3 THE RODNEY RICHARDSON QUARTET

Rodney Richardson - Guitar
Joe Herrera - Trumpet
Eric Harper - Bass
Andrew Hare - Drums

The Rodney Richardson Trio is one of the few organ trios in Washington DC. Utilizing that distinct organ trio sound, Rodney has chosen a repertoire for the band that paints a broad musical picture. Alongside a few of Rodney’s original compositions, the band features music ranging from jazz standards to adaptations of modern jazz and rock songs. With Will Rast on organ and Larry Ferguson on drums, 2 of DC’s top players, the guitar-led trio has a truly unique sound. You can find the Rodney Richardson Trio performing in and around the Washington DC area on a regular basis. For up to date information please visit:

www.rodneyrichardson.com

5,6 ROLANDO MATIAS AND AFRO-RICAN ENSEMBLE

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Edwin Eddie Bayard - tenor/soprano sax
Chad Greenwald - acoustic bass, electric bass
Samuel Rocha - guitar/vocals
Rolando Matias-drums/percussion

Rolando Matias: drums, percussion & vocals, Puerto Rico - Multi-talented percussionist, Afro-Caribbean musicologist, Ethno-Foklorist and an accomplished harmonica player. Rolando has traveled the U.S. playing in a wide variety of groups, performing everything from the blues to Latin rock, and everything in between. A self-taught musician, Rolando, applied his formal training as an Architect into his musical education, seeking perfection, has sought out the greats during his travels in order to perfect his musical techniques as a percussionist, harmonica player and composer. Rolando started playing percussion at a young age in Cupey Alto, at the local "Bembes" of the neighborhood. "Bembe" is a gathering of "rumberos" jamming and improvising together. "We started with percussion grooves, pretty soon a trombone player joined in, a trumpeter and all of a sudden the place was kicking, it was a great scene." Rolando has completed his musical education in music and composition thru private education and formal studies at The Ohio State University, School of Music. He also advanced his studies as a Master Percussionist in Cuba under the tutelage of a number Cuba's finest master percussionists from Havana and Matanzas. These studies completed Rolando's formal training as Master Percussionist on drums, hand drumming and ethnic percussion as well as a Jazz composer. His performances range from the playful to the passionate, making this powerful Puerto Rican presence a pleasure worth watching. Rolando has performed or recorded with the likes of 2007 Latin Grammy winner Brian Lynch, multi-grammy winner David Sanchez, Chuchito Valdez, Benny Maupin, Patrice Rushen, Leon “Ndugu” Chadler, Azar Lawrence, Othello Molineaux,legendary pianist Eddy Martinez, violinist & trombonist Lew Kahn, legendary bassist Essiet Essit, "1 O'Clock Master" Antonio Orta, guitarist Mimmi Fox, percussionists: Bobby Matos, Bobby Sanabria, Bill Summers and Lenny Castro, bluesmen: Eddie "The Chief" Clearwater, Kenny Neal, Duke Robillard, Australian Dave Hole, Debbie Davies and Howard Scott and the World Band, the late great pianist from Cleveland Roberto Ocasio, Brazilian reedman Carlos Malta, the B-3 madman Ron Levy, Pam Williams, trumpeters: Pharez Whitted, Derek Gardner and Latin Grammy nominee Ray Vega, Los Hombres Calientes, guitarist Jim Savitt, Greg Abate, Aruan Ortiz, Jon Ozmet,Pepe Gonzalez, Hector Martignon, Greg Abate, Andy Gonzalez, Adela Dalto, Kim Pencyl, The Navigators , the master of the spoken word the legenday Umar Hassan from The Last Poets among others.

Samuel Rocha-guitar/vocals, Mexico - A nomad of sorts, Sam has lived all over the U.S. and five years in Mexico. He began playing guitar at the age of 5, and since then has played in a variety of bands and projects ranging from rock to soul and jazz, but his roots are in the Mexican folk tradition. Sam Rocha began playing guitar at the age of five, and singing soon after. Over the past ten years, Sam has played in various bands, ensembles playing across a variety of genres and styles. In Minneapolis, he was the bandleader for the Latin fusion group, "Chema." As a composer, Sam has written a variety of songs that vary from love ballad to jazz instrumentals. As a lyricist, he combines his philosophical training and poetic interests that compliment his geometric approach to guitar. In this group, Sam returns to his Mexican roots in the folk tradition while keeping his soulful vocals and guitar improvisation. Samuel great command of his vocal cords and passionate performance makes his a great asset to any group. Samuel enjoys re-thinking the traditional Mexican rancheras, maintaining the folkloric element, and permutating them into elegant folk songs in a jazz tradition.

Chad Greenwald-Acoustic Bass & electric bass, Cleveland, Ohio - Chad comes from a very talented musical family, Chad father is a classical bassist and member of the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra for over fifteen years.Chad Greenwald has played extensively in every genre of popular music today. He has shared the stage with The Roots, Keane, Talib Kweli, Flogging Molly, Days of the New, Ligion, Day of Fire, Gwar, Tim Reynolds, and has become friends with Styx, Bad Company, Ian Hunter, Les Paul, Still Remains, The Exies, Lostprophets, American Head Charge and Bone Thugs 'N' Harmony. Chad plays or has played with several groups including: Matias Rocha y Nueva Tropa, This Day Forever, Exit City, Scar Co., Shotgun Wedding, The Bourbon Kings, Sean Benjamin Band, Black, Brown and Jew, Trombones Plus, Magia Tropical, The Soul Good Band, Westerville Symphony, Central Ohio Symphony Orchestra, the Ohio State University Orchestra, the Ohio State University Wind Symphony, Peace Lutheran Church Band, Russ Drums Trio and continues to freelance around the Ohio area. Chad also is a certified Music Teacher in the State of Ohio. Chad Greenwald is sponsored by, and endorses Accugroove Bass Cabinets, Genz Benz Amplification, Curt Mangan Strings, Countbasse Basses, Barker Basses, Uptown Strings and Monocases.

Edwin Eddie Bayard-Tenor/Soprano sax, Jamaica - Eddie originally from Jamaica, came to Harrisburg and started his musical journey that ended at The Ohio State University. Eddie Bayard, a guttural, virtuosic volcano of a Tenor player, Eddie brings pure fire to the Latin rhythms of the Ensemble. This very gifted, and exciting, reedman has been playing for over 10 years! In those very short years he has become one of the countries most talented young lions. He has toured Europe with various jazz groups, and has recently shared the stage with the likes of Marlon Jordan, Gary Bartz and Donald Byrd. Edwin has played with alto saxophonist Wes Anderson(Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra), the late great jazz vocalist Betty Carter, and trumpeter Pharez Whitted among others. His deep sense of self, history, and philosophical view of life permeates his music in a way that touches all who hear. Edwin Bayard is currently gearing up for his first recording as a leader as well as playing with various groups around the country You can find Eddie playing around town with Chad Eby, and Postal. Eddie is a regular member of the Pharez Whitted Quintet, and performs regularly with James Gaitor and the Movement. "Anyone who’s heard Eddie Bayard take an extended solo on a Coltrane piece knows the kind of raw emotion, sheer forcefulness and incredible rhythmic invention he can invest in the man’s music. On the cool night of September 20, Bayard rose in tribute with a solo (on A Love Supreme) that left the room at the Easton Hilton both limp and having distinctly experienced a certain catharsis. Lovell Bradford’s possessed spirit on keys and James Gaiters’ impassioned drums doubtless aided Bayard. Collectively, it was an ecstatic ascension of which Bayard was simply the most outward exponent."—Gerard Cox

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11 SECRET B-SIDES

Juan Daniel Holladay (vocals & guitar)
Robin Tolleson (drums & vocal harmonies)
Shayne Heather (Fender bass)
Jeff K'norr (keys)
Jason Moore (saxophones)

12, 13, 14 DELIGHT YOUR VALENTINE @ TWINS JAZZ WITH FELICIA CARTER FEATURING THE FAB TRIO & DONATO SOVIERO

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Felicia Carter: vocals
Bob Butta: piano
Frank Russo: drums
Amy Shook: bass
Donato Soviero: guitar

“Carter can cast a spell with her lyrics alone..." -Mike Joyce, Washington Post

Originally from Washington D.C., vocalist Felicia Carter has earned accolades from audiences, musicians, and critics for her “immaculate pipes” and dramatic song delivery, as well as being a noted composer and lyricist. Carter recorded her first jazz standard in 2000, singing the title track for bassist Victor Dvoskin’s “There’s A Small Hotel.” 2001 marked the release of Carter’s self-produced jazz recording, “In the Pink…and Songs In Blue”, as well as a guest performance on New Legacy Jazz Band’s release, “5 Months, 2 Weeks, 2 Days”, (featuring two of Carter’s original compositions.) In 2003, Carter was composer and lyricist for “Dipteracon”, an original musical adaptation of Jean Paul Sartre's “The Flies”, which premiered at LaMaMa ETC in Manhattan. The Unified Jazz Ensemble featured Carter on their 2005 release, “Live at 49 West”. From this recording, the track “Makin’ Whoopee” was culled for inclusion on Baltimore Jazz Alliance’s 2006 compilation CD “Jazzscapes”. As a member of the "Sistas Can Sang!" ensemble, she appeared at numerous venues, including Martin Luther King International Chapel. In 2007, Carter was invited to perform with the Tony Martucci Quartet at the "Jazz y Vino Festival" in Chile, and was a featured performer on saxophonist Russell Kirk’s recording, "Black and White". That same year, Carter collaborated with composer/bassist Amy Shook, writing music and lyrics for the PBS documentary "Next Stop: Silver Spring" (WETA). In 2008, Carter released “Feather/Step Lightly”, a critically acclaimed double-disc recording of original music and jazz standards. From this release, Carter’s composition, "Louise", was a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition. Carter was recently commissioned to compose music for a production of "Troy Women" at Washington College. Her past performances include Artscape, Blues Alley, Carmichael Auditorium (Smithsonian), Chris's Jazz Cafe, Jazz y Vino Festival, Jazzfeast, The Mainstay, Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Rasmusen Theater (Smithsonian), and the Voice of America Auditorium.

“Carter successfully mixes the rock-ribbed roots of jazz vocals with a guileless vision of the future that is irresistible.” George Harris, All About Jazz

www.feliciacarter.com

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17 MATT WIGLER (JAZZ/BLUES PIANIST)

Matt Wigler is a jazz and blues piano and organ player from Baltimore, Maryland. Matt's unique blend of jazz, blues, and boogie music "could well go on to break new ground in the fields of blues and jazz" says Bill Wilson of the Billtown Blues Association. Matt has appeared with many famous musicians including Buckwheat Zydeco,Deanna Bogart, Marcia Ball, Tommy Castro, Bobby Rush, Tab Benoit, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Lil; Ed and the Blues Imperials, and Sir Mack Rice. Matt has also opened for blues guitar greats Buddy Guy and Joe Bonamassa.Matt will be featured in a documentary on blues pianists that will be broadcast on PBS stations nationwide.Matt has played at the Monterey Bay Blues Festival (California), Beaches International Jazz Festival (Toronto), Cincy Blues Fest, Motor City Blues and Boogie Woogie Festival (Detroit), the Fedex Forum (NBA game in Memphis), Artscape(Baltimore), Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival (Maryland), Columbia Festival of the Arts (Maryland), The Birchmere and The State Theatre (Virginia), and the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise (Caribbean).Matt's debut CD, XIII (Thirteen), released June 2007,is being played on radio stations around the world and is receiving great reviews. Matt has been interviewed on WPFW (89.3) in Washington, DC and ABC and Fox television in Detroit.His second CD, Epiphony was released July, 2009.Matt's performance schedule, sound clips, photographs, and other information are available at mattwigler.com. Matt's CDs are available for purchase at vistarecords.net

18 VOCALIST ANDREA WOOD

19,20 STAN KILLIAN

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Stan Killian tenor saxophone, Benito Gonzalez piano, Corcoran Holt bass and Mac Hunter drums

Based in New York, tenor saxophonist Stan Killian performs original music drawing inspiration from the minds of Wayne Shorter, Woody Shaw, McCoy Tyner, and Joe Henderson. Reviewers have described his playing as “virtuosic”, “muscular”, and “mellifluous.” Peter Westbrook from Jazz Review writes, “Killian is by no means another Coltrane clone. He has a voice of his own with an almost classical sonority at times.” His new Quartet features the outstanding Venezuelan pianist/composer Benito Gonzalez, whose fierce energy and free harmonic approach ignites the band’s exclusively original repertoire. Always swinging, bassist Corcoran Holt and drummer Mac Hunter, who both originally hail from Washington D.C., have a telepathic connection which enables the music to take unexpected twists and turns. The Quartet plans on recording their debut album next spring, but in the meantime, log onto www.stankillian.com for live audio samples of the band’s recent performances in New York City.

Stan has performed and recorded with major jazz artist such as Antonio Sanchez, Ben Monder, Scott Colley, Eric Revis, Eric Harland, Mike Moreno, Bruce Saunders, Rogerio Boccato, Frank LaCrasto, Sheryl Bailey, Hans Glawischnig, Dan Weiss, Thomas Morgan, Luisito Qunitero, Fabian Almazan, The Bjorekestra, The Temptations with Dennis Edwards, Mary Wilson’s The Supremes, Chris Maresh, Ernie Watts, Tim Collins, Bill Watrous, Mark Ferber and Clyde Adams. He has performed around the United States at an array of jazz venues. As a side-musician, he has also performed at various jazz festivals around Europe such as The Montreux Jazz Festival, The Umbria Jazz Festival, The Antibes Jazz Festival and also Texas festivals such as The Fiesta Jazz Festival and Jazz’s Alive! in San Antonio, the Kemah Jazz Festival in Houston, and the Texas Jazz Festival in Corpus Christi.

Originally from Texas, Stan Killian began his career at age 16, gigging with his father in the San Antonio area. Upon graduating from high school in 1997, he attended Texas State University in San Marcos, where he studied saxophone with John Mills and improvisation with pianist James Polk, former arranger and composer for the Ray Charles Orchestra. Stan began free-lancing in the Austin music scene, performing steadily as a side-musician with various local bands. A short time after he turned twenty-one, he recorded his first CD, “Straight Ahead” which features pianists James Polk and father Joe Killian, as well as Austin trumpet legend Martin Banks. After the release of “Straight Ahead” in 2001, Stan moved to Houston and began performing almost exclusively as a leader. In Houston, he began working with guitarist Clayton Dyess who had extensive experience with Nat Adderly, Dizzy Gillespie, Arnett Cobb, Al Grey and Joe Pass. In 2002, he recorded “Deep Down” which features legendary Houston drummer G.T Hogan, Joe Killian and James Polk on Hammond organ, as well as Dyess. Stan’s playing during this period, especially his consistent emphasis on tone, reflects his early influences, the full-bodied tenor sounds of Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster. Other early influences include Dexter Gordon, Sonny Stitt and Johnny Griffin, with their endlessly logical bebop lines, soulful blues spirit, and driving swing. In 2003, Stan and vocalist/arranger Margret Grebowicz formed Com Você. This group’s early vision consisted of an unlikely mix of odd meter bossa novas, Brazilian MPB classics and Wayne Shorter tunes. Com Você released their debut album “Candeias” in 2007 on the European jazz label Nocturne and opened for the legendary Ze Renato on his West Coast tour in the summer of 2007. Com Você returned to the studio to record, “A Day Full of Sun” this past spring in New York. Produced by Matt Pierson, this album will be released on Sunnyside Records in 2010 and features new arrangements by Gil Goldstein and a world class rhythm section comprised of guitarist Ben Monder, bassist Scott Colley and drummer Antonio Sanchez.

www.stankillian.com

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21 JOHNNY GRAHAM AND THE GROOVE

Johnny Graham is one of the finest young musical talents of our time. Born in raised in Baltimore, MD this trumpet and keyboard player is a treasure to see perform. His music blends jazz, R&B, hip-hop, rock and soul into an ecliptic musical mix, playing with a unique virtuosity, skill, creativity, and passion. Already bandleader of east coast touring band, Black Diamond, Graham is now set to make his mark with his own solo original material. Joined by some of the finest musicians in the DC and Baltimore Area, Graham performs along with The Groove.

24 THE VOCAL WORKSHOP

The Vocal Workshop is an eight-week program designed to guide aspiring vocalists in their journey towards becoming jazz singers. The workshop was founded by guitarist and jazz educator Paul Pieper and is taught by pianist Chris Grasso.

Each Workshop culminates in a live performance at Twins Jazz, where participants get to sing the tunes they've been working on with Chris and his trio. We invite you to come hear our vocalists do their thing, meet the instructors, and see if you'd like to join us, too.

25 ANDREA CAPOZZOLI

Vocalist, trumpet player songwriter and producer Andrea Capozzoli is a force to be reckoned with on the modern music scene. Named 2004 "Female R&B Artist of the Year" at the New York International Music Festival, Andrea has gained great acclaim for her powerful energetic performances.

She has opened for the likes of Sister Sledge and Jessica Simpson, and has shared the stage with Slide Hampton, Bernard Purdie, Sean Jones and Erik Kloss among others. She had the distinct honor of performing at the Inaugural Ball for Deval Patrick and the Boston Inaugural celebration for Barack Obama. Andrea has also performed at the Kennedy Compound for the Robert Kennedy Memorial Fundraiser.

Andrea is on faculty at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in the voice department and has been a featured performer for the Steely Dan Commencement Concert honoring Steely Dan and recently performed in Singer's Showcase at the college debuting her song "So Real." Originally from Pittsburgh, Andrea studied with Maureen Budway and while at Berklee studied with Kevin Mahogany, Cheryl Bentyne of Manhattan Transfer and Mili Bermejo.

She has been featured on numerous CD's, and recently completed work on her long-awaited debut album "So Real" which showcases her vocal abilities and musical versatility. In addition to composing and producing 10 tracks on the album, Andrea handles lead and background vocals, trumpet and keyboards. From the driving funky energy of "Something About You Baby" to the sultry gospel ballad "If I Only Knew", this album has something to offer to audiences of all ages. It also features local heavyweights Amy Bowles and Mark Shilansky on keyboards, Dmitry Ishenko on bass, Rob Mitzner on drums and percussion, Casper Gyldensoe on guitar, with Jared Sims and Joel Yennoir rounding out the horn section.

26,27 JONATHAN KREISBERG TRIO

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Jonathan Kreisberg-Guitar
Gary Versace-Organ
Mark Ferber-Drums

With a busy touring schedule and rave reviews from the press and peers, Jonathan is steadily becoming one of the most exciting new sounds on the international Jazz scene. He has studied a wide range of music and performed in many eclectic situations. As a member of U.M.'s concert jazz band he played with Joe Henderson,Michael Brecker and Red Rodney. He performed 20th century works with the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas. He has performed as a sideman in the groups of Dr. Lonnie Smith, Joe Locke, Joel Frahm, Greg Tardy, Roy Nathanson(Jazz Passengers), Donald Edwards, Jane Monheit, Ari Hoenig, Yosvany Terry and Lenny White, as well as leading his own groups including such notables as Larry Grenadier, Bill stewart and Scott Wendholt. He has released 4 critically acclaimed CD's on the Criss Cross and Mel Bay Labels.

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28 MARK CARUSO TRIO (GUITAR)

Look no further - a talented, versatile guitarist, Mark Caruso has been playing guitar seriously for over 20 years. He currently plays with the jazz trio: "Zeebop", and in the past performed jazz fusion with The Brownstreet Band and straight ahead jazz with the "Ociojazz" quartet and the "Five on Friday" quintet.

While jazz is probably his very favorite style, he also loves playing blues, soul and funk tunes behind talented vocalists. Caruso grew up in the Midwest listening to the Paul Butterfield blues band, Buddy Guy, Aretha and everything Stax and Motown. His favorite guitarists include: Jim Hall, Kenny Burrell, Sco, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, Robben Ford, Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler. Some of his favorite composers and performers include: Bonnie Raitt, Mary Ann Redmond, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, B.B. King, Budy Guy, Junior Wells, Shemekia Copeland and Huey Lewis and the News.

2 ATOMIC

Fredrik Ljungkvist (saxophones, clarinet), Magnus Broo (trumpet), Paal Nilssen-Love (drums), Ingebrigt Håker Flaten (bass) and Håvard Wiik (piano).

Even though initially thought of as a sort of rebellion to the quaintness of the “Scandinavian Sound” which had become exemplified by Norwegian artists on labels such as ECM, Atomic found themselves becoming a new sort of unique sound on their own. After their first two studio albums Feet Music (Jazzland, 2002) and Boom Boom (Jazzland, 2003), both their growing audience and music reviewers alike began to perceive them as an original flavor with an entirely individual energy that few Scandinavian jazz groups could match. An explosive blend of American free-jazz with European characteristics is how some reviewers have described them. Or better yet, “part academic lecture, part a fun night out on the town”, is how the band describes themselves, and is what makes their sound truly Atomic.

"Debut of the year!" wrote John Fordham in The Guardian (UK), describing Atomic as "One of the most exhilarating new groups on the European circuit!" Feet Music brought together five young musicians from the adventurous jazz underground of Sweden and Norway. Formed in the spring of 1999, they quickly forged a strong group identity without sacrificing their individual freedom of expression. Taking the album title from a composition by Ornette Coleman, Haker Flaten says, “The music is groovy. In a way, it needs people, and it's searching for human contact -- it's not introverted music. We see our music as being for extroverted people and hopefully they see it that way, too”. Atomic’s second album release, Boom Boom became a greatly anticipated follow-up by fans and critics alike, and resulted in their first Norwegian “Grammy” (Spellemannprisen) award for Best Jazz Album of 2003. Following up this success, they released the generous three-CD live set The Bikini Tapes in 2005. The band have already been in studio recording new material ready for their fifth release in spring –08.

While they make no secret of their admiration for leading American jazz musicians such as Archie Shepp, Charles Mingus, George Russell and Keith Jarrett, the music of Atomic is also mixed with an equal love of European free jazz from the 1960’s. They regard the American and European jazz traditions as an inspiration rather than a restriction, as a springboard to set their own direction and position within jazz music. This also shows through their collaboration with the Chicagoans; Ken Vandermark and Jeb Bishop in the band; ”Atomic School Days” which released their first album ”nuclear assembly hall” in –03. A live recording from the acclaimed Chicago club ”Green Mill” with the same lineup is expected to be released in spring –08. Both CD´s on the Chicago label OKKA DISC.

No strangers to the touring circuit, Atomic were on the road almost as soon as they were formed, shaping and refining their sound and they have allready toured Europe, Scandinavia, US and Japan several times.

With Happy New Ears!, Atomic successfully returns yet again with a resounding successful album, and further sets the path for future conquests for those who like their jazz with both content and a sense of exhilaration. Join them in celebrating the new ear!

4 ERIC VLOEIMANS

Dutch trumpet player Eric Vloeimans (1963) is regarded as one of Europe’s best performers with an extraordinary talent for playing original music with outstanding quality. Vloeimans prefers recording original compositions on his many award winning cd’s, however he can often be heard performing a wide variety of tunes. As a composer he does not feel restricted to one particular style, and he has managed to create an evocative, harmonic language of his own. His writing is fresh and creative, yet not without feeling and respect for tradition. Eric Vloeimans is unique among many of Holland’s top international jazz artists in that he does not shy away from playing beautifully. He is a rare musician that has mastered the complete range of the trumpet, from the energy laden high notes to the soft, velvety, almost wooden sounds. The talent and the expressive power of Eric Vloeimans’ music have been honoured by his winning the Dutch Edison Award four times, the Elly Ameling Prize of the City of Rotterdam, the Boy Edgar Award and the prestigious Bird Award at the North Sea Jazz Festival.

Eric Vloeimans has been active in a wide variety of ensembles all over the years. The two ensembles that he works with now are The Eric Vloeimans Trio “Fugimundi”, with the surprising Anton Goudsmit on guitar and rising star Harmen Fraanje on piano. This trio performs acoustic (jazz) chamber music. Their broad repertoire ranges from contemporary jazz, hymns, world music to occasional standards, all of which is presented with warmth and wit.

His other band is Eric Vloeimans’ Gatecrash, which features soundscape master Jeroen van Vliet on Fender Rhodes and keyboards, the inventive Gulli Gudmundsson on bass, electric basses and effects, and the up and coming Jasper van Hulten on drums. Vloeimans expands his trumpet mastery with electronics special effects. Gatecrash has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s top cross-over bands between jazz and pop. The music ranges from lazy lounge music to hard core uptempo beats and spaced out moods, with Zappa-influenced odd meters. It’s a band that sweeps the audience away.

Vloeimans' performances and recordings with a multitude of other formations has shown his versatility. His musical talent, easy-going attitude and great sense of humour have brought him to play with national and international artists such as Mercer Ellington, John Taylor, Marc Johnson, Peter Erskine, The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Jasper van ‘t Hof, Han Bennink, Furio di Castri, Charlie Mariano, NguyÍn LÍ, Jimmy Haslip, Jarmo Savolainen, Philippe Catherine, Joey Baron, Lars Danielsson, Michael Moore and many, many others.

His musical collaborations have taken Eric Vloeimans abroad many times. With diverse artists and ensembles he played all over Europe, Indonesia, China, the Middle East, South Africa and Japan. Experiences from his travels influence his music constantly and can be heard in many of his compositions.

Eric Vloeimans plays from the heart and has shown a remarkable power to create bridges and reach the hearts of audiences all over the world.

In March 2009 he will be making his second US tour with his trio “Fugimundi” – Anton Goudsmit on guitar, Harmen Fraanje on piano, and Eric Vloeimans of course, on trumpet.

5,6 BRUCE SWAIM QUARTET

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Attended University of North Carolina at Greensboro as a performance major in saxophone. Also studied with acclaimed saxophonist James Houlik.

Became a full time professional musician in the late 1970s. Moved to the D.C. area in 1981.

Performance credits include Danny Gatton, Keeter Betts, Carl Allen, Rosemary Clooney, Martha Reeves, Millie Jackson, The Spinners, Michael Feinstein, Ronnie Wells, Houston Person, and many others.

Active in studio work with many independent pop and jazz recording projects, numerous film and T.V. soundtracks and jingles.

Has performed at many venues in the U.S. and Canada. In the D.C. area, has appeared in many top showcase concerts and clubs including the Kennedy Center, DAR Constitution Hall and more.

Influences include (in no particular order) Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, Stan Getz, Gene Ammons, Stanley Turrentine, King Curtis, Jr. Walker, Bobby Keys, Red Prysock, Lee Allen, Sil Austin, Hank Mobley, Johnny Griffin, Charlie Rouse, Lester Young, Michael Brecker, Booker Ervin, George Coleman, Willis Jackson, and many others.

The new CD, “Lucky Strikes” by the Bruce Swaim Quartet is now available on CD Baby.com.

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7 AUTEUR LIVE

Progressive R&B group Auteur has spent the last year making quite an impact in their native Washington, DC area. Comprised of Billy Winn, Lemaitre, and TinaB., the group is credited with singing backup for a number of local artists, as well as appearing as a guest act in various local music festivals. With each member having their own identifiable sound and style, Auteur prides itself on mixing and bending musical genres like Jazz, Hip Hop, Soul and Rock into its own unique brand of Rhythm & Blues. Currently the group is working on their first project, which is slated for a mid-summer release, and plan to perform non-stop beginning in the spring.

www.myspace.com/auteurlive

11 THE BRITTON BROTHERS

12, 13 LOU WATSON

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“Lou’s got class and an intoxicating vocal style.”

That’s what audiences are saying about Jazz vocalist and pianist/composer Lou Watson. He blends his deep, warm, sonorous baritone together with songs of his own creation, in the classic Jazz/R&B tradition, to produce sensuous, romantic, and truly timeless musical creations.

Lou has that special kind of magic that comes with musical maturity. It’s an inherent ease, an innate knowing. Unquestionably in his prime, Lou Watson’s consummate artistry is on full display on his CDs, "It Doesn’t Matter" and "Taking a Chance on Love" on the Village Notz™ Music label.

Lou was educated at Livingston College of Rutgers University. There, he was exposed to jazz greats Kenny Barron, Larry Ridley, Ted Dunbar and a host of other who’s who in the jazz world. Lou later left to tour with the R&B singing sensations “The Manhattans” as well as The “Drifters Review” as pianist and musical director. Here Lou got a taste for life on the road as he toured the concert circuit. “It was great to bask in the rewards of a hit record. The experience of playing in places like the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and be treated like a world class artist was most enjoyable.” Although Lou served as supporting cast for many of these groups, he would always get compliments on his speaking as well as his singing voice. Once, while singing as an opening act for the Drifters Review in Corpus Christi, TX, Lou received a standing ovation for his rendition of a then popular ballad. From that moment Lou realized that he had to make greater use of his vocal gift.

Lou has been performing in nightclubs in the New York metropolitan area, as well as private affairs both as a solo pianist/vocalist and with his jazz trio, serving up stylish renditions of traditional jazz standards. Lou has also performed with countless concert tours and road productions. Most recently completing a tour of Thailand. Lou also lends his talent to the amazing organization "Music for All Seasons." http://www.musicforallseasons.org/history.html

Different stylistic genres, and artists such as Johnny Hartman, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Patti Austin, Kurt Elling and Dianne Reeves influence Lou’s vocal style. His R&B musical heritage, united with jazz, funk, pop and gospel, combine to form his highly personal, distinctive vocal style. All of these influences helped inform Lou’s own musical choices. A singer of ballads and standards so adept at establishing and sustaining a pervasive mood, he often makes everything outside the musical moment seem trivial. Easing into a situation, and working toward an emotional tone so deep, that once established it seems medicinal, Lou’s voice warms the body and soothes the soul like an intoxicating tonic.

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14 THE FULL CONSENSUS

The Full Consensus is a traditional jazz quintet based in the metro DC area. Styles range from Bebop to Latin Jazz and American Song Book. www.fullconsensus.com

18 RBLUE

19, 20 DAVID GIBSON QUARTET

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25 KILLER STILTS (Jazz/Funk/Blues/Vocals)

Pam Parker, Susan Faucon and Liz Briones are the Dames of Killer Stilts. These spectacular Divas sing, squabble and laugh out loud about beauty, money, sex, God and politics...lots of thought provoking, irreverent and musical conversation.

With Ro Cube on Keys, Wardell Howell on Bass and Eric Haskins on Drums, these 6 accomplished musicians perform a diverse collection of original jazz, funk and blues blended with provocative dialogue, a large dollop of humor and the meaning of life as seen through the eyes of three crazy Dames.

www.killerstilts.com

26,27 FREDDIE REDD QUARTET

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Freddie Redd-piano
Brad Linde-tenor saxophone
Tom Baldwin-bass
Tony Martucci-drums

Since his emergence as composer of the score for Jack Gelber's harrowingly exact play, The Connection, Freddie Redd has finally been gaining some of the recognition that has eluded him for much of his playing career. Freddie also plays the taciturn pianist in the play with convincing effect. Although he hopes to work again in the theatre, Freddie remains essentially a jazz player-writer, and this album underlines his growth as a composer of vigorously expressive jazz originals. Freddie has been writing since he started playing. In both disciplines, he is largely self-taught. Born in New York, May 29, 1928, Freddie came of a moderately musical family. His mother sang in church, and still does; and his father, who died when Freddie was not yet a year old, had played piano. Unlike most professional jazzmen, Freddie didn't take up an instrument until quite late in his teens. Around 1946, when he was in the Army, Freddie bagan to pick up the piano on his own. After being discharged, he studied for a month at the Greenwich House Music School in New York, but he bacame so proficient through his own investigations that he left school to take his first professional job, a jazz gig in Syracuse. With him, by the way, was tenor saxophonist Tina Brooks. After Syracuse, he free-lanced in Harlem, especially in a sit-in room called Club Harlem where pay was small but the chance to learn before an audience and other musicinas was extensive. Meanwhile, he was absorbing a number of influences. The first jazz record he recalls having had a sharp impact on him was the Charlie Parker--Dizzy Gillespie "Shaw' Nuff" to which he was exposed in the Army. Later, Freddie heard Bud Powell. "Bud really got me started. I'd never heard a pianist play quite like that--the remarkably fluent single lines and the pretty chords. In time, Thelonious Monk got to me too. Actually, however, I've been influenced by many things I've heard on a lot of instruments. What I do is try to piece together what stimulates me into my own way of feeling things musically." By 1953, Freddie had joined Cootie Williams and spent a stimulating year traveling mostly through the South. Back in New York, Freddie started working with vibist Joe Roland and began to be heard quite often at Birdland's informal Monday night sessions. In 1954, Freddie was with Art Blakey, and then for a time he seemed to have disappeared. He turned up in Sweden on a tour with Rolf Ericson, joined Charlie Mingus's Jazz Workshop in 1956, and when Mingus went to the coast, Freddie left the band there. He was based in San Francisco for six months, and returned to New York where he did some recording but was inactive on the club scene. After several years of shuffling, the chance came to write the music for and appear in The Connection. Freddie has been at the Living Theatre on Sixth Avenue ever since. He doesn't find the long run dull since "something different happens every night," but he would like to form his own group and go back into the clubs. He was particularly anxious to work out some of his ideas on how jazz writing and playing can be productively interrelated in this album and the result, he feels, has given him more confidence than any experience since his scoring The Connection. --NAT HENTOFF, from the liner notes, Shades Of Redd, Blue Note

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28 FOUR ACROSS

Josh Deutsch- Trumpet
Carmen Staaf- Piano
Kendall Eddy- Bass
Brian Adler- Drums

Four Across is the best new jazz quartet that I've heard in recent years... about to rank among the premier contemporary jazz groups...fresh, young, and talented" says Bud Young of KBCS FM, Seattle. The group is an exciting jazz quartet focused on creating new improvised music. The group skillfully blends influences from folk melody, latin and New Orleans grooves, while maintaining roots within traditional jazz. The members have performed at festivals and jazz venues in Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Panama, Canada, The Netherlands and Japan, as well as across the United States. Come and celebrate the release of their self titled debut album on Circavision/8bells.

"Four Across" represents what I love most about jazz! This ensemble has vision for the present and future while truly honoring the past. Strong composition along with great solos and inventive interplay makes Four Across a repeat play on my ipod. Five Stars all the way!" ~Ray Vega, New York trumpeter & Bandleader.

"Among the most sensitive and inventive music I've..."Among the most sensitive and inventive music I've heard. Absolutely gorgeous!" ~ Toby Koenigsberg jazz pianist, Origin recording artist, professor of jazz studies @ University of Oregon.

www.myspace.com/fouracross

2, 3 KELLY SHEPHERD AND NOMAD STORIES

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Kelly Shepherd - Alto and Soprano saxophones
Charlie Etzel - Piano
Andres Jimenez - Drums
Eric Kennedy - Percussion
Victor Cruz - Colombian Percussion
Andres Rot - Bass

In the spirit of artists like Pharoah Sanders, Rassahn Roland Kirk, Sidney Bechet, Charles Lloyd, Jimi Hendrix, and Joni Mitchell, Nomad Stories expresses the essence of the human experience. Adventurous while being most accessible, NoMad Stories provides an electrical, emotionally moving experience for their audience. You will travel the earth hearing the rhythms and sounds of jazz, calypso, gospel, funk, American pop and folk music, South America, the avant garde and Asian music. "Our music has the blues in it and it's the natural culmination of all our experiences.. we come from everywhere, yet we connect.. the two drummers are from Colombia, and.... the blues is the same feeling all over the world. I think you can hear the blues in Mozart, Trane or Dylan.. We want people to be uplifted emotionally, physically, spiritually...

The mood always changes with NoMad Stories as they frequently feature special guests ranging from hip hop to folk to classical artists. Music which touches and reflects the ancient, aboriginal stories of the earth and simultaneously reaches the outermost expanse of the modern spheres, acoustic and electric. These are the NoMad Stories. www.myspace.com/nomadstoriesgroup

Victor Cruz is from Colombia; he plays regularly with some of the best musicians in NY. He has played with Cuban bass legend Cachao and currently leads a fantastic Colombian ensemble Achuira shares his time between NY and Boston finishing his studies at the Berklee College of Music.

Andres Jimenez studied drumming at the Conservatory in Colombia and Florida. He has played with bassist Cecil Mcbee and Danilo Perezand he plays regularly in Boston and in NY with the rock band Baywah. He also studies with drummer Leroy Williams.

Eric Kennedy has played with Larry Willis, Bobby Watson, Nnenna Freelon, Gary Bartz, John Hicks, Ronnie Mathews, Bunky Green, Curtis Lundy, Paul Brown, Dick Griffin, TK Blue and Essiet Esiet.

Charlie Etzel has been for years, a very in demand pianist in the Baltimore - Washington DC area. He has performed with Slide Hampton, Gary Thomas, Tommy Williams, Mickey Fields, Arnold Sterling, and Buck Hill.

Bassist, Andres Rotmistrovsky was born in and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. There he was awarded a scholarship to play under the famous bandleader from Argentina Hector Lopez Furst. He was awarded in 2007 with the "Charles Mingus Award" . At Berklee he studied with John Lockwood, Joe Lovano, Matt Garrison, Terri Lyne Carrington, Dave Liebman. In Argentina he played and/or recorded with Leon Gieco, Juan "Pollo" Raffo, Axel, Juan Cruz de Urquiza. He has also worked with Marta Gomez, Franco Pinna, Terri Lyne Carrington. Kelly Shepherd has performed with Cecil Mcbee, Dr.Lonnie Smith, Curtis Fuller, Richard Wyands, Virgil Jones, LeRoy Williams, Charles Davis and Tardol Hammer.

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9,10 CC BOOKER III FEATURING WILL SCRUGGS CD RELEASE SHOW

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Will Scruggs - sax/vocals
Nate Shaw - organ
Tony Romano - guitar
Marlon Patton - drums
w/special guest Charles Phaneuf, sax

“Playing to a packed house at Twins Jazz at Saturday night’s 9:00 set, CC Booker III, feat. Will Scruggs, delivered an earthshaking mix of soul, funk, and hard-bop jazz. Every solo, every tune, and occasionally even a few lonely riffs generated screams and mighty ovations. Twins has a reputation for filling seats with the avant-garde, but even the edgiest listeners need some good old funky fun now and then. CC Booker only plays DC about once a year, but they never fail to generate that fun.” -Michael J. West, Washington City Paper, Feb. 4, 2008

CC Booker III is a SoulJazz Tribute to the music of Ray Charles, King Curtis, and Booker T and the MG's. CC Booker III features tenor titan Will Scruggs and B3 devotee Nate Shaw. Hailing from Atlanta, GA and Brooklyn, NY, Scruggs and Shaw bring you a soul-jazz sound dedicated to three greats; Ray Charles, King Curtis, and Booker T and the MGs as the big swinging sound of the tenor saxophone meets the super funk of the Hammond B3 organ. The band features New York native, Nate Shaw, on keys and Atlanta native, Will Scruggs, on horns. Between the two of them, they have performed worldwide to sell out audiences at such venues as the Blue Note and the Apollo Theatre. The Minneapolis Star Tribune described Nate Shaw’s sound as “rhythmically adventurous yet gracefully understated…as thoughtful as it is potent,” and The Chicago Reader wrote that he “stood out for his detailed solos and expansive keyboard style.” Will Scruggs is one of the most exciting young artists on the jazz scene today, having recorded and toured with the legendary Natalie Cole in 2006. With a deep arsenal of original music and a strong background in jazz, funk and reggae, Scruggs wins over audiences wherever he goes. CC BOOKER promises to be one of the most exciting new groups of the last ten years. If you like it swinging and soulful, this is the show for you! For more info on the band, check out www.ccbooker.com. ***CC Booker tours in a diesel Ford van that runs on 100% recycled vegetable oil....swingin' hard and saving the planet.

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27, 28 THE MOUTIN REUNION QUARTET

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Francois Moutin (upright bass), Pierre de Bethmann (piano), Rick Margitza (saxophones), Louis Moutin (drums)

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29 THE KEITH WESBY GROUP

Keith has performed in countless venues since 1983. He has toured the country with many different acts. As a player, he has recorded on many sessions for Pop, Gospel, and Jazz artists. As a solo artist, he has a wide array of technical abilities. His style can range from soft and sensual to rough and gritty. He has a large catalog of compositions which often reflect the smooth sounds of contemporary jazz with hints of the fusion genre. In 2006, Keith formed the “Keith Wesby Group”. KWG is comprised of talented, seasoned musicians that possess the same skill, desire, and vision of its band leader. While the Keith Wesby Group will warm your heart with beautiful melodies, they will also dazzle you with their impressive improvisational skills.

Musicians:
Steve Wolfe – Sax
Charles Jablow – Keyboards
Cory Hoffman – Guitar
Damon Lomison – Drums
Keith Wesby – Bass

5 THE KEVIN ROBINSON ENSEMBLE

Formed in 2003, The Kevin Robinson Ensemble is lead by Baltimore saxophonist, Kevin Robinson. The ensemble has challenged itself to explore the "art of conversation" through combining group improvisation, original compositions and rearranged jazz standards. The group has been blessed to collaborate with visual artist Chris Taylor and David Cunningham along with several poets and spoken word artists. The mission of the ensemble is to create music that will be introspective to the respective individual members and will stimulate thought and conjure diverse emotions reflecting "this thing called life".

The Kevin Robinson Ensemble featuring Kim Walker...
Kevin Robinson, saxophones/alto clarinet
Jackie Blake, flute
Delandria Mills, flute
Kim Walker, vocalist
Brandy Brewer, acoustic bass
Lafayette Gilchrist, piano
Rick Slye, drums