Dialeto Brasileiro's repertoire.
Wagner Soares holds a Bachelor of music with
specialization in MPB from UNIRIO (Federal University of
the State of Rio de Janeiro). He started on electric
bass at the age of 13, and at 17 he was playing with the
Nota Jazz Orchestra and participating in the
instrumental work Jazz, Blues & Jam Session. He has also
played with Brazilian artists such as Dino Rangel, Ze
Netto, Denise Vianna, Fatima Regina and Tereza Mazeli.
He has been a backup musician for some Contemporary
Christian Music singers, including Marquinhos Gomes,
Cristiane Carvalho and Jossana Glessa, with whom he
performed all around Brazil. Besides being a bass
player, Wagner Soares is also a composer and arranger;
his songs are part of Dialeto Brasileiro's repertoirees.
|
Sherry Alves - vocals with Cassio Vianna- piano Wagner Sores Trindade - electric bass    |
|
Grand House Jazz Band Carolyn Gage, vocalistSimon Bielman, keyboard Tim Duffy, Saxophone Michael White, Bass Dennis Bierman, drummer/leader
|
The Grand Jazz Band
organized in October of 2002 as the
house band for the Grand Vines Wine Shop
and Deli in Salem, OR. The first band
consisted of guitar, bass, sax,
trombone, and drums. Through the years
the band evolved into the sound you hear
today consisting of piano, sax, bass,
drums, and vocalist.
The group plays a variety of classic jazz and swing tunes from the bands of Duke Ellington, Stan Getz, Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, and Judy Garland, just to name a few. The Grand Jazz Band has performed at the Salem Art Fair, World Beat Festival, Silverton Wine and Jazz Festival, Mission Mill, Salem Hospital, Humane Society of the Willamette Valley, Salem Wine and Food Festival, Left Coast Winery, Willamette Valley Vineyards, and many weddings and private functions including several days in the VIP Tent when Extreme Home Makeover filmed in Salem. |
Robert Moore |
|
| Mark Seymor | |
| Henry Schifter Trio | |
|
Silverton High School
Jazz Band under direction of Tim Duffy
PSU Big Band under the directorship of Charley Gray Western Oregon Big Band under the direction of Keller Coker
|
|
This page last updated: May 11, 2011
