What makes Jazz Port Townsend one of the country's best weeks of jazz?
The artists.
Artistic Director John Clayton has personally selected each artist because of what they have to share with you.
Whether you are a workshop attendee or a passionate audience member, we are sure you will be amazed by what you see and hear at Fort Worden.
2011 Jazz Port Townsend Artists
By instrument
Bill Holman arranging
John Clayton bass
Chuck Deardorf bass
Christoph Luty bass
Doug Miller bass
Joe Sanders bass
Tom Wakeling bass
Paquito D’Rivera clarinet/sax
Clarence Acox drums
Alvester Garnett drums
Jeff Hamilton drums
Gary Hobbs drums
Kelby MacNayr drums
Byron Vannoy drums
Matt Wilson drums
Dan Balmer guitar
Bruce Forman guitar
Stefon Harris mallets
George Cables piano
Gerald Clayton piano
Dawn Clement piano
Benny Green piano
Randy Halberstadt piano
John Hansen piano
Tamir Hendelman piano
Jeff Clayton sax (alto)
Gary Smulyan sax (bari)
Joel Frahm sax (tenor)
Jiggs Whigham trombone
Terell Stafford trumpet
Jay Thomas trumpet
Dee Daniels voice
Charenee Wade, voice
Sunny Wilkinson, voice
JOHN CLAYTON – BASS, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Four–time Grammy nominated bassist/composer/conductor John Clayton has written and arranged music for Diana Krall, DeeDee Bridgewater, Natalie Cole, Milt Jackson, Nancy Wilson, Quincy Jones, George Benson, Dr. John, Regina Carter and many others. John’s serious study of the double bass began at age 16 when he studied with famed bassist, Ray Brown. At age 19, John was the bassist for Henry Mancini's television series "The Mancini Generation." In 1975 he completed his studies at Indiana University, graduating with a bachelor of music in double bass. Touring with Monty Alexander and the Count Basie Orchestra followed. John has been commissioned by many ensembles including the Northwest Chamber Orchestra, the American Jazz Philharmonic, The Iceland Symphony, The Metropole Orchestra, The Carnegie Hall Big Band, The Richmond Symphony, the WDR Orchestra, and the Amsterdam Philharmonic. John was awarded a platinum record for his stirring arrangement of "The Star-Spangled Banner," performed by Whitney Houston during the Super Bowl in 1990. He has won numerous awards such as the Golden Feather Award, and the Los Angeles Jazz Society's Composer/Arranger award. Most recently, John won a Grammy for his arrangements on Queen Latifah's latest record, Trav'lin' Light. John has served as the musical director of several jazz festivals including the Sarasota Jazz Festival and the Santa Fe Jazz Party. An accomplished educator and bandleader, John is the co-founder of the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.
CLARENCE ACOX - DRUMS
Clarence Acox Jr., an instrumental figure in the Seattle music scene, has nurtured young musicians for the past 35 years as director of jazz bands at Garfield High School. He leads the renowned Garfield Jazz Ensemble, winning dozens of awards and making regular appearances at national and international venues. A native of New Orleans, La., Acox came to Seattle in 1971 straight out of Southern University, where he was recruited by Garfield High School to revive its moribund music program. Garfield's Jazz Ensemble has twice taken first place (in 2003 and 2004) at New York's Essentially Ellington National Jazz Band Competition and Festival at New York City's Lincoln Center - the country's most prestigious high school jazz competition. Under Acox's direction, the jazz ensemble has swept every major competition on the West Coast. Acox, who also directs Seattle University's Jazz Ensemble, was named "Educator of the Year" by DownBeat Magazine in 2001. In 2004, the Seattle Music Educators Association awarded him its "Outstanding Music Educator" award. An accomplished and in-demand drummer, Acox co-founded the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra in 1995 and performed with the Floyd Standifer Quartet (now Legends Quartet) at the New Orleans Creole Restaurant for more than two decades. In August, 2007, Clarence Acox was awarded the Mayor's Arts Award by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels.
DAN BALMER - GUITAR
Dan Balmer has long been considered one of the finest guitarists, composers, and educators in the Northwest. In 2009 Dan became one of only five Oregonians to be honored with membership in both The Oregon Music Hall of Fame and the Jazz Society of Oregon Hall of Fame. He is the youngest person to be included in both Halls, and is hailed by the Los Angeles Times as, “the model of what a
contemporary guitarist should be.” From 2005-2009 Dan toured and recorded with two time Grammy Winner Diane Schuur, playing in over 15 countries and 60 cities. When not on the road with Ms. Schuur he leads his own groups and continues his long standing gigs with drummer Mel Brown, David Friesen, and others. Dan has appeared on over 80 CDs, including eight of his own which have received critical acclaim and international airplay. Dan’s music has been featured in movies and television shows both in the U.S. and overseas. His most recent CD, “Thanksgiving”, features New York heavyweights Gary Versace and Matt Wilson in a free spirited romp through several of Dan’s compositions. Marty Hughley, music critic for The Oregonian wrote, “Dan Balmer, the veteran Northwest guitar star, teams with two of New York’s finest to re-imagine the organ trio. The tunes are bright and inviting as much so for the improvisers as for listeners and the playing highlights the emotional warmth of Balmer’s approach with marvelous technique and vibrant imagination.”
GEORGE CABLES - PIANO
When George Cables was going to school in New York City he used to walk the streets at night, taking in the cosmopolitan sights and sounds, mentally recording his encounters with "so many different kinds of people." In his musical career as well, Cables has prowled sidestreets and main thoroughfares in relative anonymity, absorbing countless influences into his personal style. The young Cables was impressed by such keyboardists as Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. But, he points out, "I never really listened to pianists when I was coming up. I would probably say I've been more influenced by Miles or Trane and their whole bands rather than by any single pianist. The concept of the music is more important than listening to somebody's chops, somebody's technique, the Way Miles' band held together, it was just like magic. You were transported to another world." A 1969 tour with tenor titan Sonny Rollins took Cables to the West Coast. By 1971 he became a significant figure in the jazz scenes of Los Angeles, where he first resided, and San Francisco, where he also lived. Collaborations and recordings with tenor saxophonists Joe Henderson and Sonny Rollins, trumpeters Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw, and vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson made Cables' wide-ranging keyboard skills, often on electric piano, amply evident. Demand for his sensitive accompaniment increased and by the end of the 1970s, Cables was garnering a reputation as everyone's favorite sideman. He has performed and recorded with some of the greatest musicians of our time, including Joe Henderson, Roy Haynes, Max Roach, Art Blakey, Sonny Rollins, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Sarah Vaughn, Tony Williams, Bobby Hutcherson and Dizzy Gillespie.
GERALD CLAYTON - PIANO
Gerald’s dynamic and award-winning sound has been praised in print by the Jazz Times and Los Angeles Times. The New York Times has saluted his “Oscar-Peterson like style” and “huge, authoritative presence” and DownBeat Magazine’s 2008 Readers’ Poll named him one of the top up-and-coming pianists to watch. As a composer, his work has been commissioned by the Jazz Gallery in New York City and performed overseas by the BBC Orchestra. He has been honored with a Level 1 award by the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts (NFAA), the title “Presidential Scholar in the Arts,” and second place in the Thelonious Monk Institute Jazz Piano Competition. Dodging early pressures to emerge as a prodigy, Gerald instead honed his talents and his resolve to ensure that this next generation is never lacking for intricate, swinging pieces and performances that are steeped in tradition while always facing the future. Born in the Netherlands in 1984, Gerald grew up mainly in Los Angeles with a musical family that includes his father, bassist/composer John Clayton, and uncle, saxophonist Jeff Clayton. Gerald has had the honor of performing nationally and internationally with some of the most established names in Jazz such as Lewis Nash, Al Foster, Terrell Stafford and Clark Terry. Duo piano concerts with Gerald have featured artists as celebrated and diverse as Hank Jones, Benny Green, Kenny Barron, Mulgrew Miller and Tamir Hendelman. Gerald also relishes playing with Jazz’s next generation of innovators: Ambrose Akinmusire, Dayna Stephens, Kendrick Scott and many others. From 2006-2008, Gerald toured extensively with Roy Hargrove in his quintet, big band, and funk group and he is currently a member of the Clayton Brothers Quintet. He can be heard on the Clayton Brothers’, “Brother to Brother,” as well as Hargrove’s 2008 “Earfood,” and Diana Krall’s “From This Moment On.” But it is Gerald’s own trio, based in New York City, which provides him the most direct opportunity to explore and expand his own thoughts in music. Following upon their touring in Europe and the U.S., where they were praised for balancing a “deconstructivist aesthetic” with “a stronghold on the swing factor,” Gerald and his trio are set to release their debut album, “Two Shade,” early this year on the ArtistShare label.
JEFF CLAYTON - ALTO
Jeff Clayton studied oboe at California State University and undertook a tour with Stevie Wonder. Following this he recorded with Gladys Knight, Kenny Rogers, Michael Jackson, Patti Labelle, and Madonna. With his brother John Clayton he founded The Clayton Brothers in 1977, and later formed the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra with Jeff Hamilton. He has worked with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, and Lena Horne, and played in the Count Basie Orchestra while under the leadership of Thad Jones. From 1989 to 1991 he was a member of the Phillip Morris Superband. He also toured with Gene Harris, Dianne Reeves, Joe Cocker, B.B. King and Ray Charles. In December 2009, “Brother To Brother” by The Clayton Brothers received a Grammy nomination in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group category.
DAWN CLEMENT - PIANO
Pianist/Composer Dawn Clement hails from Seattle, WA where she has served on faculty at Cornish College of the Arts since 2000. She is involved in several collaborations including: the Jane Ira Bloom Quartet, "Priester's Cue" with the legendary Julian Priester, the Seattle Pianist Collective, as well as her own trio. Dawn has performed with such notables as Nancy King, Ingrid Jensen, Hadley Caliman, John Clayton, Mercer Ellington, Mark Dresser, Jay Clayton and Pharaoh Sanders. She currently has three CDs out under her own name, and is promoting her latest album entitled "Break” on Conduit Records.
DEE DANIELS - VOICE
Whether accompanying herself at the piano, fronting a trio, big band or symphony, Dee Daniels' musical career is as varied as her four-octave vocal range is thrilling. She is a unique talent who transcends musical borders when she brings her jazz styling, infused with gospel and blues flavoring, to the stage. Though Dee has a B.A. Degree in Art Education and taught high school art for a year in Seattle, she quickly realized that her true calling was music. Her vocal style was born in her stepfather's church choir in Oakland, California, refined through the R&B era, polished during a five-year stay in The Netherlands and Belgium from 1982 to 1987, and brought to full fruition upon her return to North America. During those years to the present, she has performed and recorded with many 'Legends of Jazz' including Toots Thielemans, Houston Person, Clark Terry, Lionel Hampton, Ed Thigpen, Monty Alexander, John Clayton, and Jeff Hamilton, Hank Jones, Bill Charlap, and Russell Malone – to mention a few. Dee's international career includes performances in twelve African countries, Australia, South America, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Japan, throughout North America, and many countries within Europe. Career highlights include the 2009 receipt of an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Fine and Applied Arts and 2008 President's Award from Capilano University; 2003 recipient of the prestigious Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and induction into the University of Montana's School of Fine Arts Hall of Honor, as well as a 1997 University of Montana Distinguished Alumni Award; a 2002 inductee into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame with a plaque installed on Vancouver's Granville Street Walk of Fame; and a command performance for the King and Queen of Belgium's 25th Wedding Anniversary. Sharing the stage while singing the blues with the late Sarah Vaughan, and singing gospel and blues with the late Joe Williams remains at the top of her list! A respected vocal clinician, adjudicator, and mentor, Dee presents clinics, workshops, and master classes around the world. In 2001, she established the Dee Daniels Jazz Vocal Scholarship at the Capilano College in North Vancouver, BC. She served on the advisory board of the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival from 2002 to 2008, and has received several awards for her contribution in the field of music performance, music education, and community service.
CHUCK DEARDORF - BASS
Chuck Deardorf has recorded and toured internationally with such jazz greats as saxophonists Bud Shank and Don Lanphere, pianists George Cables and Kenny Barron, drummer Winard Harper, and guitarist Larry Coryell. As the first call bassist in Seattle for the many years, Chuck has performed with a long list of legendary artists including Chet Baker, Zoot Sims, Art Farmer, Howard Roberts, Monty Alexander, Kenny Burrell, Marian McPartland, Mel Lewis, Pete Christlieb, Joe Williams, Kenny Werner, Carl Fontana, Joe LaBarbara, and Tal Farlow. Chuck currently performs with the exciting Brazilian Jazz group the Jovino Santos-Neto Quarteto, and the Bill Ramsay Big Band, among others. A full Professor at Cornish College of the Arts, Chuck has been the Director of Jazz Studies for many years. He is also writer and host of the Warner Publishing bass instructional video, "Bass Tips; Jazz, Funk and Fusion."
PAQUITO D'RIVERA - CLARINET/SAX
Paquito D'Rivera defies categorization. The winner of nine Grammy Awards, he is celebrated both for his artistry in Latin jazz and his achievements as a classical composer. Born in Havana, Cuba, he performed at age 10 with the National Theater Orchestra, studied at the Havana Conservatory of Music and, at 17, became a featured soloist with the Cuban National Symphony. As a founding member of the Orquesta Cubana de Musica Moderna, he directed that group for two years, while at the same time playing both the clarinet and saxophone with the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra. He eventually went on to premier several works by notable Cuban composers with the same orchestra. Additionally, he was a founding member and co-director of the innovative musical ensemble Irakere. With its explosive mixture of jazz, rock, classical and traditional Cuban music never before heard, Irakere toured extensively throughout America and Europe, won several Grammy nominations (1979, 1980) and a Grammy (1979). His numerous recordings include more than 30 solo albums. In 1988, he was a founding member of the United Nation Orchestra, a 15-piece ensemble organized by Dizzy Gillespie to showcase the fusion of Latin and Caribbean influences with jazz. D’Rivera continues to appear as guest conductor of that group which features such artists as James Moody, Slide Hampton, Airto Moreira, Flora Purim, Jon Faddis, Steve Turre, and others. A GRAMMY was awarded the United Nation Orchestra in 1991, the same year D’Rivera received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Carnegie Hall for his contributions to Latin music. Additionally, D’Rivera’s highly acclaimed ensembles- the Chamber Jazz Ensemble, the Paquito D'Rivera Big Band, and the Paquito D’Rivera Quintet are in great demand worldwide. He is the recipient of the NEA Jazz Masters Award 2005 and the National Medal of the Arts 2005, as well as the Living Jazz Legend Award from the Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. in 2007. His numerous other honors include two Doctorates Honoris Causa in Music (from the Berklee School of Music in Boston and the University of Pennsylvania), and the Jazz Journalist Association’s Clarinetist of the Year Award in both 2004 and 2006. In 2008, Mr. D’Rivera received the International Association for Jazz Education President’s Award and the Frankfurter Musikpreis, the Medal of Honor from the National Arts Club in 2009. In 2010, he was named a Nelson A Rockefeller Honoree and given the African-American Classical Music Award from Spelman College. Mr. D’Rivera is the first artist to win Latin Grammy’s in both Classical and Latin Jazz categories-- for Stravinsky’s Historia del Soldado (L'Histoire du Soldat) and Brazilian Dreams with New York Voices. The National Endowment for the Arts website affirms "he has become the consummate multinational ambassador, creating and promoting a cross-culture of music that moves effortlessly among jazz, Latin, and Mozart.”
BRUCE FORMAN - GUITAR
Bruce Forman's guitar style has been an important part of the international jazz scene for more than three decades. He has been featured as leader as well as sideman at many of the most prestigious festivals and concert venues throughout the world. His numerous recording and performing credits include the likes of Bobby Hutcherson, Ray Brown, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, Barney Kessel, Roger Kellaway, Richie Cole, and countless others. Known for swinging bop-style phrasing and inventive harmonization, his ability to work in a variety of settings keeps him in constant demand. His guitar work is featured throughout Clint Eastwood's Academy Award winning film, Million Dollar Baby. In April 2003, his first published fiction novel, Trust Me, was released by Lost Coast Press. He has thirteen recordings as leader, the most recent being a self-produced issue entitled Dedication, Bootleg Vol. I (re-released by BluJazz Records, September 2003) a selection of compositions and arrangements that reveal his personal acknowledgement of many of the musicians and experiences that shaped his music. Among his numerous recordings as sideman, Bruce was prominently featured on Ray Brown's, “Some of my Best Friends are Guitarists,” released in 2002.
JOEL FRAHM – TENOR SAX
If you’ve spent time in the New York jazz scene during the last two decades, you have undoubtedly heard about the exceptional saxophonist Joel Frahm. His past recordings have been universally acclaimed and his live performances breathtaking. And now on his new CD, “We Used to Dance,” he has come into his own as one of the most important saxophonists of his generation. Surrounded by Stan Getz’s legendary rhythm section - Kenny Barron, Rufus Reid and Victor Lewis - Frahm makes this recording a true “coming out party” for his maturing artistry. It is his most ambitious work to date, featuring six of his original compositions that come to life in beautiful and variegated ways in the hands of this remarkable band. “It was an honor and a watershed experience for to make this record with these incredible musicians” he says. Joel Frahm has reached a new level instrumentally and emotionally on We Used to Dance. It will be obvious to anyone who listens, why he has been “one of the New York City jazz scene’s best kept secrets” for many years.
ALVESTER GARNETT - DRUMS
Joy and spirited musical communication are what characterize the artistry of Alvester Garnett's drumming. Singers such as the living legend Abbey Lincoln, and instrumentalists Wynton Marsalis, James Carter, Regina Carter, and Cyrus Chestnut have all called on Alvester for the energy and fire that he brings to the bandstand.
BENNY GREEN - PIANO
Born in New York in 1963, Benny Green grew up in Berkeley, California, and began classical piano studies at the age of seven. Influenced by his father, a tenor saxophonist, his attention soon turned into Jazz. Benny played in school bands before hooking up with Jazz singer Fay Carroll. As a teenager he worked with Eddie Henderson, and got some big band experience with a 12-piece group led by Chuck Israels. After his graduation, Benny freelanced around the bay area for a year, and then moved to New York in the spring of 1982. Back in the Big Apple, he met veteran pianist Walter Bishop Jr., and after a short stint with Bobby Watson, Green worked with Betty Carter between 1983 and 1987, the year he joined Art Blakey's band. He remained a Jazz Messenger through late 1989, at which point he began working with Freddie Hubbard's quintet. In 1993 Oscar Peterson chose Benny as the first recipient of the City of Toronto's Glen Gould International Protégé Prize in Music. That year, Green replaced Gene Harris in Ray Brown's Trio, working with the veteran bass player until 1997. From 1997 on, Benny resumed his freelance career, led his own trios, and concentrated on his solo piano performances. His recording career, which includes over one hundred sessions, is very impressive: amongst many others, he has recorded as a sideman with Betty Carter (including Grammy award winner Look What I Got), Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Watson, Milt Jackson, Diana Krall, and he is particularly featured in Ray Brown's trio series of CD's for Telarc: Bass Face (1993), Don't get Sassy (1994), Some of My Best Friends … (1994), Seven Steps to Heaven (1995), Super Bass (1996) and Live at Sculler's (1996). As a leader of his own groups, Benny's recording career began with two albums for the Dutch label Criss Cross: Prelude (1988) and In This Direction (1989). In 1990 Green started recording for Blue Note: Lineage (1990), Greens (1991), Testifiyin' (1992), That's Right! (1993), The Place To Be (1994), Kaleidoscope (1997) and These Are Soulful Days (1999). He has also recorded for Toshiba- Funky (1997) -and for Telarc with Oscar Peterson- Oscar & Benny (1997). In 2000, his debut recording on Telarc Jazz entitled, “Naturally” was released, which featured bassist Christian McBride and guitarist Russell Malone.
RANDY HALBERSTADT - PIANO
Randy Halberstadt has been a major figure on the Pacific Northwest jazz scene for many years. A multi-dimensional pianist, he is equally at home playing be-bop, Latin, down-home blues, straight-ahead swing, free and eclectic jazz. In addition to leading his own trio and producing his own recordings (Inner Voice, Clockwork, and Parallel Tracks), he has performed with Herb Ellis, Buddy de Franco, Nick Brignola, Terry Gibbs, Slide Hampton, Pete Christlieb, Bobby Shew, Joe LaBarbera, Lanny Morgan, John Stowell, David Friesen, Kim Richmond, Don Lanphere, Jiggs Whigham, Roswell Rudd, Jack Walrath, Gary Smulyan, Julian Priester, Mel Brown, and many others. Recently, Randy recorded with Bay area guitarist Mimi Fox and the world renowned Ray Drummond on bass. In the Seattle area, Randy works regularly with drummer Clarence Acox, saxophonist Hadley Caliman, vibraphonist Susan Pascal, and cornetist Jon Pugh, and his own trio.
JEFF HAMILTON - DRUMS
Originality is what versatile drummer Jeff Hamilton brings to the groups he performs with and is one of the reasons why he is constantly in demand, whether he is recording or performing with his trio, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, the Clayton Brothers or co-leading the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Jeff's recording, It's Hamilton Time (Lake Street Records), received enormous airplay while reaching #5 on the Gavin national jazz radio chart. His trio's second release, Jeff Hamilton Trio-LIVE! (MONS) was nominated by critics for best jazz recording in Germany in 1997. The trio's second MONS release is entitled, Hands On . Hamilton House-Live at Steamers (MONS) is the trio's 2000 release. As well as recording and performing throughout the world, Jeff also teaches, arranges and composes. Jeff has received rave reviews for his dynamic drumming. David Badham of Jazz Journal International stated in his review of the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra's release, Heart and Soul (Capri): "This is one of the finest modern big band issues I've heard...This is undoubtedly due to Jeff Hamilton, a most driving and technically accomplished drummer." Born in Richmond, Indiana, Jeff grew up listening to his parent's big band records and at the age of eight began playing drums along with Oscar Peterson records. He attended Indiana University and later studied with John Avon Ohlen. Jeff was influenced by Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Mel Lewis, "Philly" Joe Jones and Shelly Manne. In 1974, he got his first big break playing with the New Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. He then joined Lionel Hampton's Band until 1975 when he, along with bassist John Clayton, became members of the Monty Alexander Trio. He attained a childhood goal in 1977 when he joined Woody Herman and the Thundering Herd, with whom he made several recordings. In 1978, he was offered the position vacated by Shelly Manne in the L.A.4 with Ray Brown, Bud Shank and Laurindo Almeida. He recorded six records with the L.A.4, some of which featured his own arrangements and compositions. From 1983 to 1987, Jeff performed with Ella Fitzgerald, the Count Basie Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney and Monty Alexander. Jeff began his association with the Ray Brown Trio in 1988 and left in March 1995 to concentrate on his own trio. From 1999-2001, the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra was named the in-residence ensemble for the Hollywood Bowl Jazz series. In addition to his many recordings with Ray Brown, Jeff has been on nearly 200 recordings with artists such as Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Milt Jackson, Rosemary Clooney, Barbara Streisand, Mel Torme, John Pizzarelli, Benny Carter, Lalo Schifrin, George Shearing, Dr. John, Clark Terry, Gene Harris, Toshiko Akioshi, Scott Hamilton, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Keely Smith, Bill Holman, Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel and Mark Murphy. Jeff is a frequent guest of the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany. He also appeared in Natalie Cole's Great Performances PBS special, Unforgettable and an Oscar Peterson documentary, Life In The Key Of Oscar.
STEFON HARRIS - MALLETS
Vibraphonist-composer Stefon Harris is heralded as “one of the most important young artists in jazz (The Los Angeles Times).” He is unquestionably developing what will be a long and extraordinary career. Stefon Harris’ passionate artistry, energetic stage presence, and astonishing virtuosity have propelled him into the forefront of the current jazz scene. Widely recognized and lauded by both his peers and jazz critics alike, Harris is committed to both exploring the rich potential of jazz composition and blazing new trails on the vibraphone. A graduate of Manhattan School of Music, Stefon received a B.M. in Classical Music and a M.M. in Jazz Performance. He is a recipient of the prestigious Martin E. Segal Award from Lincoln Center and has earned three consecutive Grammy nominations including Best Jazz Album for The Grand Unification Theory (2003) and the 2001 release of Kindred (Blue Note) and his 1999 release of Black Action Figure (Blue Note) for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo. North Sea Jazz (Netherlands) named Harris for the prestigious International 2002 Bird Award for Artist Deserving Wider Recognition. He has been voted Best Mallet player by 2004 Jazz Times Critics Poll, and by the Jazz Journalist Association (2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 & 2000), Debut Artist of the Year by Jazz Times, Chicago Tribune’s Debut of the Year and Downbeat’s Critics Poll Winner for Vibraphone and Rising Star, Vibraphone (2006, 2004, 2003) Newsweek’s Best Jazz CD, Best New Talent and 1999-2000 Readers Poll Best Vibraphonist by Jazziz Magazine. Mr. Harris has performed at many of the world’s most distinguished concert halls, including the Carnegie Hall debut of African Tarantella... Dances with Duke (2006 Blue Note), Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, The Kennedy Center, San Francisco’s Herbst Theater, UCLA’s Royce Hall, Chicago’s Symphony Center, Detroit’s Orchestra Hall, and The Sydney Opera House. In June 2007, his quartet performed a retrospective of his original compositions with the Jazz Sinfonica Orquestra in Sao Paulo, Brasil. He has toured and recorded with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and performed his original compositions with the Dutch Metropole Orchestra in Den Hague. In addition to leading his own band, Mr. Harris has recorded as part of The Classical Jazz Quartet, a series of jazz interpreted classics with Kenny Barron, Ron Carter, and Lewis Nash. He has also recorded and toured with many of music’s greatest artists, including Joe Henderson, Wynton Marsalis, David Sanborn, Cassandra Wilson, Buster Williams, Kenny Barron, Charlie Hunter, Kurt Elling, Cyrus Chestnut, Steve Coleman, and Steve Turre among many others.
TAMIR HENDELMAN - PIANO
The award-winning jazz pianist has performed with Teddy Edwards, Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, Harry Allen, Tierney Sutton, Phil Upchurch, Jeff Clayton, Rickey Woodard, Sandra Booker, Barbara Morrison and the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. He has recorded with Oscar Brashear, Bob Sheppard and Jeff Clayton. He can also be heard on Brasil Brazil's self-titled 1999 release as well as vibraphonist's Eldad Tarmu's CD, “Aluminum Forest.” Tamir began his keyboard studies at age 6, attending the Anazagi Conservatory in Tel Aviv, Israel. During this period, a Count Basie recording introduced him to jazz. In 1984, his family moved to Los Angeles. Two years later, at age 14, Tamir won top honors at Yamaha's national keyboard competition. As a result, performances in Japan and at the Kennedy Center followed. In 1988, Tamir studied composition at the Tanglewood Institute where he received his first writing commission for large ensemble. Eastman School of Music was the next stop for Tamir in 1989. This experience afforded him learning opportunities with visiting alumnus Ron Carter and jazz great Lee Konitz. There, he received a Bachelor of Music degree in composition in 1993. Since returning to Los Angeles in 1996, Tamir has been in demand as both pianist and arranger. His accomplishments include receiving awards from ASCAP and the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, musical director for Lovewell Institute for Creative Arts and clinician for the Thelonius Monk Institute. In March of 2000, Tamir joined the Jeff Hamilton Trio and in January of 2001, became the pianist with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. He was a recent guest soloist with the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra.
GARY HOBBS – DRUMS
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, and through the years has performed with Randy Brecker, Pete Christlieb, Greta Matassa, Anita O'Day, Suzanna McKorkle, Dan Siegel, Glen Moore, The New York Voices, Eddie Harris and many more. More recently, Gary has shared the stage with 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, the Jim Widner Big Band, the Mike Vax Big Band, and Tom Grant. Gary has performed at scores of festivals and clubs all over the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Royal Festival Hall, Tivoli Garden, Kennedy Center, and Wolf Trap. Gary is active in jazz education, teaching at The University of Oregon, and traveling all over the United States doing clinics, concerts and jazz camps.
BILL HOLMAN - ARRANGING
Bill Holman's unique and complex arrangements have long been appreciated by musicians and critics alike. He took up clarinet in junior high school and tenor saxophone in high school, by which time he was leading his own band. After serving in the U.S. Navy and studying engineering, Holman decided in the late 1940s that he wanted to write big band music and enrolled at the Westlake College of Music in Los Angeles. He also studied composition privately with Russ Garcia and saxophone with Lloyd Reese. By 1949, Holman's career was well underway. After writing for Charlie Barnet, in 1952 he began his association with Stan Kenton, for whom he would compose (and perform) for many years to come. During the 1950s, he also was active in the West Coast jazz movement, playing in small bands led by Shorty Rogers and Shelly Manne and co-leading a quintet with Mel Lewis. During the following decade, Holman expanded his writing efforts, working for bands led by jazz greats such as Louie Bellson, Count Basie, Bob Brookmeyer, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Gerry Mulligan, Doc Severinsen, and others. In addition, he wrote for high-profile vocalists such as Natalie Cole (including her Grammy Award-winning album Unforgettable), Tony Bennett, Carmen MacRae, Anita O'Day, Mel Torme, and Sarah Vaughan. Since 1980, Holman increasingly has become more active in Europe, including writing, conducting, and performing extended works for the WDR Symphony Orchestra in Cologne, Germany, and the Metropole Orchestra in the Netherlands. To date, Holman has received 14 Grammy nominations and won three Grammy Awards: Best Instrumental Arrangement of "Take the 'A' Train" for Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Orchestra (1987); Best Instrumental Composition for "A View from the Side" for the Bill Holman Band (1995); and Best Instrumental Arrangement of "Straight, No Chaser" for the Bill Holman Band (1997). He was voted "Best Arranger" in the JazzTimes Readers' Poll four times; and received the "Arranger of the Year" award three times in DownBeat magazine's Readers' Poll and Critics' Poll. In 2000, the Bill Holman Collection of scores and memorabilia became part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection in Washington, DC. In 2006, he was inducted into the Rutgers Jazz Hall of Fame, and in 2008, he was doubly honored: a Golden Score Award from the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers and a place in the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Jazz Wall of Fame.
CHRISTOPH LUTY - BASS
Bassist Christoph Luty is known for his big, natural sound, melodic bass lines and solos, and articulate arco playing. He came to Los Angeles from Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1990 to pursue his dream of studying and playing with the greats. He studied bass with his mentor John Clayton, and also earned his Master of Music degree from the University of Southern California. His playing has received many accolades. All About Jazz noted that “bassist Christoph Luty has a fat sound and an unerring sense of melody.” With the Jeff Hamilton Trio "Luty ‘sang’ with a rich sound recalling the sonorous lower register of jazz bass great Ray Brown,” as reviewed in The Capital-Journal. Reviewing Christoph’s CD “It’s Good to Be Seen,” Jazz Player Magazine noted that “Christoph Luty’s arco bass playing ability is remarkable…exceptionally in tune with a centered tone.” Christoph currently lives in the Los Angeles area, and maintains a busy concert schedule, appearing in concert halls, clubs, and festivals throughout the United States, Japan, and Europe. He is presently a member of the Jeff Hamilton Trio, which performs concerts, club dates and workshops nationally and internationally. As the longtime bassist of the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra he has collaborated on concerts with artists like Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Diana Krall, Clark Terry, Dave Brubeck, James Moody and Shirley Horn, to name only a few. He has recorded with the likes of Milt Jackson, John Pizzarelli, Diana Krall and more; and has appeared nationally with artists such as Dena DeRose, Harry Allen, Warren Vache, Curtis Stigers, Bill Watrous, Anthony Wilson, Jeff Clayton, Bill Cunliffe, Howlett Smith and many others. Christoph is also interested in educating young bassists – he teaches jazz bass at California State University Long Beach, assists John Clayton at the University of Southern California, and teaches privately in his own studio.
KELBY MACNAYR - DRUMS
Kelby MacNayr is a drummer/ percussionist/ composer based in Victoria, B.C. Kelby actively performs and records and tours in jazz, classical, new music, folk from around the world including the music of Cuba, Portugal, Zimbabwe and Brazil. As a collaborator of many acclaimed artists including Anne Schaefer, pop group Elephant Island, N.Y. pianist Misha Piatigorsky, composer and pianists including Montreal's Marianne Trudel, George McFetridge, Ron Hadley, bassist/ band leader Scott White (Berlin) and saxophonist Roy Styffe. Kelby has been honoured to perform with many leading jazz artists including Phil Dwyer, Neil Swainson, Randy Porter, Russ Botten, Chrintine Jensen, Brad Turner, George McFetridge, Chuck Deardorf, Ian McDougall, Aaron Parks, Chet Doxas and many others. Kelby is active as an acclaimed composer in theatre, modern dance, and jazz. His recent recording, “The Kelby MacNayr Quintet: Living Pictures,” features all original composition featuring some of Canada's top jazz artists including Roy Styffe, Alfons Fear, Sean Drabitt and Marianne Trudel. The Kelby MacNayr Quintet performs groundbreaking original music - a beautifully crafted blend of innovation and tradition that engages and thrills audiences everywhere they perform.
DOUG MILLER - BASS
Doug Miller is an active jazz bassist, composer and teacher living in the Seattle area. Before moving to Seattle, he played professionally in New York City and Indianapolis. He has toured with the Count Basie Orchestra, the Ellington Orchestra (under the direction of Mercer Ellington), Ernestine Anderson and New Stories. He has also performed with Mel Lewis, James Moody, George Cables, Pete Christlieb, Mark Murphy, Marvin Stamm, Don Sickler, Julian Priester, Karrin Allyson, Ralph Towner, Bobby Porcelli, Dick Hyman, Bobby Shew, Ken Peplowski, Ray Vega, Jim Rotondi and many other jazz greats. Doug has also performed in concert with trumpeter Allen Vizzutti in a mixture of composed music as well as jazz standards. Many of his compositions are featured on New Stories records as well as the Big Neighborhood CD and several Don Lanphere recordings. Additionally, he has composed eclectic music for orchestra. Doug also served as the Jazz Bass Instructor at the University of Washington from 1995-2004.
JOE SANDERS - BASS
Joe Sanders has made a name for himself through his versatility, dedication, and steady pulse. He is without doubt, one of the most sought-after young bass players of his generation. He has played, recorded, and toured with many great musicians, including Ravi Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Heath, Wayne Shorter, Dave Brubeck, Mulgrew Miller, Geri Allen, Jeff Watts, Karriem Riggins, Nicholas Payton, Roy Hargrove, Gerald Clayton, Geoffery Kezzer, Lionel Loueke, Aaron Parks, Chris Potter, Ambrose Akinmusire, Christian Scott, and Taylor Eigsti. In the fall of 2002, he attended the Dave Brubeck Institute to study under the tutelage of Christian McBride. A year into being a New Yorker, Sanders was on his way to Los Angeles to attend the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute, under Artistic Director, Terence Blanchard.
GARY SMULYAN - BARI SAX
Gary Smulyan is critically acclaimed across-the-board and recognized as a major voice on the baritone saxophone. His playing is marked by an aggressive rhythmic sense, an intelligent and creative harmonic approach. While still in high school, he had the chance to sit in with major jazz artists such as legendary trumpeter Chet Baker, saxophonist Lee Konitz, trombonist Jimmy Knepper and violinist Ray Nance. After graduating high school he attended SUNY-Postsdam and Hofstra University before he joined Woody Herman's Young Thundering Herd in 1978. Joining Smulyan in the band were saxophonist Joe Lovano, bassist Marc Johnson and drummer John Riley, who would eventually become a fixture in the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. In 1980, unlike many of his colleagues and peers Smulyan didn't have to go very far to move into New York City proper where he became part of the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra then under the direction of Bob Brookmeyer. Smulyan also found work with other important large ensembles including the Mingus Epitaph band and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. Gradually establishing himself, the talented Smulyan was asked to share the stage and the recording studio with a stunning potpourri of luminaries including trumpeters Freddie Hubbard and Dizzy Gillespie, saxophonist Stan Getz, pianist Chick Corea, timbales king Tito Puente, and R&B/Blues and soul icons Ray Charles, B.B. King and Diana Ross. Smulyan, in addition to performing and recording in support of a myriad of people began to accumulate a discography as a leader. In addition to his work on Monday nights with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Smulyan is a four-time winner of the Down Beat Readers Poll and a multiple winner of numerous other official polls including the Jazz Journalists Award for Baritone Saxophonist of the Year. He is a five-time Grammy award winner for his work with B.B. King, Lovano, Holland and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.
TERELL STAFFORD - TRUMPET
Terell Stafford has been hailed as “one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player” by piano legend McCoy Tyner. Known for being a gifted and versatile player with a voice all his own, Stafford combines lyricism and a deep love of melody with a spirited, adventurous edge. This uniquely expressive, well-defined musical talent allows Stafford the ability to dance in and around the rich trumpet tradition of his predecessors while making his own inroads. Stafford picked up his first trumpet at the age of thirteen, and even though he was drawn to jazz, initially studied classical music. While pursuing a music education degree at the University of Maryland, Stafford played with the school’s jazz band. It was during this time that he began to immerse himself in jazz, listening to everything that he could get his hands on. He cites as one of his most profound musical influences Clifford Brown’s rendition of Cherokee. In 1988, Stafford had the good fortune to meet and receive advice from Wynton Marsalis who suggested that Stafford study with Dr. William Fielder at Rutgers University. During his time at Rutgers, Stafford was invited to join Bobby Watson’s group, Horizon. Over the next five years, Stafford was able to balance his offstage education with the incredible knowledge and experience he gained from performing alongside Watson, co-leader Victor Lewis, and Shirley Scott. Stafford credits this time with teaching him to be an effective arranger, a composer, and a bandleader, all things that Bobby Watson himself learned from his time with the late Art Blakey while performing with the Jazz Messengers. Since the mid-1990’s Stafford has performed with groups such as Benny Golson’s Sextet, McCoy Tyner’s Sextet, the Kenny Barron Sextet, the Jimmy Heath Big Band, the Jon Faddis Orchestra. Currently he is a member of the Grammy award winning Vanguard Jazz Orchestra (GRAMMY 2009, Best Large Ensemble, Live at the Village Vanguard), as well as a member of the GRAMMY nominated Clayton Brothers Quintet (for Best Instrumental Composition), and the Frank Wess Quintet. A regular member of drummer Matt Wilson’s group “Arts and Crafts,” Stafford is featured on the album Scenic Route (2007). He has appeared on television (The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and You Bet Your Life with Bill Cosby) and can be heard on the soundtrack for the feature film, A Bronx Tale. He has also performed as a guest artist with the Billy Taylor Trio on National Public Radio’s Billy Taylor’s Jazz at the Kennedy Center. Stafford has recorded six albums as a leader with his debut album in 1995 entitled Time to Let Go (Candid). As a sideman Stafford has been heard on over 90 albums. In 2010, Stafford had the privilege of playing solo trumpet with the Temple University Symphony Orchestra for the premiere performance of “fourth stream...La Banda”, a university-commissioned piece for orchestra, jazz combo and solo trumpet written by Grammy winning composer Bill Cunliffe. Recorded on the college's music label, BCM&D, “fourth stream...La Banda” was subsequently nominated for a GRAMMY in 2010 for Best Instrumental Composition.
JAY THOMAS – TRUMPET
Jay Thomas, a native of Seattle, is a versatile multi-instrumentalist (trumpet, flugelhorn, alto, tenor, soprano and flutes). In 1979 he moved back to Seattle and became a frequent member of the house band at Parnell’s Jazz Club working engagements with jazz artists George Cables, Charles McPherson, Bill Mays, Ralph Penland, Harold Land, Diane Schuur and Slim Gaillard, and sitting-in with many great musicians as they traveled thru Seattle. Jay can be heard on over 60 LPs and CDs, including recording that run the gamut from hip-hop to acid-jazz, rock, Latin, big band and many small jazz groups. Jay has appeared in concert with the bands of Mel Lewis, John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, Maria Schneider, Bill Holman, Bob Florence and Frank Wess. He has played festivals at Wolf Trap with Red Rodney and Ira Sullivan, the Aspen Jazz Festival with Herb Ellis, Jake Hanna and Mel Ryne, the duMaurier Jazz Festival with Chuck Israels, and the duMaurier again in 1996 and 1997 with the Jay Thomas Quartet. In the summer of 2002, Jay traveled to Europe with the Bud Shank Sextet featuring Plas Johnson. Jay records and performs several times a year in Japan, and has been a regular member and featured soloist with one of Japan’s leading big bands. Today Jay is busy performing, giving clinics, recording and teaching. Readers of Earshot Magazine selected Jay as Musician of the Year for 1996 and 1998, and Jay was also chosen as one of the top 10 players in the “Brass on Fire” search conducted by JAZZIZ magazine.
BYRON VANNOY - DRUMS
Byron Vannoy has become one of the first call drummers in Seattle’s Jazz and creative music scenes. His use of space and ability to integrate the freedom of improvisation with the nuances of various styles of music has kept him in high demand. Byron has performed and recorded with many internationally known musicians such as Julian Priester, Herbie Hancock, Randy Brecker, Jovino Santos-Neto, Tom Scott, Wayne Horvitz, Ron Carter, Ernestine Anderson, Ishmael Wadada, Leo Smith, Vinnie Golia, and Hadley Caliman. Recently emerging as a bandleader and composer, Byron’s debut recording “Meridian” received national recognition as well as the 2008 Golden Ear Award for “Recording of the Year”. Byron has also recorded for nationally broadcast television programs as well as radio spots for the BBC. He has studied privately with Ian Froman, Mark Ivester, Bob Moses, and Joe LaBarbera. He holds an Associate Certificate in Professional Music from Berklee College of Music, a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance from Cornish College of the Arts and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Jazz and African American Music Performance from California Institute of the Arts.
CHARENEE WADE - VOICE
Inspired by Sarah Vaughn, Brooklyn native Charenée Wade began singing jazz at the age of 12. Through her 12 years of intense studies in jazz as well as classical music for, she has grown to become a notable singer, composer, arranger and educator. She completed her Master’s Degree at Manhattan School of Music. Charenée has been featured in many configurations from jazz trios to Big Band to the conservatory’s 100-piece Jazz Philharmonia Orchestra. She was accepted into Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead Program and performed her original music at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC; she returned to the Kennedy Center for the 2004 Thelonious Monk Competition, where she placed fourth in the finals. In 2006, she was 1st Runner-Up in the Jazzmobile Vocal Competition. In the 2007, and 2009 she was selected for the JAS Academy Summer Sessions, directed by Christian McBride. Most recently, she served as a judge at the Jazzmobile Vocal Competition alongside Dr. Billy Taylor and Grady Tate. Charenée has performed at various venues including the Jazz Gallery and Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. She appears regularly at The Zinc Bar, The River Room, and at various venues in the tri-state area. Her debut CD was released in July 2010.
TOM WAKELING - BASS
Tom Wakeling has put his bass to work in a 35-plus year career that's seen him perform in major concert halls, leading jazz nightclubs, and recording studios throughout Europe and North America. Tom’s bass versatility has supported a wide range of artists including Arturo Sandoval, Lee Konitz, Mel Torme, James Moody, Herb Ellis, Mose Allison, Charlie Rouse, Houston Person, Ernie Watts, Carl Fontana, Herb Geller, Della Reese, Red Skelton, Rich Little, Mickey Rooney, the Fifth Dimension, and many others in jazz and pop music alike. Tom’s work in “show biz” includes playing in the orchestras of national touring shows such as "Cats", "A Chorus Line", the Joffrey Ballet, “Grease”, and "Damn Yankees" (with Jerry Lewis). An experienced and dynamic educator, Tom has served as a guest artist at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, University of Kansas, Stanford University Jazz Workshop, University of Nevada, University of British Columbia, Centrum/Pt. Townsend Jazz Workshop, New West Jazz Camp, and the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, among others. Tom’s most recent recording is entitled "Climbing” with the Alan Jones Sextet. Additional recent recordings include “Day” and “Night”, with the Bridge Quartet, Nancy King’s “Perennial”, and “Good Morning Geek” with the Portland Jazz Orchestra. Tom’s bass can also be heard on recordings with his own Tom Wakeling - Brad Turner Quartet, with pianist Lynne Arriale, Juno award winner Hugh Fraser, composer/pianist Steve Christofferson, drummer/composer William Thomas, and many others.
JIGGS WHIGHAM - TROMBONE
Jiggs Whigham is an internationally acclaimed trombonist, band leader and educator. This versatile performer, born Oliver Haydn Whigham III (the nickname Jiggs was given by his grandfather) in Cleveland Ohio on 20 August 1943, first came to the attention of critics and fans at 17, as featured soloist and first trombonist with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, directed by Ray McKinley. Two years later, he was first and solo trombonist with Stan Kenton. Following a year of studio and Broadway Musical engagements in New York, he became featured soloist with the Kurt Edelhagen Jazz Orchestra at the West German Broadcasting Company in Cologne, Germany in 1965. In 1966 his was awarded 1st Prize at the first competition for Modern Jazz in Vienna. In 1979 he was named Professor and Head of the Jazz Department at Cologne University College of Music, the first appointment of its kind in Germany. In 1995 he was named "Professor for Life" and head of the Jazz-Popular Music Department at the "Hanns Eisler" College of Music in Berlin. From 2000-2001 he was visiting professor at Indiana University. He was bandleader of the Swiss Radio Band (Radio DRS) from 1984-1986. From 1995-2000 he was chief conductor and artistic director of the Berlin Radio Orchestra (RIAS Big Band Berlin). He is currently soloist and clinician worldwide, conductor of the BBC Big Band in Great Britain, artistic director of the Berlin Jazz Orchestra and visiting Professor at the Guildhall School of Music And Drama in London and visiting tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England. He was recently appointed musical director of the LaJJOB (Brandenburger Youth Jazz Orchestra). In addition, as of 2008 he is one of the musical directors of 'BUJAZZO' (German national Youth Jazz Orchestra).
SUNNY WILKINSON - VOICE
Sunny Wilkinson has taken her place in that elite group of jazz vocalists who have stretched the boundaries and found themselves "one of a kind." Her performance credits are impressive, having sung with The Count Basie Band, Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass, Clark Terry, Mark Murphy, Milt Hinton, Curtis Fuller, and Edgar Winter, among others. Sunny performs regularly at jazz festivals and clubs across the country and is assistant professor of jazz voice at Michigan State University. She is the Past President of the Michigan chapter of the International Association of Jazz Educators and the past chairperson for IAJE’s Women’s Caucus. She is the co-founder of IAJE's Sisters in Jazz mentoring program.
MATT WILSON - DRUMS
New York based drummer and Grammy nominee Matt Wilson is one of today’s most celebrated jazz artists. He is universally recognized for his musical and melodic drumming style as well as being a gifted composer, bandleader, producer, and teaching artist. Recently, Matt performed at the White House as part of an all-star jazz group for a State Dinner concert hosted by President Obama. Matt was named the artist in residence at the Litchfield Jazz Festival where he conducted a much-heralded public interview with Dave Brubeck. In 2010, Wilson conducted over 250 outreach programs promoting jazz including an acclaimed Jazz for Young Peoples concert at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Wilson leads the Matt Wilson Quartet, Arts and Crafts, Christmas Tree-O and the Carl Sandburg Project. Matt is integral part of bands led by Joe Lovano, John Scofield, Charlie Haden, Lee Konitz, Bob Stewart, Denny Zeitlin, Ron Miles, Marty Ehrlich, Ted Nash, Jane Ira Bloom and Dena DeRose among others. He has performed with many legends of music including Herbie Hancock, Dewey Redman, Andrew Hill, Bobby Hutcherson, Elvis Costello, Cedar Walton, Kenny Barron, John Zorn, Marshall Allen, Wynton Marsalis, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell and Hank Jones. Wilson has appeared on 250 CDs as a sideman and has released 9 as a leader for Palmetto Records as well as co-leading 5 additional releases. Matt was featured on the covers of both DownBeat and JazzTimes magazines in November 2009 and was for 5 consecutive years voted #1 Rising Star Drummer in the DownBeat Critic’s Poll. The readers of JazzTimes recently chose him as one of the top 4 drummers in the 2010 Readers Poll. In 2003, he was voted Drummer of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association.
