Results for "Phoenix"

Dan Pinson

Born: October 27

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Dan started his music career playing clarinet at the age of seven. Since then, he has performed in many venues, from jazz clubs in the U.S., Mexico and Europe, to jazz festivals drawing thousands of fans, to performing on local, national and international television and radio, including an appearance on "Whad'ya Know with Michael Feldman" on Public Radio International. He has appeared with or opened for a wide variety of international, national and local artists, including Stevie Wonder, Spyrogyra, Kenny Loggins, Jay Leno, Jeffrey Osborne, Gato Barbieri, Keiko and Kazu Matsui, Richie Cole, Gerry Mulligan, Pete Jolly, Mills Brothers, Harry James Band, Ted Curson, Judy Roberts, Bill Reichenbach, Joe Morello, Little Anthony, The Drifters, Freda Payne, Latin music star Selena and Grammy winners Grupo Niche. Classically trained on clarinet at Arizona State University, Dan has performed with the Arizona State University Symphony Orchestra, Scottsdale Symphony Orchestra and the Glendale Community Orchestra

Mike Vax: Getting Vaxinated

by Nicholas F. Mondello
October 21, 2019

Mike Vax has one of the shortest surnames in jazz music—he's “tied" with Tommy Vig and Jack Six for that honor. However, those familiar with his activities as a well-respected lead trumpeter and soloist with Stan Kenton, a stalwart member of the famous Dukes of Dixieland, the leader and man behind the annual tour of the ...

Bob James, David Sanborn, and Marcus Miller: The Lost Tour

by Jim Worsley
October 4, 2019

Backing a new record with a live tour is, of course, standard practice. So, a tour in support of Double Vision (Warner Brothers, 1986) would be nothing out of the ordinary. The Bob James and David Sanborn classic, that also features Marcus Miller and Steve Gadd, proved to be visionary in its scope and profound in ...

Ben Hedquist

Born: April 20, 1988

Ben Hedquist is the clinical assistant professor of jazz bass at Arizona State University. He holds a doctorate in double bass performance from ASU where he studied under double bass virtuoso Catalin Rotaru. Hedquist is the education program coordinator at The Nash, Phoenix’s jazz performance and education center. As a double bassist, Hedquist is known for his versatility and feels at home playing classical or jazz music. As a classical musician, he has performed with the West Valley Symphony, Phoenix Opera, and as Principal Bassist for the Musica Nova Orchestra. Hedquist has also performed in chamber concerts with the ASU String Faculty as part of the Stradivarius Concert Series at the Musical Instrument Museum, with violinist Mark Fewer (McGill University) as part of the Lotus Land Project and performs solo recitals throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan area

Mike Reese

Mel Bridges

Mel began his professional career as a vocalist and songwriter in 2001. Attracting audiences internationally and stateside. Now a former Member of The Miracles, he looks forward, continuing to create soulful ballads​. He grew up singing in local bands and performed his way through college. While in the Marines, he carted around a set of conga's and taught his buddies the art of hand drumming. He has always known that music and performance would take the lead in his life. A singer, actor, songwriter, dancer, and percussionists his talents have allowed him to perform with the likes of Al Green, Journey, The Chi-Lites and a host of other accomplished musicians. His theatre journey includes appearances in a variety of productions and has blessed him with a Zoni for his appearance in 5 Guys Named Moe. Mel is a principal drummer and director with Kawambe - Omowale African Drum and Dance Theatre

Phoenix

By Javier Santiago

Label: Ropeadope
Released: 2018

The Nash Announces A Search For Managing Director

June 11, 2018

Jazz in Arizona Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, is seeking a full-time Managing Director. Jazz in Arizona owns and operates The Nash, a world-class performance and education venue located in the heart of one of America’s most vibrant arts districts, Roosevelt Row, in Phoenix, AZ. The mission of Jazz in Arizona is to celebrate the rich tradition ...

Bryan Deister

Born: September 8, 1995

I was born on International Literacy Day, 1995 in Los Angeles, California. In my early youth, Math was my bread and butter, and English was my bane and burden. The preschool lesson on months baffled me to no end. How was I supposed to determine the order or day-count of the months? The memorization without utility was just waste of brain space. In Math lessons, I learned a rule and could apply it immediately after, and I could always justify the rule if I forgot it. My elementary school music classes made me realize music had similar universal rules. My father, the biggest Chicago fan I know and a high school trumpet player, had Blood Sweat and Tears, Tower of Power, Chase and of course Chicago playing in the house frequently

Mike Stern: Half Crazy

by Jim Worsley
December 22, 2017

SoCal Jazz is back from safari to the auspicious Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. A follow-up with guitarist Mike Stern was the primary itinerary for this trip. Trip is the name of Stern's new record, just in case you missed the play on words. Unfortunately, Stern had a trip of another kind in 2016. How ...