CHRISTIAN SANDS
Steinway Artist & 6-time Grammy Nominee Christian Sands is an emerging jazz force. His abundant piano technique perfectly matches his conception, accomplishing a much deeper musical goal: a fresh look at the entire language of jazz.
It wasn’t long ago Christian Sands was being called “a jazz star of the future” by such luminaries as Wynton Marsalis and Christian McBride, whom he toured the world with as part of McBride’s Trio. Well, that future has arrived. At only 32, pianist and composer Christian Sands is arguably the leading pianist of his generation.
“…few of his peers have so many achievements to contemplate: piano prodigy at the age of four, leading gigs at 12 and playing with masters like Billy Taylor, Oscar Peterson and Herbie Hancock during his teens.” – Downbeat Magazine
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GREG ABATE QUARTET
Saxophonist, flutist, and composer Greg Abate continues as an International Jazz/Recording Artist with 225 days a year touring the globe.
In the mid 70’s after finishing a four year program at Berklee College Of Music, Greg played lead alto for the Ray Charles Orchestra for 2 years.
In 1978 Greg formed his group Channel One which was a favorite in the New England area and from there had the opportunity to play tenor sax with the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra under leadership of Dick Johnson from 1986 to ’87.
Following this experience Greg ventured out as post hard bop soloist playing Jazz Festivals, Jazz Societies and Jazz Clubs throughout the U.S. Canada and abroad, including most of Europe, UK, and Moscow and Georgia Russia.
His newest release Gratitude, with the Tim Ray Trio has received glowing reviews and a lot of international airplay. Also, check out Greg’s other recordings including special guests Phil Woods and other notable artists.
Greg is currently a Whaling City Sound recording artist.
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The Jazz Voyager
The Jazz Voyager is heading off to the Big Apple once again to take another seat in the small uptown Manhattan West Side jazz club Smoke Jazz and Supper Club. This intimate space is located at the junction of 106th and Broadway, also known as Duke Ellington Boulevard, offering legends, modern masters and rising stars.
A new player for me to hear is trumpeter Marquis Hill, one of the leading trumpeters of our time. He will be leading an adventurous group featuring vibraphonist Joel Ross, pianist Michael King, bassist Junius Paul, and drummer Kendrick Scott. He won the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition and the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition. Both wins helped launch his career.
Smoke is located at 2751 Broadway, New York City 10025. You can get more information at https://notoriousjazz.com/event/marquis-hill.
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HAILEY NISWANGER
Saxophonist and composer Hailey Niswanger graduated in 2011 with a B.A. in Jazz Performance from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Hailing from Houston, Texas she grew up in Portland, Oregon, and now currently lives in Los Angeles, California. She has shared the stage with Esperanza Spalding, Terri Lyne Carrington, Harvey Mason, Mike Clark, Michael Wolff, Ralph Peterson Jr., and other jazz greats. She leads her own bands and has performed at festivals across the country.
She is a member of the Wolff & Clark Expedition, a band formed by pianist, Michael Wolff, and drummer, Mike Clark, and was featured on their latest album, Wolff & Clark Expedition 2. Hailey has been a reoccurring guest soloist with The Soul Rebels Brass Band, and has performed with Demi Lovato on Saturday Night Live, and noise pop duo Sleigh Bells on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and the Late Show with David Letterman. Hailey has released 3 album under her own name.
In 2016 Hailey formed MAE.SUN, which features entirely original compositions. MAE.SUN is a mindful and eclectic band that defies genres and pushes boundaries. Inspired by swirling sounds from around the world, this project taps into the collective consciousness, and serves as an engaging mediation. MAE.SUN takes listeners on an emotional journey from beginning to end, inviting them to feel connected to the present moment, and all that is.
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HERLIN RILEY QUARTET
New Orleans is a drummer’s town. But in this town full of first class drummers, Herlin Riley is “the” drummer. The Baron of the Boom Boom. The Pulse that keeps the life flowing through any body of work.
Born into a musical family steeped in gospel, blues, and jazz, Herlin was asked by Wynton Marsalis to join him in New York City in 1988 where Herlin stayed for almost two decades, all the while maintaining a home in New Orleans. He is still a regularly featured musician with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, but has been based back in his hometown for several years now — that is, when he wasn’t on tour with Ahmad Jamal, Dr. John, or Harry Connick Jr. He lights up any stage with just his presence alone, and always fires up the first class musicians who love to play with him.
Quartet
Herlin Riley – drums, percussion, vocals
Roland Guerin – bass
Kyle Roussel – piano
Derek Douget – saxophones
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