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Six performers and composers, all with stellar resumes but based in far-reaching corners of the country, were originally drawn together through long-standing mutual associations. The eventual desire to see how their collective musical concepts would gel compelled them to gather in Arizona for several days of workshopping and recording the twelve originals on this debut album. Their resulting group dynamic shines |
Will Campbell, alto saxophone
Originally from North Carolina, Will Campbell is the Director of Jazz Studies and Professor of Saxophone at UNC Charlotte. He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts in Saxophone Performance and Literature degree from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Bachelor of Music (Jazz Studies) and Master of Music (Saxophone Performance) from the University of North Texas. While attending UNT, he was a member of the One O'Clock Lab Band and directed the Three O'Clock Lab Band. From 1990 to 1994, he toured internationally as a member of the Harry Connick, Jr. Orchestra. Recording credits include Blue Light, Red Light, When My Heart Finds Christmas, and The New York Big Band Concert(DVD). Dr. Campbell has performed with artists such as Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker, Aretha Franklin, Bobby Shew, Pete Christlieb, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Natalie Cole, Doc Severinsen, Louie Bellson, and ensembles such as The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Charlotte Symphony, Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra, and Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra. Campbell was awarded a UNC Charlotte Faculty Research Grant in 2007 to record Think Tank (Cellar Live Records), his debut release as a leader and composer. In the review of Think Tank for All About Jazz, Raul d'Gama Rose stated, "Campbell is always meticulous in his pace, letting his warm, fat tone sing out as he constructs solos of breathtaking resonance." His arrangements for jazz ensemble are now available through University of Northern Colorado Jazz Press. Campbell is an Artist/Clinician for the Conn-Selmer Company and a Performing Artist for Rico Reeds and endorses these products exclusively.
Originally from North Carolina, Will Campbell is the Director of Jazz Studies and Professor of Saxophone at UNC Charlotte. He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts in Saxophone Performance and Literature degree from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Bachelor of Music (Jazz Studies) and Master of Music (Saxophone Performance) from the University of North Texas. While attending UNT, he was a member of the One O'Clock Lab Band and directed the Three O'Clock Lab Band. From 1990 to 1994, he toured internationally as a member of the Harry Connick, Jr. Orchestra. Recording credits include Blue Light, Red Light, When My Heart Finds Christmas, and The New York Big Band Concert(DVD). Dr. Campbell has performed with artists such as Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker, Aretha Franklin, Bobby Shew, Pete Christlieb, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Natalie Cole, Doc Severinsen, Louie Bellson, and ensembles such as The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Charlotte Symphony, Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra, and Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra. Campbell was awarded a UNC Charlotte Faculty Research Grant in 2007 to record Think Tank (Cellar Live Records), his debut release as a leader and composer. In the review of Think Tank for All About Jazz, Raul d'Gama Rose stated, "Campbell is always meticulous in his pace, letting his warm, fat tone sing out as he constructs solos of breathtaking resonance." His arrangements for jazz ensemble are now available through University of Northern Colorado Jazz Press. Campbell is an Artist/Clinician for the Conn-Selmer Company and a Performing Artist for Rico Reeds and endorses these products exclusively.
Jon Hamar, bass
Jon Hamar is a versatile artist who’s ability to find a tasteful, unique voice in any musical situation has made him a staple in the Northwest music scene. Hamar’s friendly nature, sense of humor and work ethic has kept him busy as a freelance bassist in multiple performance genres. Hamar performed for four years with jazz and blues great Ernestine Anderson and is currently a regular with Northwest notables such as Greta Matassa, Jim Knapp, Randy Halberstadt and Dawn Clement. Jon also performs regularly in an orchestral setting recording on movie soundtracks, and playing recitals and concerts around the Northwest. As an educator Jon keeps busy teaching at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington, Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington and Edmonds Community College in Edmonds, Washington as well as maintaining an active private studio. Jon currently has former students attending Berklee College of Music, The New School and the Manhattan School of Music. In 2012 Jon joined the faculty at the Centrum Jazz Workshop under the direction of Artistic Director John Clayton.
Jon Hamar is a versatile artist who’s ability to find a tasteful, unique voice in any musical situation has made him a staple in the Northwest music scene. Hamar’s friendly nature, sense of humor and work ethic has kept him busy as a freelance bassist in multiple performance genres. Hamar performed for four years with jazz and blues great Ernestine Anderson and is currently a regular with Northwest notables such as Greta Matassa, Jim Knapp, Randy Halberstadt and Dawn Clement. Jon also performs regularly in an orchestral setting recording on movie soundtracks, and playing recitals and concerts around the Northwest. As an educator Jon keeps busy teaching at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington, Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington and Edmonds Community College in Edmonds, Washington as well as maintaining an active private studio. Jon currently has former students attending Berklee College of Music, The New School and the Manhattan School of Music. In 2012 Jon joined the faculty at the Centrum Jazz Workshop under the direction of Artistic Director John Clayton.
Michael Kocour, piano
Mike is a Professor and the Director of Jazz Studies at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as “one of the most sophisticated pianists in jazz,” Kocour has performed at venues around the world and has been a guest on Marian McPartland's internationally syndicated NPR program "Piano Jazz." Among the many artists and ensembles with whom he has appeared with are Dizzy Gillespie, Eddie Harris, James Moody, Eddie Daniels, Randy Brecker, Benny Golson, Ira Sullivan, Carl Fontana, Dewey Redman, Lew Tebackin, and the Chicago Symphony.
Mike is a Professor and the Director of Jazz Studies at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as “one of the most sophisticated pianists in jazz,” Kocour has performed at venues around the world and has been a guest on Marian McPartland's internationally syndicated NPR program "Piano Jazz." Among the many artists and ensembles with whom he has appeared with are Dizzy Gillespie, Eddie Harris, James Moody, Eddie Daniels, Randy Brecker, Benny Golson, Ira Sullivan, Carl Fontana, Dewey Redman, Lew Tebackin, and the Chicago Symphony.
Dom Moio, drums
Dom is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Music at Arizona State University where he teaches jazz percussion and ensembles. Among the many jazz luminaries with whom he has played are Mose Allison, Herb Ellis, Ahmad Jamal, Jerry Bergonzi, Joe Lovano, and Clark Terry. Among his frequent record dates, Moio has recorded two CDs with Jazz great Carl Fontana. He also recorded with The Jazz Nonet with Chuck Marohnic and Greg Hopkins. In 1997, Moio had the opportunity to do a re-recording of the Four Tops hits with the group's original singers, playing both drums and Latin percussion. Recent recordings include I Got 'cha Drums Right Here and Seeds with Chuck Marohnic. Mel Bay has published two of Moio's books: Latin Percussion in Perspective and Be-Bop Phrasing for Drums.
Dom is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Music at Arizona State University where he teaches jazz percussion and ensembles. Among the many jazz luminaries with whom he has played are Mose Allison, Herb Ellis, Ahmad Jamal, Jerry Bergonzi, Joe Lovano, and Clark Terry. Among his frequent record dates, Moio has recorded two CDs with Jazz great Carl Fontana. He also recorded with The Jazz Nonet with Chuck Marohnic and Greg Hopkins. In 1997, Moio had the opportunity to do a re-recording of the Four Tops hits with the group's original singers, playing both drums and Latin percussion. Recent recordings include I Got 'cha Drums Right Here and Seeds with Chuck Marohnic. Mel Bay has published two of Moio's books: Latin Percussion in Perspective and Be-Bop Phrasing for Drums.
Matt Olson, tenor saxophone
Matt Olson is a Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies at Furman University. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois and Northwestern University. He has performed with Randy Brecker, Kurt Elling, Benny Carter, John Fedchock, Doc Severinsen, Manhattan Transfer, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Bernadette Peters, Lou Rawls, the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, among others. He has been a guest artist at high schools, universities, and jazz festivals around the country. Matt is also active as a clinician and adjudicator, including presenting a clinic at the 2009 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. His work has been published by Downbeat magazine, The Saxophone Symposium, and Walrus Music. Matt’s debut jazz recording, Vortex, was released in 2006.
Matt Olson is a Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies at Furman University. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois and Northwestern University. He has performed with Randy Brecker, Kurt Elling, Benny Carter, John Fedchock, Doc Severinsen, Manhattan Transfer, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Bernadette Peters, Lou Rawls, the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, among others. He has been a guest artist at high schools, universities, and jazz festivals around the country. Matt is also active as a clinician and adjudicator, including presenting a clinic at the 2009 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. His work has been published by Downbeat magazine, The Saxophone Symposium, and Walrus Music. Matt’s debut jazz recording, Vortex, was released in 2006.
Vern Sielert, trumpet
Vern is a Professor of Trumpet and Jazz Studies at the University of Idaho. He has performed with artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Freddie Hubbard, The Spinners, The O’Jays, Bobby Shew, Don Lanphere, Gerald Wilson and Ralph Carmichael, and in such diverse settings as the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the Illinois Chamber Orchestra, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Walt Disney World. Vern was also a member of the University of North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band, which has recorded several of his compositions and arrangements. Vern maintains an active performing schedule with groups such as the Jim Knapp Orchestra, Emerald City Jazz Orchestra, Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, and the Jay Thomas Big Band. He can be heard on recent recordings by Kelly Wright, the Emerald City Jazz Orchestra, and Phil Kelly’s Northwest Prevailing Winds. Vern is also an active clinician and adjudicator, and has appeared at schools and jazz festivals throughout the US, and at conferences of the Washington Music Educators, MENC Northwest Division, and the International Association for Jazz Education.
Vern is a Professor of Trumpet and Jazz Studies at the University of Idaho. He has performed with artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Freddie Hubbard, The Spinners, The O’Jays, Bobby Shew, Don Lanphere, Gerald Wilson and Ralph Carmichael, and in such diverse settings as the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the Illinois Chamber Orchestra, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Walt Disney World. Vern was also a member of the University of North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band, which has recorded several of his compositions and arrangements. Vern maintains an active performing schedule with groups such as the Jim Knapp Orchestra, Emerald City Jazz Orchestra, Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, and the Jay Thomas Big Band. He can be heard on recent recordings by Kelly Wright, the Emerald City Jazz Orchestra, and Phil Kelly’s Northwest Prevailing Winds. Vern is also an active clinician and adjudicator, and has appeared at schools and jazz festivals throughout the US, and at conferences of the Washington Music Educators, MENC Northwest Division, and the International Association for Jazz Education.
