Mr. Lepley's Recordings
VISIONS WITHIN | Ancient Tower
“Mr. Lepley’s chants have an ethereal, timeless quality. Intriguing!” Billboard Magazine, July 20, 1996
Ancient Tower captures the soaring, searching imagery of one of the world’s quintessential modern poets blended beautifully with intricate, deeply spiritual chants resulting in a shining performance certain to define “sacred” music. Robert Lepley’s choral compositions were released in 1996 by Earthbeat Records, distributed by Warner Brothers Records, and contains his piano compositions and choral settings of six poems by Rainer Maria Rilke. These poems are narrated by actress Meryl Streep, and are performed by acclaimed jazz ensemble “New York Voices.” The music is a synthesis of very old and very new melodic lines and vocal compositions. The recording was recently re-released by MSR Classics under the title Visions Within. Three of the pieces are based upon "church modes” used by writers of Gregorian Chant, and consist of melodic lines drawn from these ancient sources that journey through fugues and canons. They are then transformed by contemporary techniques such as polyrhythmsand clustered harmonies from jazz. Two of the pieces are motets, and one (“I Live My Life In Growing Orbits”) is what this composer calls a “post-modern hymn.” The central element in his music is an expression of spirituality, and the profound poetry from Rilke’s Book of the Monastic Life has been the perfect vehicle for Mr. Lepley’s musical and spiritual journey. He chose the acclaimed “New York Voices” – a versatile and uniquely creative vocal group that has recorded with the likes of the Count Basie Orchestra - to record his music. Robert Lepley has created a new and unique sound for a new and very different kind of existential and psychologically sacred text. The mystical music of the Ancient Tower is the Gregorian Chant of the New Millennium.
To order the CD, go to MSR CLASSICS Catalogue Number MS1215.
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Or, send a $15.00 check payable to Robert B. Lepley to 709 Clemons Street, Bellmore, NY 11710. ​ Also available via iTunes.
Visions Within Review: “All Music Guide” WNET Television Studios, New York
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Composer and jazz pianist Robert Benford Lepley has created an inventive tribute to Rainer Maria Rilke and found an intriguing solution to the problem facing all composers of vocal and choral music. Even in the most expert settings, it can be difficult to hear and understand texts when they are sung, particularly when the texts themselves are dense and packed with meaning. The poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke doesn't yield its profound meanings to cursory or casual reading -- it demands careful, thoughtful attention, and time for reflection and multiple readings. Lepley's Visions Within: Spiritual Poems of Rainer Maria Rilke takes six of Rilke's works and presents them first in a spoken version, lightly accompanied by a few instruments, so that the text is clearly audible and comprehensible. He follows each reading with a choral version of the same poem, sometimes a cappella, and sometimes accompanied by a small ensemble. Lepley's choral settings frequently begin with a simple, chant-like melody that allows for maximum comprehension. The settings then become increasingly involved, often using dense jazz-inspired
harmonies and intensely contrapuntal layering. By the time he arrives at the most complex presentation of the texts, they have been heard often enough that the attentive listener can keep track of the words and focus on the ways the music illuminates the poetry and casts light on its deep meanings. Lepley is exceptionally fortunate to have at his disposal the New York Voices, a vocal quartet, plus alto Kim Nazarian, and on one track, Caprice Fox, who can negotiate his outrageous vocal demands, which press extremes of range, harmonic density, and contrapuntal complexity. In spite of the music's daunting technical requirements, it has an immediately communicative and expressive appeal; this is not "difficult" music. It's more closely related to jazz and the richest late-twentieth-century choral writing than to the rigors of modernism. The extraordinarily pure, radiant, and emotionally charged vocal performances are beautifully supported by pianist Lepley and an instrumental ensemble of clarinets, soprano saxophone, and percussion. Meryl Streep reads the poetry with disarming simplicity.
MACDOUGAL ST., NYC
Jazz set me on fire. Bird! Diz! Miles! Coltrane! Monk! Powell! I cut my teeth on a six-night-a-week jazz trio gig in college at Ohio State University with older pros who mentored me. Then in New York City, I had the opportunity to work with some incredible world-class jazz players. The result was my double album jazz recording, “MacDougal St., NYC” The recording is my collaboration, as pianist, composer, and arranger with 33 amazing New York-based musicians! You’ll hear 16 bands consisting of trios, quartets, and quintets. Disc One includes my original jazz compositions. Disc Two includes my arrangements of jazz standards. The Two-CD Set Sells for $20.00. That’s TWO CDs! Scroll down to hear track samples and learn about the exceptional Jazz musicians that made this album possible.
To purchase:
Send a $20 check payable to Robert B. Lepley to 709 Clemons Street, Bellmore, NY 11710. Remember to include your return address!
The Players
James Alfred Conrad Cammack Jr.
Bassist James Alfred Conrad Cammack Jr., known as “Chicago Fire” when he resided in the Windy City, toured the world for 30 years with the legendary jazz pianist Ahmed Jamal. Mr. Cammack is on numerous recordings with Mr. Jamal, including Rossiter Road, Live At the Montreal Jazz Festival 1985, Live In Paris 1992, Pittsburgh, In Search of Momentum, After Fair and a 3-CD set called The Essence. He also toured with Nancy Wilson, Howard Johnson and Venessa Rubin, and has recorded with Chris Nevelle, Joe Alderman and Senegal superstar Youssou N’dour. Mr. Cammack has performed in some of the most famous jazz clubs including the Village Vanguard in New York City and Yoshi’s in San Francisco, and major jazz festivals including the Montreal Jazz Festival, Italy’s Umbria Jazz Festival, and the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland. Recently he appeared with Dee Dee Bridgewater in the off-Broadway hit, Lady Day. In his younger years, Mr. Cammack toured with the West Point Jazz Band. Recently he released his recording, Both Sides of the Coin. www.jimcammack.com
Frank Bellucci
Drummer Frank Bellucci is one of those drummers who can play in many genres, from hard bop to funk to big band - as can be seen by a small sampling of diverse musicians he has performed with: Bucky Pizzarelli, the Carl Fischer Nouveau Big band, Ray Anderson, the Dean Brown Band, the Al Miller Big band, Steve Vai, Garland Jeffries, The Spinners and The Monkeys, and he has performed at drum festivals throughout the US and Canada. He studied with legendary drummer Al Miller and has earned a reputation as an expert in the area of double bass drum pedal technique. Mr. Bellucci is in demand as a drum teacher and mentor to young musicians, and he wrote the highly acclaimed drum book, Feet First. In addition, he is endorsed by Sabian Cymbals, DW Drums, Vic Firth Sticks, and Evans Drum Heads. Recently Mr. Bellucci was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall Of Fame and performed at the induction ceremony with the Long Island Hall of Fame House Band.
Scott Lee
(Scott Lee on the left next to Billy Drewes) New York bassist Scott Lee arrived in New York City in the late 1970s and landed a gig recording and touring with Chet Baker. He went on to record and tour with Joe Lovano, Kenny Werner, Mose Allison, Lee Konitz, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Red Rodney, and Freddie Hubbard. Mr. Lee also performed with Nancy Wilson, Chris Conner, Morgana King, Betty Buckley, Helen Merrill, Susannah McCorkle, and Anita O’Day. He has recorded three CDs featuring his compositions: With Ease (Cathexis Records), One Thought and Leaving (Steeplechase Records). He also wrote the highly acclaimed book, Playing the Body, Playing the Bass, he is a professor at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, he has an instructional DVD on Qi Gong, and he is a Reiki Master. www.scottleemusic.net
John Maurice Restrepo
Saxophonist John Maurice Restrepo is a multi-instrumentalist focusing on soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones, flute, and clarinet. He has worked and recorded with The Jazz Cumbia Project, The John Restrepo Quartet, The Welfare Poets, Blitz the Ambassador, The Scofflaws, Hassan Salam, Public Enemy, Fat Cat Big Band, Interplay Jazz Orchestra, Rob Murat, Queen Rose, Miss Marie, and recorded sax for the score in the documentary Bronx Princess, and on FOX’s Fearless Music with Blitz the Ambassador. Mr. Restrepo was a student at New York University, The City College of New York, and he has also studied and performed with Arturo O'Farrill, Ralph Lalama, Rich Perry, Ron McClure, David Murray, and Jim Cammack. Currently, Mr. Restrepo is leading his own quartet playing throughout Long Island, and a weekly Tuesday residence at Tap and Barrel in Smithtown, NY.
Chris Carroll
Drummer Chris Carroll is a New York City-based drummer who has amassed a vast musical vocabulary. Stylistically, his drumming pulses with cross-cultural rhythms ranging from South American traditional music to music originating from Mid-Eastern cultures. Mr. Carroll has released two recordings as leader, “Current Shifts” and “Facing Away”. He is also in demand as a sideman, and has recorded with Nat Janoff, Bryan Murray, and Justin Flynn. He gigs regularly with many of New York’s finest musicians, including Rez Abbasi, Ron Affif, Drew Gress, Vic Juris Donny McCaslin, Francois Moutin, Ben Monder, Brad Shepik, Paul Bollenback, Hans Glawischnig, Alex Blake, Pedro Giraudo and Jay Azzolina. In addition to performing, Mr. Carroll is an educator, clinician, private drum instructor and audio engineer. More information about his studio, which features a 1927 Steinway B piano, can be found by visiting www.mantrarecordingstudio.com. Chris is endorsed by Evans Drums, Planet Waves Cables, and Avid.
Matt Miller
Drummer Matt Miller is the son of Al Miller, a prominent drum teacher on Long Island. His father’s mentoring led to Mr. Miller’s first paying job at age nine, and to winning first place in NY State at the Louie Bellson National Drum Contest when he was 11. After high school he received a full scholarship to North Texas State University and then joined Blood, Sweat and Tears, touring the U.S., Canada and South America. Most recently, Mr. Miller spent three years touring Europe with The Healers, a hard hitting blues band from New York. Since 2006 he has been producing music for the Oprah Winfrey Show and has played on film scores, including the Christopher Walken movie, 5 Dollars a Day. Mr. Miller has performed with Randy Brecker, Dave Kikoski, Dave Valentine, Hiram Bullock, Frank Foster, Richie Cannata,Tom Barney, Marcus McLaurine, Lincoln Goings, The Al Miller Big Band, and Dominic Duval - to name a few. Technologies, Solid State Logic, and Hear Back Technologies. https://www.mattmillerdrum.com
Sarah Turkiew
Baritone Saxophonist Sarah Turkiew is a savant with perfect pitch, a photographic memory, and a true passion and talent for jazz improvisation who can sight-read Charlie Parker and John Coltrane solos. And she’s autistic. Her main instrument is the baritone saxophone with which she is gaining attention for her captivating jazz improvisations heard all over Long Island and New York City. Ms. Turkiew is also a prolific composer and has completed over 50 original works. She graduated from Nassau Community College with honors, majoring in music performance and she is the recipient of the prestigious SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. Ms. Turkiew is a member of International Women in Jazz and is an advocate and role model for young people with autism.
Al Cardillo
Bassist Al Cardillo is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston where he was awarded a Professional Music Scholarship. There he studied classical double Bass with the Bill Curtis and jazz bass with Whit Browne. After moving to New York Mr. Cardillo established a very successful jam session at Papa Razzi in Westbury, NY where for 5 years many well-known musicians were guest artists, including Chris Potter, Eric Alexander, Lew Soloff, Glenn Drewes, Ted Rosenthal, Kenny Werner, Don Friedman, Matt Wilson, Eliot Zigmund and Joe Ascione. Then he with pianist Robert Lepley and drummer Frank Bellucci established a Monday Night Jazz Jam at Fox Hollow in Woodbury, LI that lasted 71/2 years. Mr. Cardillo continues that Jam at Cinque Terre in Huntington Station. Mr. Cardillo’s contributions to the Long Island jazz community has been recognized by the National Music Awards for Best Local Jazz. One of Al's greatest gifts is his ability to welcome musicians of various skills to the band stand to join whatever group he is leading. His warm, inviting personality is born of a sincere desire to make the group playing experience a highly successful experience for anyone in his company. www.alcardillo.com
George A. Gray Jr.
Drummer George A. Gray Jr. was born and raised in Baltimore, MD and he attended Morgan State University, majoring in percussion and education. There he performed with the MS Jazz Ensemble and marched with the famous Morgan State Magnificent Marching Machine as drum section leader. While still in Baltimore Mr. Gray performed with Stevie Wonder, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, Linda Rondstadt, Peaches & Herb, and Sam & Dave. After moving to New York 26 years ago, he has worked with such artists as James Spaulding, Joe Lovano, Jimmy Smith, Cassandra Wilson, Stanley Jordan, Abdullah Ibrahim, Onaje Allan Gumbs, and a host of others. www.georgeagraymusic.com
Chris Covais
Drummer/vibraphonist/composer/bandleader Chris Covais has performed at such well known NYC venues like the Iridium, Zinc Bar, Smoke, Fat Cat, and Lincoln Center, The Bitter End, Pianos, Drom, Rockwood Music Hall, Arlene's Grocery, and The Tea Lounge. He has also been performing at a very popular long-running jazz jam session on Long Island at Tap & Barrell in Smithtown, NY with two musicians who are heard on this recording: bassist Dominic Duval Jr. and reed player John Restrepo. Mr. Covais is the leader of Mind Open, an eclectic jazz//rock band that released their premier recording Mind Open in the summer of 2014. https://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/chriscovais
Jerry Sokolov
Trumpeter Jerry Sokolov has had a long association with the world-renowned Grammy-winning band, Blood Sweat and Tears. He was with the band full time from 1988 until 1995. Since then he has continued doing interim stints and varied concert appearances with the band as recently as 2016. He is one of the few people who has performed with the band in four different decades. Prior to that, he spent a year touring with Lionel Hampton’s Big band and smaller ensembles. He was a National Endowment for the Arts grant winner for performance and composition with a jazz quintet and string quartet. Other performances and recording credits include Frankie Valli, Rosemary Clooney, Dizzy Gillespie, subs with The Village Vanguard Big Band, Clark Terry, Special EFX, Dan Siegel, Bill Warfields Big bands, bandleader with Carnival Cruises, national and local jingle recording spots, and numerous jazz CDs of NYC based artists. He continues to be a busy trumpeter for all kinds of performances in the NY area.
Josh Evans
Trumpet Player Josh Evans started studying with the celebrated saxophonist Jackie McLean at age 14, which led to gigs with Mr. McLean at the Blue Note, Iridium, and other well known NYC jazz venues. Next, he went on to a 3-year stint with the Winard Harper Sextet which consisted of different points of Billy Taylor, Frank Wess, and George Cables, as well as trumpet players Terrell Stafford, Claudio Roditi, and Phillip Harper. The group would also record an album for Piadrum Records. Later Mr. Evans toured Siberia with master saxophonist and composer Benny Golson. It was during this time period that Evans would also start performing with master Drummer Rashied Ali and would become the band's trumpet player for two years. The Rashied Ali Quintet toured 18 different countries and recorded one CD _Live in Europe._ Mr. Evans performed with Rashied Ali until the drummer's untimely death in 2009. Evans excelled as a sideman with such notables as Cedar Walton, Benny Golson, Ralph Peterson, Rene McLean, Grachan Moncur III, Steve Davis, Winard Harper, Shelia Jordan, Mickey Bass, and Bob Mover. https://www.joshevansmusic.com
Matt Wilson
New York-based drummer Matt Wilson is an in-demand player and educator. His distinctive ensembles - the Matt Wilson Quartet, Arts & Crafts, and the Christmas Tree-O combined to record his 12th album, Beginning of a Memory, which celebrates the life of his late wife Felicia. He may be heard on more than 380 CDs, including releases by his co-led trios Sifter and Trio M and sideman recordings with such greats as Dewey Redman, Paul Bley, Charlie Haden, and Lee Konitz. He’s topped the “Rising Star Drummer” category in Downbeat’s Poll for 5 consecutive years. consecutive years. As an educator, he’s led workshops and masterclasses around the world. http://www.mattwilsonjazz.com
Rodney Harrison
Drummer Rodney Harrison started playing from the early age of eleven and has played with many great jazz artists, including Onaje Allen Gumbs, Cyrus Chestnut, Herb Alpert, Bobbie Humphrey, Herbie Mann, and Melba Moore. He has also played with many well-known R&B and rock artists, including Isaac Hayes, Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, The Delphonics, and The Drifters. In addition, Rodney has performed with Gospel superstars like Donnie McClurkin, Jesse Dixon, Edwin Hawkins Jonathon DuBose, and Maurette Brown Clark. Recordings he is on include Elly Kouri - I Love You Much Too Much, Andre Boyce - The Climb, and Eugene Harrison - Jesus Is The One. Rodney is also a retired NYPD cop.
Stephan Crump
Memphis-bred, Grammy-nominated bassist/composer Stephan Crump is best known for his collaborations with adventurous jazz composers such as Vijay Iyer and Mary Halvorson. An active composer, his music can be heard in numerous films and on his ten critically acclaimed albums, the latest of which is Rhombal. He is married to singer/songwriter Jen Chapin, the daughter of the late Harry Chapin. www.stephancrump.com
Andrew Grossbard
Saxophonist Andrew Grossbard had already earned All-County honors in saxophone for Nassau County at just 13 years of age. In high school he won an Outstanding Soloist award at the North Texas Jazz Festival and competition. He also played with the All State Jazz Ensemble, the NassauJSuffolk Jazz Ensemble, and the Nassau Community College Big Band and Jazz Combo, under the direction of George Bouchard. He studied at SUNY Purchase College Jazz Conservatory with Javon Jackson, Jon Gordon, Steve Wilson, Ralph Lalama, Hal Galper, and Charles Blenzig, and he performed with the SUNY Purchase College Jazz Orchestra. Mr. Grossbard went on to study with Nestor Torres, Glenn Drewes, Bob Berg, Eric Alexander, Jim Snidero, and Don Braden, and in January 2014, he toured with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. He can be heard on two jazz albums with the George Bouchard Group, “With All Due Respect” and “Listen To Your Dreams”. He is the featured tenor saxophonist on both albums. Currently Mr. Grossbard teaches saxophone and woodwinds, performs for various entertainment agencies, and performs with the Cold Spring Harbor Band, led by Pat Farrell. Andrew.Grossbard87@gmail.com
Dominic Duval Jr.
Bassist Dominic Duval Jr. has been playing upright and electric basses for the past seventeen years on the local, national, and international scenes. From 2007-2011, he attended the prestigious Eastman School of Music as a double major in both classical and jazz double bass performance where he studied with James VanDemark, Jeff Campbell, Harold Danko, and Bill Dobbins. As an educator, Dominic held the position of adjunct professorship at Snow College in Utah, a former affiliate of The Juilliard School of Music. He has performed at many notable NYC venues, including Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall, The Jazz Standard, 55 Bar, The Blue Note, The Bar Next Door, Smalls, and Fat Cat. His performance resume also includes many musicians such as: Adam Nussbaum, Joe McPhee, Romain Collin, Barry Green, Corey Christiansen, Patrick Cornelius, Bruce Cox, Kevin Clark, Tom Guarna, Carl Allen, and many more. As a sideman, Dominic has also recorded on over a dozen albums in various styles.
Glenn Drewes
Trumpet player Glenn Drewes (Left, with Billy Drewes) is one of the most “in-demand” trumpet players on the New York City freelance scene today. His diverse career has spanned the likes of jazz greats Dizzy Gillespie, Gerry Mulligan, Woody Herman, and Mel Lewis, to pop artists, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Harry Connick Jr., David Sanborn, and Sean Combs (Pi Diddy). In addition to being heard on hundreds of jingles, feature films, network award shows, and sports themes, Mr. Drewes can be heard on the popular children's educational show, “Sesame Street”. Mr. Drewes often performed with Frank Sinatra and recently he performed with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga. Currently, Mr. Drewes is playing lead trumpet on the hit Broadway production of “Chicago”, leading his own Jazz Quintet, and serving as a clinician for high school and college festivals. He has also been a member of the faculties at the University of Bridgeport (Connecticut) and C. W. Post University (Long Island).
Jimi Durso
Jimi “Twang!” Durso is a bassist, guitarist, composer and teacher in the New York area. He has been playing and teaching for over 20 years, and plays in many diverse styles. Some of the artists he has performed with include: the Toasters, the Scofflaws, Ray Anderson, John Abercrombie, and John Faddis. He helped found the modern jazz group Piltdown Man and currently performs with the rock group Coincidence Machine. His music has been used in such television programs as That Metal Show, Secret Lives of Women, Runway Moms, Kids Are In Charge and Emeril Green. Mr.Durso was designated a Finalist in the Jazz Composers Alliance/ Julius Hemphill Composition Awards in the Small Ensemble Category for two separate years. He is co-editor of Jazz Improvisation: Advice From the Masters, and his transcription and analysis articles appear regularly in Downbeat Magazine and Bass Musician Magazine On Line. His recordings include Dogbreath, Life Songs, Life Journey, Blues Explorations, Birth, Last Cigarette, and Upside Out.
Kenny Hassler
Drummer and music educator Kenny Hassler has been performing a wide variety of music on the east coast music scene for many years. A sampling of jazz musicians he has performed with include Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Gerry Neiwood, Sonny Fortune, Stanley Turrentine, James Spaulding, Lou Donaldson, Ray Anderson, Ted Firth, and Dave Lalama. Vocalists he has appeared with include Johnny Hartman, Dianne Carroll, Vic Damone, Ruth Brown, Holli Ross and Melba Moore. Shows he has performed on include La Cage Aux Folles, Catskills on Broadway, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Sarah Jessica Parker, Chuck Berry, Gary U.S. Bonds, and Sesame Street. Mr. Hassler’s recording credits include Arlen Plays Arlen-Sam Arlen, Funkloric-Ken Hassler, Kole Sings Kole-Madeline Kole, Only You Soundtrack and Crazy Love with Eddie Brickell. As a music educator, he is the author of five drum books.
Mike Hall
Bassist Mike Hall is a freelance bassist/composer who has been busy in the NYC area since the late 1970s. He has toured with the big bands of Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, and the Dave Mathew’s Jazz Orchestra as a jazz bassist and has toured with the Edgar Winter Band as a rock bassist. His differing styles have made him a very popular sideman on the recording scene. Mike has performed with Stan Getz, Phil Woods, Tony Bennet, Natalie Cole, Dianne Carroll, Liza Minelli, and Vic Damone.
Roger Hines
Bassist Roger Hines based in Columbus Ohio toured and recorded exclusively for legendary singer Ray Charles from 1980 to 1987, and he toured as music director for Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist & vocalist Diane Schuur from 1988 to the present. He has also performed with many other well-known artists and ensembles including Louie Bellson, Hamiet Bluiett, the Cab Calloway Orchestra, Johnny Coles, the Count Basie Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney, Eddie Daniels, Billy Eckstein, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Frank Foster, Sir Roland Hanna, Eddie Jefferson, Kidd Jordan, Hank Marr, Zoot Sims and Ernie Watts. Mr. Hines has performed at the Aspen Music Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, Cinco de Mayo Festival in Peru, JVC Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival and at the White House for President Clinton. He has recorded with Ray Charles, Diane Shuur, Etta Jones, Ernie Krivda, Gene Walker, and with his group Nova Madruggda. Mr. Hines taught bass for 12 years at the Ohio State University School of Music and he has been on the music faculty of Capital University in Columbus for the past 10 years.
Steve Gluzband
Trumpeter Steve Gluzband joined the popular salsa band Saoco when he moved to New York in 1979. During the next few years he played numerous gigs with Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Celia Cruz, Paul Simon and Marc Anthony, and was a member of the Ray Barretto Orchestra for 20 years. He can be heard on 250 recordings, including the Mini All-Stars, the Grammy-winning Ritmo en el Corazon with Ray Barretto & Celia Cruz and Naked by the Talking Heads. Mr. Gluzband was heard on MTV's Road Rules and was staff trumpeter for Nickelodeon’s Blues Clues. Currently he is a member of The Johnny Pacheco Band and he leads his own Latin-jazz ensemble Hot House which has recorded Cuban Tribute to Charlie Parker and Hot House. www.gluzband.net
Billy Drewes
Multi reed player Billy Drewes (Right, next to Glenn Drewes) started his jazz career when he moved to Boston in 1970 where he attended the Berkley School of Music. Upon moving back to NYC in 1975 he quickly established a name for himself in the exciting scene there. He has traveled the world performing at major venues with many different ensembles and is featured on over 175 C.D.'s, several of which are Grammy winners. Mr. Drewes can be heard on movie soundtracks, music videos, documentaries and DVD's He has been a member of the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra for over 35 years, and is currently a professor at NYU's Department of Jazz. He has performed with many acclaimed artists including: Bill Frisell , Paul Motion, John Scofield, Ron Carter, Lyle Mays, Fred Hersch, Eddie Gomez, John Patitucci, Kenny Werner, Joe Lovano, Gary Burton, Herbie Hancock , Randy Brecker, John Abercrombie, Woody Herman, Eddie Palmieri, Dave Douglas, Toninho Horta and Tony Bennett. His compositions will be featured on a soon to be released recording with the international group, "Under One Sun ".
Ian Petillo
Ian Petillo, New York based drummer and bandleader keeps it swingin’ and dynamic with his Legacy Jazz Band. For twenty years he has dedicated himself to jazz and blues in its most authentic nature. His versatility and artistry amplifies what traditional American music is about. Under the tutelage of his mentor Howie Mann, Mr. Petillo has become a uniquely talented musician. As a performer, audiences can expect a thoughtful energized show- not only behind the kit, but also as a lead vocalist he raises the bar. Across the tri-state area the Legacy Jazz Band has been featured at concert venues and private events. This ensemble continues to revive the indigenous spirit of jazz and blues. http://www.ianpetillo.com/
John Ray
Bassist John Ray performs in many diverse jazz situations, from big band to small groups. He has played with: Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Haynes,Buddy Rich, Harry Connick Jr, Branford Marsalis, Michael Brecker, Woody Herman, Joe Lovano, Barry Harris, Jaki Byard, Lenny White, Warren Marsh, and many other legendary jazz musicians. Currently he is an adjunct professor of jazz bass studies at C.W. Post College. He is a graduate of NYC's H.S. of Performing Arts and the Manhattan School of Music.
Lon Ivey
Lon Ivey - Drummer/Composer/Arranger studied voice and clarinet at the Carnegie Hall Institute in New York City for five years. After graduating Carnegie, he went on to study percussion at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, where he majored in composition. Back in NY, he continued his studies under several world famous drummers who were were the most influential in his development as an artist: Walter Perkins, Bruno Carr (Herbie Mann group), Roy Brooks (Yusef Lateef) and Tony Williams (Miles Davis). Even though jazz remains his favorite style of music he loves to play funk, r&b, gospel, Latin and Brazilian music as well. Over the past 15 years he has traveled around the world, performing and recording with artist such as: Angie Bofill, Sam Rivers, Jon Lucien, and Grover Washington to name a few. Currently Lon is leading and recording with a group called “4th Millennium” plus hosting a new Internet tv show entitled “Lon Live” for the StreamRing Music Network. Mr. Ivey served in the US Military for four years.
Nathan Peck
Bassist and composer, Nathan Peck is based in New York City and has performed with Sting, Maynard Ferguson, Mark Murphy, Bonnie Tyler, Maria Muldar, Alex Skolnick and many others. He has performed in over 30 countries in his 25 year career. His 2016 debut album Top Dead Center is an electric jazz excursion featuring 27 top musicians from New York City featuring an eclectic sampling of textures and elements of dub, hip hop, soul jazz, mixed-meter funk, jazz-rock, fusion and world music. Mr. Peck is an endorsing artist for Audio Technica, Aguilar Amplification, D’Addario & Co., Sadowsky Guitars, Kala Bass and Focusrite Novation. www.nathanpeckmusic.com
Sam Dillon
Sam Dillon is a saxophonist, woodwind player, composer and teacher based in New York. In 2013 Mr. Dillon was selected as a semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition. As a semifinalist, Sam performed at The Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. for Wayne Shorter, Jimmy Heath, Branford Marsalis, Bobby Watson and Jane Ira Bloom. Most notably, Sam has performed at Carnegie Hall, Jazz @ Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, Smoke Jazz Club, The Iridium, Yoshi's Jazz Club, Smalls Jazz Club, The 55 Bar, The Zinc Bar, The Kitano Hotel, Cornelia Street Cafe and live on WBGO 88.3 FM. In 2009 Sam received his Masters in Jazz Performance from SUNY Purchase College. He has had the honor of performing with The Joe Chambers “Moving Pictures” Jazz Orchestra, The Smoke Big Band, The Artie Shaw Jazz Orchestra, The Cecilia Coleman Big Band and The Paris Wight Quintet featuring David Weiss. In addition, Sam is currently composing and arranging music for his first CD. He has gained great knowledge and experience by learning, performing and/or recording with some of the worlds finest musicians including Roger Humphries, Jimmy Cobb, Randy Brecker, John Riley, Bob Mintzer, Ralph Lalama, Ray Vega, David Hazeltine, John Fedchock, Jim Snidero, and Eric Alexander.
Tom Rainey
Drummer Tom Rainey was born in Santa Barbara, CA and moved to NYC in 1979 after attending the Berkley College of Music in Boston, MA. He has appeared on eighty recordings over a career spanning over 25 years, and has performed and or recorded with John Abercrombie, Mose Allison, Julian Arguelles, Ray Anderson, Tim Berne, Jane Ira Bloom, Anthony Braxton, Nels Cline, Ted Curson, Kris Davis, Mark Ducret, Mark Feldman, Michael Formanek, Drew Gress, Mark Helias, Fred Hersch, Andy Laster, Ingrid Laubrock, David Liebman, Joe Lovano, Tony Malaby, Albert Mangelsdorff, Carmen McRae, Mike Nock, Simon Nabatov, New and Used, Anita O'Day, Andrea Parkins, Herb Robertson, Angelica Sanchez, Louis Sclavis, Brad Shepik, Ken Werner, Denny Zeitlin. Mr. Rainey released his first album, Pool School (Clean Feed) in 2010. Current activities include performing and recording music with the Tom Rainey Trio as well as his new quintet Obbligato.
Ratzo B. Harris
Ratzo B. Harris is among the world’s premier six-string upright bassists. He is also a composer, educator and journalist and has worked with some of the greatest musicians of our time. Vocalists Tom Buckner, Judi Silvano and Fay Victor; pianists Denman Maroney, Jarry Singla and Kenny Werner, trombonists Bob Brookmeyer and Ed Neumeister, and guitarists Bruce Arnold and Royce Campbell are some of the artists who have recorded his music. His career spans 45 years and includes collaborations with: Les Paul, Jon Hendricks, Joe Henderson, Cal Tjader, Bobby Hutcherson, Charles Lloyd, John Handy, Betty Carter, Joe Lovano, Jim Pepper, Betty Buckley, Andrew Hill, Jane Ira Bloom, and Steve Weisberg to name a very few. His writings on improvised music can be viewed at www.NewMusicBox.org.
Joseph Ong
Drummer Joseph Ong may be heard on jazz saxophone legend Rusty Bryant’s recording, Rusty Rides Again. This album was one of the top selling jazz recordings of 1980. Mr. Ong has also performed with many well known jazz artists, including Grover Washington Jr., Arturo Sandoval and Steve Turre. He has performed with fine pianists, including Bobby Floyd, Carmen Cavelerro, Hank Marr, Bobby Pierce and Robert Lepley. He has also performed with acclaimed Hammond B3 players, such as Groove Holmes, Jimmy McGriff and Bobby Floyd, and he toured with the Broadway production of Forty Second Street. Mr. Ong was on the jazz faculty of the Ohio Sate University from 1990 to 2006.
James Miceli
Saxophonist James Miceli (Right, next to Robert Lepley) attended Syracuse University for art and advertising but played saxophone in the jazz ensemble for four years where he was fortunate to have performed with Freddie Hubbard, Sal Salvatore, Maynard Ferguson, and other jazz players. After moving to Long Island in 2001, he started playing with the big bands that rehearse and perform in the area and smaller funk groups as well as his own trio. He has performed at the Iridium and Swing 46 with Jerry Costanzo’s octet which has included players like Joe Magnarelli, Eric Miller, Sam Dillon, Tedd Firth, Andrew Gould, Charlie Caranicas, Jennifer Vincent, Jimmy Madison and many other great players. Most recently, James has been having fun playing baritone saxophone. Mr. Miceli opened Daywood Drive Records in 2006 with a friend and released 12 commercial recordings including dates by Dan Willis, Sandro Albert, Clifton Anderson, Jerry Costanzo, and others. When he is not playing, he runs his own graphic design studio, creating logos, websites, brochures, packaging, and posters including many projects for music-related clients.