MUSIC BANDS - FEATUREDBob
Baldwin - contemporary jazz pianist, music composer, author, and producer. Bob is a multi-facetted person. He is a Jazz Artist, Radio Host, Music
Presenter, Arts Advocate, Educator, and Author. He has "a vision to take his gift of music to bless those less fortunate, and raise funds for organizations
in need of help." Bob is originally from Mount Vernon, N.Y. He began playing piano when he was four years old, and was taught by his father, Robert Baldwin,
Sr., who was an accomplished jazz pianist and upright bassist. In his youth, Bob would accompany his father to jam sessions near home, and had the opportunity to
listen to and study the music of "the masters of the Westchester region." Later, Bob was influenced musically by a number of artists, "strongly by Herbie
Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Patrice Rushen, Chick Corea, EWF, Joe Sample, Ramsey Lewis, Miles Davis, and George Duke." His style is "a by-product of these
artists." During the 80's, Bob performed with a who's who of talent, including Roy Ayers, Gerald Albright Dean James, Chieli Minucci, Jocelyn Brown, Kim
Waters, Will Downing, Marion Meadows, Najee, the late Grover Washington, Jr., and Noel Pointer and many others. (2010), Bob released "Never Can Say
Goodbye: A Tribute to Michael Jackson," "Betcha By Golly Wow: The Songs Of Thom Bell" (2012). "The Brazilian-American Soundtrack" (2016), "Never Out of Season " (2017), and
"Abbey Road and the Beatles," in 2018. Bob can be seen and heard in venues nationally and internationally. Links:
Website,
Facebook,
Discography,
Reverbnationand
DC Bebop page.
BANDS EAST -
Tim Warfield - Saxophonist, band leader & educator. Tim is originally from York, PA. He has played the alto saxophone since the age
of nine. He began playing the tenor saxophone in High School, where he played in a number of musical ensembles, from which he received a number of awards
for his solo performances. After high school, he attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. for a period of time before becoming a band leader. He has performed
with CBS/Sony recording artist Marlon Jordan's Quintet, Jazz Futures (a world touring group), on the Today Show, Bill Cosby’s You Bet Your Life (as a member of
the house band), and at Ted Turner's 1998 Trumpet Awards. He has shared the stage with "such names as Donald Byrd, Michelle Rosewoman, Marcus Miller, Marlon Jordan,
James Williams, Christian McBride, The Harper Brothers, Dizzy Gillespie, Isaac Hayes, Shirley Scott, Jimmy Smith, Nicholas Payton, Charles Fambrough, Eric Reed, Carl Allen,
Terell Stafford, Stefon Harris, Orrin Evans, The Newport Millennium All Stars, "Papa" John Defrancesco, Joey Defrancesco, Claudio Raggazzi, Danilo Perez, and others." Tim has
released several albums since his debut CD, "Cool Blue," in 1995. His last three releases are "Tim Warfield's Jazzy Christmas," (2012), "Eye of
the Beholder," (2013) and "Inspire Me" (2013). He has served "as a board member for the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz as well as an
artist-in-residence at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa." In 2012, Tim released "
Tim Warfield's Jazzy Christmas." Edward Blanco, at All About Jazz says, "Performing a selection of familiar songs with a heavy contemporary flavor, the music
is so straight-ahead in nature that such seasonal tunes like "Let It Snow," "Joy To The World," and "Silent Night," are almost unrecognizable
as Christmas music and could easily be part of any playlist throughout the year." "
Eye of the Beholder," (2013), "
Inspire Me" (2013), "
Spherical - Dedicated To Thelonious Sphere Monk" (2015) and
"Jazzland" (2018) Tim's latest album. Links:
Messiah College,
Facebook,
YouTube,
Discography and
DC Bebop page.
Paul Carr - Saxophonist, Educator, Bandleader, Composer, Producer Paul, a Houston native and 1985 Howard University graduate, has dedicated his professional
career to mastering the saxophone and the art of Jazz. He carries on the Texas tenor tradition espoused by great heroes such as the late Houstonians Arnett Cobb and Don Wilkerson who
served as his early idols and mentors. He grew up in inner-city Houston, Texas and was a member of the Kashmere High School Stage Band, whose director, the late Conrad Johnson,
is the subject of a documentary, Thunder Soul, produced by actor, Jamie Foxx. Though never having had private music lessons, Paul has received several outstanding musician awards at
high school and college jazz festivals. Paul is passionately committed to the education of children and particularly as it relates to the preservation of jazz. In 2002, he founded
The Jazz Academy of Music Inc, which hosts summer camps and jazz ensembles for kids throughout
the year. Several of his students have been admitted and even received full scholarships to some of the top music schools and conservatories in the country.
Paul has recorded 8 CD’s, which have been well received by critics and jazz fans alike. His new CD “The Real Jazz Whisperer” features Allyn Johnson, Michael Bowie, Lewis Nash and will be released
September, 2020. His CD “DC-NYC Organ Sessions” reached #9 on the Jazz Week radio play charts. His CD released in 2013, “Standard Domain,” reached #3 on the Jazz Week radio play chart and stayed on
the chart for 16 weeks. Paul has toured Russia, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Central and South America and has shared the stage with many of the greatest names in jazz. Paul was a
favorite of President Clinton during his term in office and Paul performed at many of the Clinton’s private events. He also did a special performance for the late King Hussein and Queen Noir of Jordan
at their residence in Aqaba, Jordan. In 2010, Paul re-established the East Coast Jazz Festival as the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, and serves as its Executive and Artistic Director.
The festival enjoys over 2,000 attendees that travel from states across the U.S. and beyond. Held every Presidents Day weekend in Rockville, MD, the festival incorporates a strong
educational component, with a high school band competition and free master classes for students as well as an entertainment component with performances by NEA Jazz Masters, such as
Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, and Roy Haynes, just to name of few. Links:
Website,
Reverbnation,
DC Bebop - MAJF and Paul's
DC Bebop page
Elan Trotman - Saxophonist, composer and educator. Elan grew up in Barbados listening to calypso, reggae, local and other music. His first
instrument was the piano, which he began playing when he was 7, his musical curiosity led him to the Sax at age 12. While in high school, he had the good luck
to be mentored by Berklee schooled saxophonist Arturo Tappin. Also while in high school, Elan "led his own band, worked with a couple of gospel groups and
eventually organized a combo, 'Inspiration'," which successfully found "work at local shows and festivals." He discovered the music of
"Grover Washington Jr. and other contemporary jazz musicians who performed at the prestigious Barbados Jazz Festival," and his interest in jazz became
a focal point for evolving his own style. His musical virtuosity contributed to him receiving a full scholarship to the Berklee School of Music in Boston from
the Barbados government. Elan is committed to educating the young, and has served as a teacher in the Boston public school system for a number of years. Elan
has released five CD's. "Memories: The Debut" (2001), "Let's Have a Good Time" (2005), "A Reggae Christmas" (2007)
and his latest, "Love and Sax" (2010) and the single "As" with trumpeter Lin Roundtree (2011). He has "recorded and performed with
Roberta Flack, Kirk Whalum, Brian McKnight, Johnny Gill, Tony Terry, Nathan East, Najee, Walter Beasley, Don Grusin" As a recording artist Elan has topped the
Billboard Radio Charts over 10 times. As a solo artist charting songs include “Heaven In Your Eyes” feat. Brian Simpson, “Tradewinds” feat Peter White, “Master Blaster”,
“As” feat. Lin Rountree, “Thoughts of Sumer” feat. Will Downing, and “Smooth N Saxy”. Collaborations that have topped the charts include “Magic Men”
Marion Meadows), “Groove Me” (Greg Manning), “Just What You Need” (Brian Simpson), “Smooth (Cal Harris) and “Ride Along” (Julian Vaughn)." Elan's collaborations are
exponential, and there are many other well known musicians. Elan can be seen and heard performing at venues national and international. Links:
website,
Facebook,
Reverbnation,
Discography and
DC Bebop page.
David Gerald - Guitar, Vocals, Bandleader, Songwriter and Producer - David is a blues guitarist. He is originally from Detroit, Michigan. Growing up
in the "Motor City" and the home of Motown, meant that he was surrounded by the soulful sounds of R&B and the Blues. After many years of listening, at age 16,
he began to learn to play the guitar. He attributed his interest to the musical influence of Prince and other 80’s rock guitarists. In Motown, the sound is soul
and R&B, but somewhere along his path, David says "He rediscovered the blues" and began listened more seriously to the music of Albert King, ZZ Hill, B.B.
King, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. In the 80's David composed rock and pop tunes. At age 24, he began writing and composing tunes with the help of a computer
program, and has continued to write and compose to this day. In 2009, David released his first album "Hell
and Back" (Amazon) containing 5 of his original tunes and a selection of cover tunes previously recorded by Blues greats. The "Thrill is
Gone", "Red House", "Cold Shot", and the other cover tunes were recorded live at J. Dubs bar in Riverview, Michigan. David can be seen and heard playing at
growing number of clubs and festivals across the U.S Links:
Website,
Facebook,
YouTube,
SonicBids,
Reverbnation and
DC Bebop page.
Chris Grasso, Jazz Pianist. Chris is a Washington, D.C.-based jazz pianist who specializes in
working with vocalists. He is the Music Director for Sharon Clark, one of DC's most in-demand jazz vocalists. They can be seen and heard performing in numerous venues, and have appeared
together on many stages, from the National Mall, as part of the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, to the Cape May Jazz Festival. Chris has performed with Denise Thimes, Matt Wilson, Avery
Sharpe and Albert Rivera, closing the show after Dave Brubeck's performance at the 2010 Litchfield Jazz Festival. He has performed live on WPFW, Washington, D.C.'s jazz
station, with jazz greats Keter Betts and Buck Hill. He has appeared with the Ken Peplowski/Chuck Redd Quartet, and with New Orleans' historic jazz family,
the Jordans. Chris has made multiple appearances at what was formerly the the East Coast Jazz Festival, and continues the tradition through what is now the
Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival. He has performed at a number of closed historical venues like the One Step Down and the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe in DC. He continues to perform at major venues in the
Washington, D.C. area, including Blues Alley, Twins Jazz, Bohemian Caverns, the Kennedy Center, and the Music Center at Strathmore. Chris serves as Music Director at several local venues
in the Washington D.C. area, and performs regularly with a number of local vocalists such as Sharon Clark, Lena Seikaly, Kristine Key, Sara Jones and others. Links:
Website,
Facebook,
Sam Hill Bands,
YouTube and
DCBebop page.
Bob
Baldwin - contemporary jazz pianist, music composer, author, and producer. Bob is a multi-facetted person. He is a Jazz Artist, Radio Host, Music
Presenter, Arts Advocate, Educator, and Author. He has "a vision to take his gift of music to bless those less fortunate, and raise funds for organizations
in need of help." Bob is originally from Mount Vernon, N.Y. He began playing piano when he was four years old, and was taught by his father, Robert Baldwin,
Sr., who was an accomplished jazz pianist and upright bassist. In his youth, Bob would accompany his father to jam sessions near home, and had the opportunity to
listen to and study the music of "the masters of the Westchester region." Later, Bob was influenced musically by a number of artists, "strongly by Herbie
Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Patrice Rushen, Chick Corea, EWF, Joe Sample, Ramsey Lewis, Miles Davis, and George Duke." His style is "a by-product of these
artists." During the 80's, Bob performed with a who's who of talent, including Roy Ayers, Gerald Albright Dean James, Chieli Minucci, Jocelyn Brown, Kim
Waters, Will Downing, Marion Meadows, Najee, the late Grover Washington, Jr., and Noel Pointer and many others. (2010), Bob released "Never Can Say
Goodbye: A Tribute to Michael Jackson," "Betcha By Golly Wow: The Songs Of Thom Bell" (2012). "The Brazilian-American Soundtrack" (2016), "Never Out of Season " (2017), and
"Abbey Road and the Beatles," in 2018. Bob can be seen and heard in venues nationally and internationally. Links:
Website,
Facebook,
Discography,
Reverbnationand
DC Bebop page.
Nasar Abadey and Supernova
"Drummer and Composer Nasar Abadey is the founder, leader and driving force of SUPERNOVA®. They perform music from the threshold of Jazz to beyond space
and time, while having an artistic license to express their compositions through traditional African rhythms, bebop, fusion, Afro-Cuban, Afro Brazilian,
and free form. The quartet's musical inspirations include John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, and Duke Ellington among others." -
Smalls Live - Greenwich Village.
Nasar Abadey (drums) has been a bandleader for many years and has also built a solid reputation as a sideman with several groups from his home base
in Washington, DC; and he has performed and/or recorded with many artists throughout his career. He is Professor of Jazz Percussion in the Jazz Studies
department at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins
University.
Joe Ford (saxophones) composer and arranger, is a passionate musician who began playing in 1958 while in elementary school in Buffalo, New York.
His melodious, humorous, insightful style reflects the broad spectrum of the American experience, and ranges from spirituals and rural blues to contemporary
music and avant-garde jazz.
James King (bass) and composer, was born in Houston, Texas. James studied at Texas Southern University, Hampton University, and the University of the
District of Colombia. He is a well-known bassist in the mid-Atlantic region, and performs in concerts and festival throughout the world.
Allyn Johnson (piano) composer, and arranger, born in Washington, and is currently the Director of Jazz Studies and the UDC Jazz Band,
for his alma mater, the University of the District of Columbia. He has worked with Andrew White, Frank Morgan, Sonny Fortune, David "Fat Head" Newman,
Bennie Golson, and Stanley Turrentine among others.
Links:
Website,
Reverbnation,
Facebook, and
YouTubeLarry
Brown is a straight-ahead jazz pianist, performing in the Mid-Atlantic region. He received his Bachelors Degree in Music Theory from
Towson University, where he studied with arranger/composer Hank Levy. He earned his Masters of Music degree from Catholic University in Washington, DC, where he
studied Composition and Electronic Music with Professor Emeritus H. Emerson Meyers, who died in 1990. Larry released, “Hard Bop Cafe” which "reprises the
hard-bop style of the legendary Blue Note era" in 2006, and later that year the group received the WAMA (Washington Area Music Association) award for "Best Jazz
Recording for 2006" and a Wammie award for "Best Jazz Group". He launched his next album, “Peace” (Lush Life Records in 2008), with a CD release party at
Blues Alley in Georgetown. Larry is noted for his "rendering of ballads”, and his unique style again brought him to the attention of the Washington Area
Music Association (WAMA), which awarded his band "the Best Jazz Group for 2008". Larry and his group can be heard performing at many venues in the Mid-Atlantic
region. Links: DVD, "Live At The Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival" (2011), CD, "Peace" (2008),
CD Review,
Discography,
Website and his
DC Bebop page.
The Chuck Brown Band -
Performing Go-go, Funk, R&B, jazz, blues and soul
- Chuck Brown recorded with artists as diverse as Thievery Corporation, Brian Culbertson ,
Jeff Majors and Kindred the Family Soul. A street in Washington DC was renamed “Chuck Brown Way.” In September 2010
Brown released an ambitious three disc set “We Got This” which includes the Grammy nominated song LOVE featuring Jill
Scott with Marcus Miller.
As part of the support for the new album some recent appearances include the Jimmy Fallon
Show with The Roots, the Mo’Nique show, NPR’s Tiny Desk Unit, and NPR’s World Café. The National Symphony Orchestra
paid tribute to Chuck Brown in September 2011 with 2 commissioned works of orchestral arrangements and a performance
on the West Lawn of the US Capitol. Attended by an estimated 50,000 people the NSO and Chuck performed together,
followed by his band in concert with guests Doug E Fresh and Sugar Bear. Chuck Brown passed away on May 16, 2012.
Chuck Brown Memorial Park opened on August 22, 2014. The Chuck Brown Band, who toured the world with the Godfather
carries the torch and keeps the beat and legacy alive. " Links:
Website,
Facebook and
Wikipedia.
Wayne Wilentz - Pianist and bandleader, originally from New York, moved to the DC area in 1989
and has played Brazilian Jazz in the nation's capitol since then. Before coming
to DC Wayne was a keyboardist and composer for the '80's funk band "SKYY", and
received a gold record commemorating their #1 Album "Skyy Line" on Salsoul
Records. During his career he has performed with such famous R&B acts as Carl
Gardner's Coasters, The Shirelles, The Marvellettes, and Jimmy Norman. Since
moving to the DC area, Wayne has recorded on a number of CD's, many of which he
co-produced. In 2004, Wayne released his first compilation of original material
entitled "Break of Dawn". It featured vocals by four of DC's finest jazz
singers, Pam Bricker, Patrick Desantos, Nicki Gonzalez and Steve Washington.
Over the years Wayne has done many sessions for ESL Music and Thievery
Corporation, and can be heard on remixes by them. The Wayne Wilentz Quartet released
Recordar E Viver (2008). Wayne performs regularly in the DC area. Check his calendar for coming performances.
Links:
Website,
Reverbnation,
SoundCloud,
Facebook,
YouTube, and
DC Bebop page.
Proverbs
Reggae Band
A rootz reggae band known for performing music
with "strong lyrical content and musical expressions to uplift Rasta livity."
The band specializes in performing socially conscious roots music and the band
"endeavors to promote Ancient Wisdom through the art of music, thereby spreading
the spiritual message of JAH RASTAFARI through word power and sound." When the
band performs, their "MUSICAL POETRY, ROOTZ RASTA STYLE", it compels the
audience to get up and dance. The band is diverse musically.
Collectively,
the band's members bring their own unique musical gifts to transform
Proverbs into an "eclectic, spiritually, and socially conscious reggae band with
a profound cultural base and deep rooted sound." Proverbs performs an extensive
range of genres, which include "SKA, ROOTZ REGGAE, GOSPEL, JAZZ, R&B, COMPAZ,
ZOOK, SOUL, and a splash of CALYPSO." Proverbs has shared stages with a host of
international artists over the years. They include Half Pint, Freddie McGregor,
Chuck Brown, Collie Bud, Wyclef and Luciano, to name a few. Proverbs
has performed in the D.C. area since 2000 and have won several Reggae awards.
Links:
Facebook,
Reverbnation,
YouTube, and
DC Bebop page.
The Lovejoy Group
is a versatile ensemble serving up energetic jazz, funky blues and smooth
Latin rhythms. Karen Lovejoy, vocalist and bandleader, fronts the group. She
migrated from the Midwest where she began singing contemporary ballads, rhythm
and blues, and top 40 songs, but when she discovered jazz, "she found a home".
The Lovejoygroup has won a number of awards including, the 2006 Jazz Jammie
Award. Each member of the group brings
a wealth of experience to the ensemble.
Jazz Historian Herb Smith with saxophone and woodwinds. Drummer, Lawrence
“Bubbles” Dean, brings fire to the group's musical body and texture with his
multi-genre style of play. "The Maestro", Jerry Allen, is pianist
and musical director for The LovejoyGroup. Guitarist, Tony Harrod moves
seamlessly from genre to genre, mastering nuances of sound without missing a
beat. Bassist Bill Branch contributes his solid bass lines with a hard-hitting,
foot stomping groove and traditional down home blues. Collectively, they
are the Lovejoygroup. Link to Lovejoy Group
Website,
Reverbnation,
Facebook and
Bandcamp.
JEFF ANTONIUK, THE JAZZ UPDATE & JAZZ BAND MASTERCLASS
Jeff was "Born in Edmonton, Canada, Antoniuk studied at the prestigious University of North Texas, where he earned
both a BM and a Masters Degree in Jazz Performance and Ethnomusicology. Living in Nigeria, Africa as a child, and
traveling the world as a musician. Jeff has developed and served as Artistic Director on over 50 different workshops
on specific jazz topics, and conducted over 2500 jazz masterclasses in the last 15 years. As a performer and composer,
heralded for his “considerable chops” (Jazz Times Magazine) and “a creative spark that never lets up,” (Rochester City
Paper). His recordings with Jeff Antoniuk & The Jazz Update and The MARS 4-tet have all received critical praise, with
appearances on the Jazz Top 40 charts. Jeff Antoniuk has played with or led bands with such luminaries as fellow
saxophonists Ralph Bowen and Walt Weiskopf, guitarists Tim Miller and Steve Rochiniski, drummers Sherrie Maricle and
Warren Wolf, bassists Jimmy Haslip and Marcus Miller, and trumpet players Tim Hagans and Ingrid Jensen. Links -
Website,
Wikipedia,
All About Jazz and
YouTube
Led by saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk, THE JAZZ UPDATE, with pianist Wade Beach,
drummer Tony Martucci and bassist Tom Baldwin, is one of the top professional jazz groups in the DC/MD/VA
area. The Jazz Update’s combined bio reads like a who’s-who of jazz and modern music, with performances
and recordings with the likes of Sonny Stitt, John Aebercrombie, Marcus Miller, Mose Allison, Eric Alexander
and many more. This is a seasoned band that knows how to get an audience engaged, enthralled, and on it’s feet.
Formed in 2004, this heavy hitting quartet is comprised of some of the top-call players in the mid-Atlantic. These seasoned
pros have played festivals and clubs across the US, with numerous shows at the top local venues - Blues Alley, the Kennedy
Center, Strathmore Hall, the Smithsonian, many local universities, and The White House.
Jazz Update Band
JAZZ BAND MASTERCLASS, Saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk, Bassist Leonardo Lucini and guitarist Steve Herberman. The jazz Band
Masterclass groups are for musicians who have studied privately or have some improvising experience. Each group
is assembled with the aptitude and experience of its members in mind, from beginner/intermediate up to semi-pro. A Core
Value: "Communication and Interaction is at the heart and soul of jazz and improvisation. The classes bring together like minds,
those who have something to give and share. We create a forum for adult musicians, and give them the tools to achieve
real musical communication. The instructors love facilitating interaction, in music and in life." The Jazz Band Masterclass is
regularly featured in local jazz venues in the DC area.
Links -
Jazz Band Masterclass,
All About Jazz,
Jazz Teacher Training and
Jeff Antoniuk's DC Bebop page
Sharon Thomas tenor and soprano saxophonist, bandleader. From Washington DC, Sharon is also a flautist and keyboardist. The piano was her
first instrument. From this start, she began playing drums, the flute, and ended with the sax. She began playing sax in high school and said "believe it or not I
wanted to hang out with the sax players after hearing Grover Washington and several funk songs that had horn sections". She started a career in computers as
a programmer and a web designer, but after being laid off several times due to riffs, realized that she had the sax to fall back on. She says "its a struggle,
but I love performing and touching others through my music and I have been doing it full time as a career for 4 years. Since starting her musical career, Sharon
has jammed with a number of well-known bands. More recently she has been performing locally with the band "Uncharted Waters", which features flautist
Arch Thompson. Her band, The Sharon Thomas Experience, has performed with Ginuwine, Ralph Tresvant, Dawn Robinson of EnVogue, Mr. Cheeks, Tony Terry, and
Teena Marie just to name a few. Sharon is committed to her musical journey and to sharing her musical talents with the world. Sharon can be seen and heard
performing at numerous venues in the DC area. Links:
Reverbnation,
Facebook,
YouTube and
DCBebop page.
The Shango Band
is a D.C. area reggae group that sings about real life and current world
issues. The Band has been performing since the late 1980's. In 2001 they
won the award for "Best Reggae Band" in the D.C. Annual Reggae Music Awards.
Englishman, the band's bass-player, lead singer, songwriter and producer, has
performed with reggae bands for more than 30 years. He has received many awards
for his music over the years, and he has been a Master Artist in the D.C. Folks
Arts Program for the Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Other award winning
artist in the band are Eric (Spiduki) McDermott (drummer/singer) and Jackson
(Professor) Briscoe, a graduate of Howard University and MIT. The Shango
Band performs in venues all over the world. Links -
Reverbnation,
Facebook,
Englishman Reggae and
BandMix
BANDS WEST -
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Lao Tizer, Keyboardist, Composer - Lao is a “Best New Jazz Artist” nominee; a Yamaha-endorsed pianist and
keyboardist. "TIZER" has performed at premier venues all over the United States
and events worldwide. Lao has performed along side artists like, "Isaac Hayes,
Boney James, Zappa Plays Zappa, Wayne Shorter, George Benson, The Commodores,
The Rippingtons, Bruce Hornsby, Jethro Tull, and Spyro Gyra", and the list goes
on. Lao's attraction to music was realized in his early childhood.
He was drawn to the piano his parents bought for his sister, when he heard heard
her playing. From age five to age nine, Lao "tinkered" with the piano
until his parents "gave in" and allowed him to begin formal training. Once
he bagan lessons, his natural talent for improvisation and composition
blossomed. Lao self-produced and released his first three solo keyboard
recordings while in high school. In 1997 he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue
his musical calling, where he met guitarist Chieli Minucci, who was a strong
influence and advisor. In 2001 Lao released his first CD titled "Golden Soul".
In 2006 he recorded his second CD, "Diversify". In 2008, Lao created "TIZER",
featuring "Chieli Minucci and international violin virtuoso Karen Briggs". In that same year,
he produced his third album "Passages". Since the release of "Passages", TIZER has performed
concerts on tour in Asian and African. In 2010, Lao released his fourth album "Tizer Live".
"Downbeat," released in 2012, the first studio album by TIZER, a collection of 12 brand-new
originals. Lao's latest project is titled "Songs from the Swinghouse Combo," released in
2018. TIZER can been seen and heard at concerts, festivals and in clubs all over the
world. Check his calendar for a venue near you. Link:
Facebook,
Reverbnation,
Website and
DC Bebop page.
Trio Linguae is a "Freewheeling, playful and engaging, trumpeter Kevin Woods, guitarist
John Stowell and pianist Miles Black weave their way through a collection of originals
by Woods & Black, and others from Jobim, Wayne Shorter, Bill Evans and Harold Arlen on
their debut recording. Though colleagues for many years in different configurations, the three found inspiration
in collaborating as Trio Linguae (Lin-gwee) through their collective sense of conversational,
contrapuntal improvising and reflexive listening - harkening the spirit of duo and trio
albums by Bill Evans, Jim Hall or Kenny Wheeler. Integral to Vancouver's creative music scene,
Miles Black has been a collaborator of the highest order since the '80s. John Stowell's unique
musical voice and relationship to the guitar has gained him untold followers throughout the
world since he began touring in the '70s, and Kevin Woods has found his place in Northwest
jazz circles as an articulate improvisor and catalyst for artistic endeavors." ~
- Links:
Trio Linguae Info,
Facebook - Kevin Woods,
Website - Kevin Woods,
Facebook John Stowell,
Website - John Stowell,
Facebook Miles Black,
Website - Miles Black,
YouTube Channel and
Trio Linguae - DC Bebop page.
Adrian Xavier Band, with Adrian Xavier on Lead Vocals, Guitar & Percussion. Born in
Seattle, he grew up surrounded by the music played by his father, a radio
DJ, in the 80's. Adrian's musical background gave rise to an environment which
allowed him to create songs that appeal to a broad cultural range of people.
Adrian has been a performing artist for more than 20 years and has shared the
stage with many well known musicians. While a member of the "Pure Water
Band", they opened for "The Wailers (of Bob Marley fame) and also for the famous
Jamaican ska and reggae musician Jimmy Cliff. Adrian formed the "Adrian
Xavier Band" in 2000, and has been performing in and around Seattle, various
cities in the state of Washington and touring the world. He has three CD's:
"R-Nature" (2004),
"Adrian Xavier Band Live" (2006) and
"Miracle" (2008). Links:
Reverbnation,
Facebook,
Website, and
DC Bebop Page.
Darryl Anders ~ AgapeSoul is a "Modern Soul band" based in the
San Francisco Bay Area." Led by bassist/producer Darryl Anders, the band
delivers a musical experience that is all about Love, Soul …and undeniably funky
grooves, destined to stand the test of time." Before becoming a
bandleader, Darryl earned his reputation by performing as a bass "sideman," and
over the years, has performed with Tower of Power, Narada Michael Walden,
Zigaboo Modeliste, Booker T. Jones, Joyce Cooling, Bonnie Hayes, Ledisi and many
others. AgapeSoul is Darryl Anders (bass/vocals), Indra Jones (vocals),
Zoe Ellis (vocals), Aaron Green (drums), Lynette Williams (keys), Cam Perridge
(guitar), Vince Lars (sax), and special guest Martin Luther (vocals).
2012, "Believe in Love," is AgapeSoul’s debut album, with seven original
songs and two covers. 2012, released album "Conversations". 2018, single "Kite.
2019, single "The Way That We Love." In 2020, released single "Bulletproof," featuring
Tommy Sims. In 2021, released single "Nobody But You," featuring Maysa Leak.
Darryl Anders ~ AgapeSoul, can be seen and heard performing in venues in and around
the San Francisco Bay area. Links:
Website,
Facebook,
Facebook Bandpage,
ReverbNation,
Jazz Network,
YouTube Channel and
DC Bebop
Ancient Future is a large musical family of world fusion music ensembles led
by scalloped fretboard guitarist Matthew Montfort. The group is dedicated to
music termed by Matthew Montfort as "world fusion music". To date, Ancient
Future is the world's first and longest running band dedicated to the creation
of world fusion music, which blends musical ideas from many different cultures.
The music is described as being "contemporary sounds of jazz and rock with the
irresistible rhythms of African, Balinese, Indian, Middle Eastern and South
American percussion, the rich harmonies of Europe, and the beautiful melodies of
Asia". Their music is "an exhilarating fusion of exciting rhythms and exotic soundsfrom around the globe".
It is worth noting that all of the members of Ancient Future
have studied with or performed professionally with "master musicians
of many world music traditions, from Balinese gamelan director Made
Gerindem to North Indian sarod master Ali Akbar Khan". Ancient Future is
credited with having created "a musical world without borders". Link:
Website,
Facebook,
Reverbnation and
DC Bebop page.
Mariah Parker’s Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble
"Parker and friends blend the rhythmic syncopations of Latin jazz music with the entrancing, asymmetrical meters of
East Indian rhythms resulting in first-class world music. Intriguing melodies that draw musical inspiration from the
tempos of Brazil, Cuba, India and Spain make for an uplifting serene yet passionate musical journey into an ideal
world." - LATIN BEAT MAGAZINE"
A gifted composer and a visionary band leader, Mariah has gathered together a remarkable ensemble including Paul
McCandless (Grammy award-winning woodwind virtuoso with the group Oregon), Matthew Montfort (pioneering guitarist
with Ancient Future), Ian Dogole (global percussion), Brian Rice (Latin percussion), and Kash Killion (bass, cello).
Mariah will be releasing a new recording January, 2017, “Indo Latin Jazz: Live in Concert," a recording project
taken from concerts at Yoshi’s, Freight & Salvage, the Throckmorton Theatre, and TRI Studios over a seven year period.
Of this upcoming release, Paul Liberatore of the Marin Independent Journal says “Like all the best jazz bands, this
group is as disciplined as it is innovative, stopping on a dime when the composition calls for it and soaring into
gorgeous landscapes of free association the next moment that are as pleasing as they are adventurous. This is
sophisticated stuff, an album of global fusion performed by a group with character, charisma and the confidence
that comes across when world-class musicians at the top of their games come together and create magic in the here
and now of a live performance." - Links:
Website,
ReverbnationFacebook and
Mariah Parker - DC Bebop page.
MILCK
"MILCK is a singer, songwriter, producer, and advocate who is known for cowriting and performing “Quiet," the
viral sensation that became known as the unofficial anthem of the Women’s March, Billboard’s No.1 Protest Song,
and a featured selection on NPR’s American Anthem Series. In 2020, her single with Atlantic Records, “If I Ruled
the World,” was named song of the week by Time Magazine. Her 2021 song “I Belong” was featured in the CBS special
“See Us”, a nationwide special to bring more tolerance and safety for the AAPI community. As MILCK plans for her
album release, she is also finding tremendous joy in writing and producing songs for other artists, like John
Legend and Phillipa Soo (Hamilton). The Planned Parenthood Champion of Choice Award Recipient has funneled her
advocacy work into the Somebody’s Beloved Fund, which she established with her team in 2020 to use her songs to
generate resources for ten grassroots beneficiaries that build power around racial justice and healing. MILCK has
pledged for every song on her upcoming 2022 album to benefit The Somebody’s Beloved Fund."
Website About.
Links:
Website,
Facebook,
MILCK (DC bebop) page.
Zoo Patrol
Drummer Joel Litwin, bassist Steve Jones, guitarist Brian Cunningham and trumpeter Kevin Woods are Zoo Patrol, "a 'chamber groove quartet,' plays an infectious amalgam of instrumental blues, jazz, funk, soul,
New Orleans and other styles, incorporating a menagerie of space, interplay and improvisation. Zoo Patrol deconstructs and
reconstructs, interacts and reacts, whispers and flourishes, with the beat as its guiding principle."
Kevin Woods - Trumpet, "emerging as one of the most melodic and emotive voices in improvised music in the Northwest.
His passion for both performance and education have made him in demand as a leader and a sideman as well as a composer, arranger and clinician."
Brian Cunningham - Guitar, "draws on a variety of influences ranging from jazz and folk to latin performed solo, and/or in a duo or group setting.
His original compositions prominently feature the acoustic steel string guitar throughout,as well as various electric guitars. "
Steve Jones - Bass, performs with Zoo Patrol, Bilongo Quintet, Arete Quartet and Sabrina y los Reyes, he is an all around musician who is
comfortable as bassist or percussionist over a wide range of musical genres, covering jazz, Latin, funk and world music.
Joel Litwin - Drums, Known for his creative and innovative style, Joel Litwin is a favorite drummer/percussionist among acoustic
artists and regional bands in and around Seattle WA and the West Coast..
Links:
Website,
Reverbnation,
Facebook, and
YouTube
BANDS INTL -
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Sal La Rocca - Bassist, composer .
Sal is originally from Seraing, Belgium, near Liège. He was first a Rock guitarist,
but switched to the bass as his instrument of choice after hearing (for the first time)
music by several jazz greats. After switching, he taught himself how to play by the age
of 23. Over time, he become one of the most "in demand" double bassists in Belgium and
in the European theater. Starting in the mid 80's, Sal has toured and performed with a
wide array of musicians on the European continent. The 90's saw him expanding his presence
with world tours. His list of celebrity musicians he performed with continued to grow,
adding well known names like Lee Konitz and Toots Thieleman to his musical resume. During
his career, Sal has recorded on numerous albums. In 2003, he released his first album
"Latinea". Around this time, Sal became the official bassist of singer Anne Ducros, playing,
recording and touring with her group for several years. In 2007, he became the bassist for
pop rock group Vaya Con Dios. Sal participated in both a European and world tour with the
group. In 2010, he was bassist for the Steve Grossman Quintet performing at the Dinant Jazz
Night Festival. In 2011, he joined the Gregory Houben Quintet. Sal met American singer
Denise King through French pianist Olivier Hutman. They formed a trio that performed in
what is referred to as the Benelux States (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) and
France. In 2013, Sal released his second album "It Could Be The End" (featuring a number
of original compositions) through Igloo Records. Sal can be experienced live with his,
and other groups at numerous world venues. Links:
Website,
Facebook,
Reverbnation,
SoundCloud,
YouTube and
DC Bebop.
Giovanni Zucchi is a composer, producer, arranger and sound technician - Giovanni, over the years, has developped a personal research of production techniques,
while working as a consultant in the production of professional studio outboards and music recording software. On this journey, he has had the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with
many artists, independent and international. “Gio’s Project” is the result of this research variety of musical backgrounds. His project encompasses 20 years of experience
into a musical style which represent his "human and musical values, along with those of the artists who have collaborated on the project. "This 'musical laboratory',
grown from the seed of this idea, has reached the international music scene" through the myriad artists who took part. Some of which are, Oskar Cartaya, Angie Brown, Marco
Brioschi, Bebo Ferra, Carlo Maria Micheli, Isgrò Carmelo, Martino Malacrida, Andrea Pollione, Lucy Campeti, Yves Ntola, Luca Trolli, Ambrogio Frigerio, Antonio Galbiati,
Ugo Bongianni, Isgrò Santi, Rino di Pace, Mikee Introna, Lela Cortesi and other great special guests. The "
Gio's Project" CD is his musical offering to the world.
Links:
Website,
Facebook,
Gio's Project FB,
Spotify,
YouTube and
DC Bebop page.
Reginald Cyntje, Trombonist - from the island of Dominica, began his musical career at age 12, at that
time he chose the trombone as his tool of expression with the goal of becoming a
great trombone player. To this end, he has studied at Interlochen where he was
exposed to the virtuoso trombonist Christian Lindberg. In 1993 Reginald began
studying jazz trombone at Berklee College of Music. During his time at Berklee
Reginald performed with well-known international artists. Since that time, he
has performed and/or recorded with world renowned musicians/ poets to include
Nasar Abadey, Wayne Andre, Amiri Baraka, Ron Blake, Michael Bowie, Herman
Burney, Marc Cary, Benito Gonzalez, Amin Gumbs, Michael Hawkins, Buck Hill, Ron
Jackson and Illinois Jacquet to name just a few. Cyntje is currently leading The
Reginald Cyntje Group and working as a sideman in other jazz, Latin, and Calypso
groups. Link to:
Website,
Facebook,
Reverbnation and
DC Bebop page.
"Meet Ginetta Vendetta: this "Triple threat Female powerhouse" plays pocket trumpet, sings & composes while leading her
acclaimed Jazz combo Ginetta's Vendetta (c.) around the world . From Moscow to Jakarta, Paris to Beirut, Jamaica to
California, Canada to Mexico & all points in between she continues her musical ministry as a Jazz Ambassador, calling
Jazz "America's Greatest Export" ! Just releasing her Brand new CD: "Fun Size" On the Summer Solstice, 2024, Ginetta is
ready to take on the world... Radio promotions starting Fall, 2024.....Her 2022 Ambassador tour through the central Asian
county of Uzbekistan was a massive success! Ginetta's Vendetta was headling the opening night of The International Jazz
Day celebration at The 6th annual International Jazz Festival of Uzbekistan, touring the country, giving workshops at various
conservatories, visiting disabled youth centers, doing radio & TV spots and generally enjoying her overseas "Stardom"! As
she entertains & teaches audiences around the globe about Jazz, she is garnering new fans & inspiring young musicians from the far east to Miami!"
"Ginetta is an alumnus of North Texas State University where she studied and played most styles of music ranging
from classical, jazz, blues and pop to Cumbia, Salsa, Merengue and Funk. She has studied music and been taught to play
by trumpet masters Marky Markowitz, Spanky Davis, Ted Curson, Howard McGhee and Allan Colin, to name a few... Ginetta is an
alumna of the famed music school North Texas State University, and has decades of experiance on the road & in the studio. Her recordings as a "sideman"
exceed count & her distinctive sound can be heard covering a variety of styles from Compa, Salsa, R & B & Jazz
to Pop, horn sectionals, Singer-songwriter, Indie artist & more!" Links:
Website,
Reverbnation,
Facebook,
YouTube and
DC Bebop page.
Xandra Corpora Band
Xandra was born and raised in California, grewing up in the Owens Valley. Xandra's memory of music involve riding with her father
"into town with "BB King's Greatest Hits" playing on the tape deck. Or Ella Fitzgerald. Or John Lee Hooker. Or Mozart."
Her mother "fancied Simon & Garfunkel and Madonna." Her early music experiences influenced the development of her
musical tastes, which she says are "all over the map in terms of love and influence." A late bloomer,
she began playing guitar around "21 or so," singing and touring with a few bands. Then she stopped and reassesed what she wanted to do
and seeking change and the adventure of a different existence, Xandra moved to Japan. Based in Nagoya-shi, Aichi, Japan, the band
members are Xandra Corpora - vocals & guitar, Lesley Bartlett - bass, and Adam Demby - drums. The Xandra Corpora Band "has beome one
of Nagoya's most loved acts. Songwriter and guitarist Xandra corpora, having established herself firmly in the music scene of San
Francisco, moved to Japan to 'experience life outide of America.' It was here that she found herself back into music..." excerpt
from NAGMAG (2016). In June of 2016, XCB won the Hard Rock Cafe's "Hard Rock Rising" competition in Osaka. The bands latest CD,
Soul Fires (2016)
is available on iTunes. Links:
Website,
Reverbnation,
Facebook,
Calendar and
DC Bebop page.
delhi2dublin
Tarun Nayar: tabla, electronics, backing vox; Sara Fitzpatrick: fiddle, vox;
Sanjay Seran: lead vox, dhol; Ravi Binning: dhol, tabla; Andrew Kim: sitar, guitar
are delhi2dublin. They performed for the first time at a concert at the Vancouver
Celtic Festival in 2006. They opened the Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in
Ottawa on July 1, 2007. Since 2008
delhi 2 dublin has kept a busy schedule, touring large
cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and also very-small communities that host music
festivals, such as Lumby BC, Nakusp BC, Salmo BC, and Quincy CA. In August of 2009 they began
touring venues around the world. The group has released eleven
albums, their first, self-titled, in 2007, In 2008 they released their second album, Delhi 2 Dublin Remixed, which consisted of
remixes of songs from their first delhi 2 dublin album. In 2010, they released "Planet
Electric," "Planet Electrified" in 2011 and most recently, "Turn Up
The Stereo" 2012. "Their music video "Apples" was also screened at Deejay
Ra's music video night in Toronto at the FILMI festival, North America's longest running
South Asian film festival." Look for Delhi 2 Dublin performing at a venue near you.
Links:
,
Website,
Reverbnation,
YouTube Channel and
DC Bebop page.
Out
of Abingdon"Warwick Hargreaves - Guitar / Vocals.. &.. Tina
Fullerton - Double Bass / Vocals.... are a Duo with a passion for Jazz, Blues,
beautiful Ballads and all things that Groove! Their captivating style includes
interpreting & blending old favourites with new & original material, the
resulting sound is refreshing, their musical rapport, passion & feel is
infectious. Out of Abingdon independently released their long awaited debut CD
'Journeys' in July 2011 after building a solid following playing hundreds of
live shows over 3 years. A tour to the UK followed, performances in London and
the Edinburgh Fringe Festival were highly acclaimed and invitations to return
were extended by all venues and audiences for whom they played. 'Journeys' has
been receiving great reviews and radio airplay Australia wide through community
radio stations and worldwide through an increasingly international audience. Out
of Abingdon's reputation continues to grow as a captivating live music
experience and unique voice in Australian music." In 2014, Warwick and Tina
released their latest album, "Small Steps" on iTunes. Out of Abingdon can be heard
performing regularly in and around Brisbane at clubs, restaurants, cafes, public
events, festivals, private and corporate functions. "Be sure to catch on to the
bewitching sound, when Out of Abingdon drift your way. Links:
Reverbnation,
Website,
YouTube,
Facebook and
DC Bebop page.
São Paulo Ska Jazz Founded by musician and composer
Marcelo Calderazzo. The band is Marcelo Calderazzo (acoustic and
electric bass), Renato Guizelini (guitar, mandolin and guitar), Ramon
Montagner (drums), Sidney Ferraz (piano and keyboards), Manu Falleiros
(baritone sax, tenor and high), Marcelo Pereira (baritone sax, tenor and
flute), Gabriel Stampfli (trumpet) and André "Porão" Gomes (trombone).
"South America's ska scene started developing in the mid-1980s.
South American ska bands typically play traditional ska rhythms blended with
strong influences from Latin music and rock en Español.
São Paulo Ska Jazz ebmraced the musical style to entertain the people and to pay
respect to Jamaican rhythm. To these rhythms, the band adds the
sophistication of jazz to create their own unique sound. Links:
Reverbnation,
Wikipedia,
YouTube,
Facebook and
DC Bebop page.