Home » Member Page

Craig Yaremko

About Me

Up and coming saxophonist Craig Yaremko is one of the most exciting and versatile young artists on the New York jazz scene. A dynamic performer on all saxophones, flutes and clarinets, Craig's diverse musical tastes have led to performances with world-class jazz, classical, rock and pop artists as well as two Brazilian-inspired CD releases as a leader.

A native of Clifton, NJ, Craig received his B.F.A. in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance from the New School University in New York City in 2001. While at the New School, Craig studied with renowned saxophonist, and doubler Ken Hitchcock (who passed on the teachings of the great Joe Allard), as well as jazz greats Jane Ira Bloom, Richard Boukas, Joanne Brackeen, Joe Chambers, Eddie Gomez, Barry Harris, Junior Mance, Cecil McBee, Ron McClure, Charles Tolliver, and Reggie Workman.

Since then Craig has been in constant demand. He has performed along side jazz artists Helio Alves, Don Braden, Paulo Braga, Randy Brecker, Candido, Kermit Driscoll, Paquito D'Rivera, John Riley, Joe Magnarelli, Paul Meyers, Bob Mintzer, Dave Samuels, Bobby Sanabria, Byron Stripling, Dave Valentin, and Ray Vega. His talent as a lead alto player has allowed him the opportunity to play in some of the New York area's finest big bands, including Diane Moser's Composer's Big Band, the Cecil's Big Band, the BMI Composer's Workshop (with Jim McNeely and Michael Abene), as well as the bands of Joe Elefante, Russ Speigel and Bill Warfield. As a soloist, Craig has worked with some of the finest players of his generation, including Nathan Eklund, Freddie Hendrix, Julius Tolentino, Sam Barsh, Josh Dion, and Marshall Gilkes, just to name a few.

A truly eclectic musician, Craig has also performed with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, New York City Symphony, and numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway pits orchestras. He has backed-up artists like the DuPrees, Duke Daniels of the Platters, Linda Eder, Michael Feinstein, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Bobby Rydell, Paul Sorvino, Toni Tennille, and Frankie Valli.

Yaremko has led is own quartet since 2001. With performances at clubs like the Zinc Bar, Trumpets, Cornelia Street Cafe, Kavehaz, and the Greenwich Village Bistro, Craig has built a strong following throughout the New York area. His constant creative drive has led to two CD releases: Persistence (2004) and Brasil (2001). Influenced by the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Hermeto Pascoal and other Brazilian Masters, both CDs received critical acclaim. Currently he is working on several small group projects, including Sync, a chordless quartet featuring Nathan Eklund on trumpet, Bill Moring on bass, and Steve Johns on drums.