As a classical clarinetist, Hideaki Aomori has recorded two classical albums as the Pierce-Aomori duo,is a member of y Music,
and has worked with the Philip Glass Ensemble, Kennedy Center Opera
Orchestra, The Knights, choreographer Benjamin Millepied, and ACME
(American Contemporary Music Ensemble). As a
multi-instrumentalist, Hideaki mostly works in jazz, indie, theater, and
film music. Some of his recent activities include recording his jazz
album, Glue (tenor sax, clarinet) , a tour with Gabriel Kahane (clarinets), playing Ghost the Musical (saxes, clarinets, flute, piccolo) and performing Schonberg's Pierrot Lunaire and Messiaen's End of Time Quartet with ACME. Hideaki has conducted masterclasses and individual lessons at
universities and schools in the US and abroad.When he is not touring,
Hideaki can be heard playing Matilda on broadway. Hideaki did his bachelor's and doctoral degrees in clarinet performance and his master's degree in jazz saxophone. HIDEAKI AOMORI
Frank Harrison took up the piano at 11, and
began playing gigs when he was 15. After taking up a scholarship at
Berklee School Of Music, Boston, he returned to the UK and joined Gilad
Atzmon’s band. In 2000 they started the Orient House Ensemble, with whom
Frank has recorded seven albums, including BBC Jazz Album Of The Year
2003, Exile. The band regularly tours Europe, playing at major Jazz and
World music festivals. Frank has also performed with Peter King, Julian
Arguelles, Julian Siegel, Don Weller, Alan Barnes, John Etheridge, Louis
Stewart and Iain Ballamy.In 2006 Frank formed a trio with drummer Stephen Keogh and bassist
Aidan O’Donnell. Their debut album, First Light, launched to critical
acclaim and they have since toured regularly in Europe and the Far East,
as well as collaborating with special guests such as Louis Stewart and
Tina May. Frank's new trio features Dave Whitford on bass and Enzo Zirilli on drums. FRANK HARRISON TRIO
Cincinnati-born Phil Cody, a longtime California resident, produces a
smart, raw folk-rock blend that calls to mind Peter Case and Pete Droge.
He released his debut album, The Sons of Intemperance Offering, in 1996
on Interscope Records. Most of the project was recorded live in the
studio. In the years after its release, he hit the road, sharing the
stage with artists such as Steve Earle, Golden Smog, Warren Zevon, and
Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Cody was still on Interscope when he made 2000's
Big Slow Mover, a compelling folk-rock/country amalgam full of sonic
touches such as funk grooves and loops. It was co-produced by Ethan
Johns and the Wallflowers' Rami Jaffe and featured guest appearances by
Joe Henry and Emmylou Harris (on a great version of Townes Van Zandt's
"If I Needed You"). However, the growing, changing label passed on it;
so armed with a new Mac computer and a strong unreleased album, Cody
went D.I.Y., starting his own label, Tiny Head Records. PHIL CODY
Chris Carroll is a New York City-based drummer, who has amassed a vast musical vocabulary. Stylistically, his drumming pulses with cross-cultural rhythms. With roots deep in rock music and a love for jazz & improvised music, Chris is known for performing music that is simple in form to extremely complex. His awareness of musical dynamics supports the artist’s ability; he or she can be reticent, or, in the alternative, explosive and an all-out powerhouse. Drawing from a diverse pool of musical and spiritual influences, Chris blends his curiosity for different cultures with an eye (and ear) towards the future.Recently, Chris released, “Current Shifts,” which is his second CD as a leader. This jazz-based project is driven by influences ranging from South American traditional music to music originating from Mid-Eastern cultures. “Current Shifts” is a bold followup to Chris’ first album, “Facing Away,” which features his own idiosyncratic arrangements of the music of a number of jazz icons, such as Ornette Coleman, Thelonious Monk and Charles Mingus.Chris’ is also in demand as a sideman, having recorded with Nat Janoff, Bryan Murray and Justin Flynn . He plays regularly with many of New York’s finest musicians, including Rez Abbasi, Donny McCaslin, Francois Moutin, Ben Monder, Brad Shepik, Ron Affif, Paul Bollenback, Hans Glawischnig, Alex Blake, Pedro Giraudo, Jay Azzolina, Matt Penman, George Colligan, Felix Pastorius, Ben Street, Drew Gress, Vic Juris and Sam Blais, while touring internationally. CHRIS CARROLL
A native of the South Bronx, RAY VEGA is a veteran of the bands of Tito
Puente, Ray Barretto, Mongo Santamaria, Mario Bauza, Luis "Perico"
Ortiz, Hector LaVoe, Johnny Pacheco, Larry Harlow, Pete "El Conde"
Rodriguez and Louie Ramirez to name a few. Ray has performed and/or
recorded with Joe Henderson, Lionel Hampton, Mel Torme, Paquito
D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, The Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Steve Turre,
Israel Lopez "Cachao", Las Leyendas De La Fania, Pete Escovedo, The
Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra, Jazz at Lincoln Center Afro
Latin Jazz Orchestra, Paul Simon, John Santos and The Machete Ensemble,
Jose Jose, Sheila E., Yomo Toro, Anna Saeki, Frank Foster's Loud
Minority Big Band, Diane Schuur, The Mike Stewart Big Band, Michel
Camilo, Kirk Franklin, The Bob Belden Big Band, Dave Samuels and The
Caribbean Jazz Project, Marco Antonio Muñiz, Jeanie Bryson, Eddie
Palmieri, James "Jabbo" Ware and The Me, We and Them Orchestra, La
Orquesta Sinfonica De Simon Bolivar, Sandro De Las Americas, The Mingus
Big Band, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra,
Bebo Valdez, and Celia Cruz, among numerous others. Ray currently works
with the renowned Comtemporary Classical composer Osvaldo Golijov,
performing first and solo trumpet in the critically acclaimed work; "La
Pasion Segun San Marco".Ray has now established himself as one
of the innovators of the international Jazz and Latin music scenes. A
multi-talented trumpeter, percussionist, composer, and arranger, he
presents Jazz from a refreshingly original and contemporary perspective.
His two recordings on the Concord Picante label, his self-titled debut
"Ray Vega", and "Boperation", along with his 1st release on the Palmetto
label "Pa'lante"have been well received by critics, audiences and
musicians alike. Vega's 2nd Palmetto CD "Squeeze, Squeeze" has also
received critical acclaim including Four Stars in Down Beat Magazine.Vega's
latest CD is "East-West Trumpet Summit" is a collaboration with Seattle
trumpeter Thomas Marriott. The CD was released in the summer of 2010 on
Origin Records and has hit number 1 on the Jazzweek national radio Jazz
charts during the week of June 21, 2010.Vega grew up immersed
in the heart of two vibrant New York City music scenes: Jazz and Salsa.
In addition to learning about these two musical styles with some of the
great legends, he received his formal training studying trumpet with
Sydney Baker, Henry Nowak, Mike Lawrence, Stan Shafran, Laurie Frink,
Richard Brezowski and Jerry Gonzalez. He studied Jazz harmony and
improvisation with Susan Winder, Bobby Rogovin and Lonnie Hillyer. Vega
studied Afro-Caribbean percussion with Luis Bauzo. Vega attended The
Long Island University Brooklyn Center and is a graduate of the
legendary High School of Music and Art. RAY VEGA
Sam Rucker’s unique musical recipe is not just heard, but felt. This
former hip-hop producer has developed a sound that is leaving a unique
fingerprint on modern jazz. His new project, Tell You Something, is
music for the soul. “Awesome... worth every penny of the ticket!"
claimed one audience member after a recent Sam Rucker performance in
Norfolk, Virginia –because Sam Rucker is using the saxophone to blow a
breath of fresh air into contemporary jazz. On Tell You Something, Sam
teams up with legendary producer Norman Connors, renowned pianist Bobby
Lyle, sax great Euge Groove, Tom Browne, Alyson Williams, and a host of
other great musicians. Tell You Something features three soulful covers
and eight of Sam’s original songs that not only entertain but encourage
as well. This is contemporary jazz music with a message. Even as an
instrumentalist, Sam’s music speaks to the listener and conveys an
infectious positive energy.
“Sam Rucker has a genuine connection with the music and the
audience. He plays with a passion that draws you in” – Norman Connors.
As a saxophonist, Sam has performed with a multitude of renowned
artists including Peter White, Euge Groove, Norman Connors, Cindy
Bradley, Tom Browne, Ronnie Laws, Gerald Veasley, Phil Perry, Alyson
Williams, and Ivan Neville. Playing with various groups, Sam has opened
for Will Downing, Norman Brown, Eric Benet, Ben Tankard, Black Sheep,
Candi Staton, Ron Kenoly and more; he can also boast of three winning
solo performances at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. Sam's
talents are not limited to the saxophone. He has produced and written
CDs for several artists, including gospel rapper Israel the Warrior,
singer Tonya Smith-Williams and spoken word artists Slim and Blizz.
Sam's first CD, entitled Heat from the Heavens, gives us
an introduction to the formula of hip-hop grooves + jazz melodies + a
splash of inspirational lyrics that so characterizes Sam as a player and
person. The formula promises creativity and unique expression that will
leave Sam Rucker’s imprint on contemporary jazz. SAM RUCKER
Pastors are raving about the music ministry of Sam Powell:"Sam
has a gift from God of letting his humanity deliver the message – and it
does. It’s not an act, it’s a testimony of Grace driven faith and
praise."Sam Powell's concert was a true worship experience! He was
genuinely praising the Lord and not putting on a show. I found his music
both biblical and inspirational. He sings truth about God, salvation
and the Christian life."Sam is the whole package. He brings to your
ministry his talents and his testimony. His musical ability is so vast
and so diversified, I had to ask myself is there any instrument he
doesn't play? I marveled at the message in his faith-filled music all
the while clothed in the purest of humility.""Sam's spiritual
giftedness is to use music as an avenue of praise and proclamation of
the truth of God. The overall effect is edification, encouragement and
evangelism through the Word in song.""What a blessing and
inspiration, Sam Powell and his music ministry. He not only offers up
worship to the Lord, but adds the extra blessing of teaching God's Word,
through song and testimony. All of us here were moved and challenged to
serve. "Find
out for yourself what others are so excited about... With his latest
release, "Go To Nineveh", Sam delivers song after song of catchy
melodies and cool horn riffs, but most importantly biblical truth that
will touch your heart and soul with the gospel of Jesus Christ. SAM POWELL
Rik Wright’s Fundamental Forces is an innovative collection of modern
progressive jazz players who’ve developed a rich library of original
repertoire that is hauntingly beautiful, thoughtful, and evocative.
Their performances effectively pull together the two extremes of
acoustic and electric jazz without sacrificing the crystalline character
of either.
On their debut release the quartet immerses us in a unique world of dark
and beautiful modern jazz soundscapes, with Wright’s guitar at the helm
steering through an array of intriguing original compositions. The
group formed as one of the house bands for the Zero-G Concerts &
workshops, a bi-weekly series of productions taking place in venues all
over Seattle WA, and has quickly established itself at the forefront of
Seattle’s resurging jazz fusion scene.
This is by far Wright’s most impressive performance to date –deftly
navigating his cohorts with a purpose and balance indicative of a
seasoned musician of his stature. Even more remarkable is the caliber of
musicians he’s assembled for the journey. Multi-instrumentalist James
DeJoie is prominently featured throughout. DeJoie, an underground hero
in the renowned Seattle progressive jazz scene, is primarily known for
his stellar performances on baritone saxophone. However, on this outing
he eschews the bari, opting for a plethora of other reed instruments
instead –clarinet, alto sax and flute chief among them.
Celebrated bassist Geoff Harper is the foundation of the ensemble
–steadfastly holding down the lines of Wright’s scores with a wistful
spontaneity and freedom rarely seen in these territories. Over top,
rather than underneath, sails drummer and percussion Greg Campbell,
who’s performance throughout this recording is far too stunning to
adequately describe.
All in all, this is a release not to be missed –an exhilarating tour de
force by an amazing new quintet. Hopefully there is much more to come. RIK WRIGHT'S FUNDAMENTAL FORCES
Melodic, atmospheric, minimalist music led by Get The Blessing
saxophonist Jake McMurchie and featuring the best of Bristol’s jazz
scene in the form of Will Harris on bass, Mark Whitlam on drums, with
special guest and vortex regular Dan Messore on guitar. Electronics and
acoustic instruments combine with an evolutionary approach to
improvisation to create scientifically aural magic.Born in London, raised in Bristol, Cambridge educated, Jake McMurchie
has been an influential member of the thriving South West jazz scene
for nearly two decades. His distinctive sound, imagination and melodic
drive have made him a key member of many of the most innovative and
exciting bands to emerge from the Bristol area, notably Get The
Blessing, What Four and the contemporary big band Ultrasound.
When not touring with GTB, Jake is a key figure in the South West’s
vibrant jazz scene playing with rising stars Emily Wright, Nick Malcolm,
Mike Willox, The Magnificent Seven, and with saxophone quartet Venn. He
has also played with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Portishead and
with the great Portuguese singer Fernando Tordo at the National Theatre
in Lisbon and in the Cape Verdean islands.Growing up near Nottingham, Mark initially studied piano from age seven
and then later percussion, receiving tuition from Royal Philharmonic and
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra percussionists. Learning from master
drummers Ralph Salmins, Jeff Hamilton, Jim Chapin and Dave Wickens, Mark
was offered a place at Trinity College of Music to study for a Masters
degree in jazz performance.Will’s dynamic and comprehensive approach to the double bass has seen
him chosen by Bobby Wellins, Alan Barnes, David Newton, Tina May and
Anita Wardell.Dan Messore is a broad-minded and eclectic musician. After several years
in Central America, he returned to the UK and completed a MA in jazz
and composition at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in
Cardiff. MICHELSON MORLEY
