/---------------------------------------------------------------\ | | | Anton Schwartz - Jazz Saxophonist & Composer | | | | M E D I A K I T | | | | www.antonjazz.com/pr | \---------------------------------------------------------------/ C O N T E N T S o Contact Info o Anton Schwartz Bio o Quotes - about Anton Schwartz - about "When Music Calls" - about "The Slow Lane o CD info o Bio for musicians on the CDs _____________________________ / Anton Schwartz Contact Info \________________________________________________ PRESS/MEDIA CONTACT: Jason Byrne Red Cat Publicity phone: 347 578-7601 email: redcatpublicity [atsign] aol [period] com RADIO PROMOTION: Mark Rini Groove Marketing phone: 877 476-6832 email: mark [atsign] groovmarketing [period] com DIRECT CONTACT: Anton Schwartz web: www.antonjazz.com postal: 3240 Peralta St. #2 Oakland, CA 94608-4130 phone: 510 654-3221 f/vm: 212 656-1888 ____________________ / Anton Schwartz Bio \_________________________________________________________ Jazz saxophonist Anton Schwartz has been drawing listeners in with the power, spirit and subtle complexity of his music since he bounded onto the San Francisco jazz scene in 1995. At 27, Anton was answering the call of his long-standing passion for jazz, stepping away from the high-level research in Artificial Intelligence he'd carried out at Harvard and Stanford. Quite a career change. Once in action as a musician, Anton quickly gained an enthusiastic following as music fans responded to what the San Francisco Chronicle recently called his "warm, generous tone, impeccably developed solos and infectious performance energy." In the years since, Anton has won over listeners and critics at high-profile jazz venues across the country, including the Blue Note in New York, Washington D.C.'s Blues Alley and the Monterey Jazz Festival. His frequent appearances at Yoshi's in Oakland draw sellout crowds; one such concert was broadcast nationwide on NPR's JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater in December, 2005. Each of his four CDs has earned sterling reviews and strong airplay, with his most recent CD, Radiant Blue, landing Top Five on the national jazz radio charts. While his own writing earns consistently high praise, Anton remains as much at home with the great jazz standards as he is with his own compositions. "What I require for music to really captivate me," Anton says, "is groove and intellect working in tandem. Music that gets into your bones, into your head and into your heart. I want to create music that conveys something intriguing--through the rhythm, the structure, the interplay of melody and harmony--and distill that down into something clear and beautiful." Anton was born in 1967 and raised in New York City. He began playing clarinet at twelve and switched to the saxophone at fourteen. He quickly became enchanted with jazz, and his early development got a jump start when he came under the tutelage of jazz masters Warne Marsh and Eddie Daniels. While in high school, Anton formed a group with future stars Peter Bernstein and Larry Goldings and got a taste of the big time, appearing in concert with both Lionel Hampton and Woody Herman. In college, however, Anton pursued other passions. He earned a B.A. in Mathematics and Philosophy at Harvard, graduating magna cum laude in 1989. Next came Stanford, where, as a National Science Foundation fellow, Anton performed doctoral research in Artificial Intelligence. But all the while, Anton continued to play music. He held the prestigious first tenor sax chair in the Harvard Jazz Band, after Don Braden and before Joshua Redman. And inevitably, Anton's heart drew him to a full-time jazz career. In '95 he jumped feet first into the San Francisco jazz scene that has remained his home, even as he's traveled the country. Praise for Anton's performances and recordings has been unceasing. Jazz Improv Magazine called Anton's 2004 Christmas CD, Holiday Time, "A superb album, bubbling with a combination of imaginative and sweet sounding playing--enjoyable year round." Of his 2000 release, The Slow Lane, Billboard Magazine wrote, "Schwartz savors the implications of each note, allowing the listener to delight in the endless melodies created by his stirring improvisations." Anton's first CD, When Music Calls (1998), inspired the San Francisco Bay Guardian to report, "Anton Schwartz has everything you want to hear in a modern jazz saxophonist--an appealing, consistent tone, an abundance of ideas fueling both his compositions and his improvisations, and superb taste in musical collaborators." Perhaps famed saxophonist Illinois Jacquet put things most succinctly when he told Anton, "You play the tenor sax like it's meant to be played." A well-rounded professional, Anton is also in great demand as a teacher. He's a faculty member of the Stanford Jazz Workshop and The Jazzschool, where he has designed courses ranging from "The Physics of Musical Sound" to "Improvising Eighth Note Lines." He is also a clinician at the Brubeck Institute. "It's especially gratifying to me to see so many people reacting so wholeheartedly to my music." Indeed, longtime aficionados and jazz newcomers alike rave about his performances. That ability to capture hearts and minds at all ends of the jazz spectrum has made Anton a force to be reckoned with in the world of modern jazz, now and for years to come. MORE INFORMATION. A full digital media kit, including high-resolution photo images and review reprints, is available at www.antonjazz.com/pr. _______________________________ / Quotes about Anton Schwartz \______________________________________________ "Thoughtful, adventurous jazz" - Jason Koransky, Down Beat "You'd expect a brainiac like Schwartz to make brainy jazz, and indeed he does. What surprises are the upbeat vibe, stong melodies, and unflagging sense of swing that he brings to this music." - Ed Kopp, JAZZIZ Magazine "You play the tenor sax like it's meant to be played!" - Illinois Jacquet, Jazz Saxophonist "Anton is a real swinging, refreshing, young voice on the tenor and I'm really impressed with his compositions." - Eddie Daniels, Jazz Clarinetist "Round-bodied tone and elegant compositions... Schwartz, savors the implications of each note, allowing the listener to delight in the endless melodies created by his stirring improvisations... Schwartz unhurriedly embellishes five original compositions and an equal number of covers with energetic lines that mark him as both a creative improviser and a master of economy. - Steve Graybow, Billboard "Anton Schwartz's music exudes and explodes with vitality that respects the mind as it moves the heart... and he SWINGS!" - Herb Wong, Jazz Journalist & Producer "Schwartz's compositions swing with graceful elegance, effervesce with spirited vigor and romance with soulful emotion." - Dan Ouellette, Stereophile, Down Beat, SF Chronicle "Anton Schwartz is a great saxophonist and composer with a beautiful sound and a keen imagination! I look forward to listening to him for many years to come!" - Peter Bernstein, Jazz Guitarist "There's a buzz about the young tenor player, and it always mentions the drive behind his lines." - Jim Macnie, The Village Voice "A heavy-duty player and a smart composer all in one." - Jazz Online "Schwartz is definitely one to keep an eye on; his straight-ahead style resonates with soul, sophistcation, and swing." - Wayne Saroyan, Oakland Tribune "A FABULOUS musician... really a SMOKIN' player! And boy, I hear his name everywhere." - Alisa Clancy, KCSM-FM Jazz 91 "Schwartz [has] clearly won the respect of his peers." - Martin Johnson, New York Newsday "Schwartz communicates notes and ideas with thoughtful, unflappable insistence... studiously precise yet relaxed." - Reed Johnson, Los Angeles Daily News "One of the most exciting young tenor saxophonists around." - San Francisco Jazz Festival "A graceful improviser at any tempo" "His music is marked by emotional balance and a self-confident narrative drive." "In both his tunes and his playing, Schwartz makes a strong case for the continuing vitality of the mainstream jazz tradition." -- Andrew Gilbert, Express "Anton Schwartz has a swinging lyricism, and his compositions are often marked by humor and logic, making his music very enjoyable to the ear." - Larry Goldings, Jazz Organist/Pianist "With his big, warm tone and compelling sense of swing, Schwartz combines the lush romanticism of tenor titan Ben Webster with the brawny soul of Stanley Turrentine." - Andrew Gilbert, Metro "...a bright new star in the jazz world." - Stephen Watkins, Jazz USA "It's refreshing to hear a talented young player who not only demonstrates knowledge of the post-Coltrane era, but also so warmly embraces the earlier saxophone giants. You can hear it in his phrasing and in his sound." - Bud Spangler, Jazz Producer "This man is an excellent saxophonist." - Jerome Wilson, Cadence Magazine _______________________________ / Quotes about "Radiant Blue" \______________________________________________ "Schwartz blows with a warm, fluid tone, and great economy... his decisions all sound right... This ensemble shines.... The music bins are full of bluesy jazz albums; this one brims with optimism and intelligence." - Ed Kopp, JAZZIZ Magazine "* * * *" - All Music Guide "Much like Chris Potter, Anton Schwartz is a nice and unassuming guy to talk to, yet both turn into modern day tenor titans as soon as they put the mouthpiece between their lips... There's a lot to like here with sharp arrangements and crisp straight ahead playing that seems to hit all the right notes." - Tad Hendrickson, JazzWeek Magazine "... this is a first-class audiophile product." - John Henry, Audiophile Audition "Anton Schwartz and his sidemen are deadly serious about their fun... they are all adept at staying in the pocket while stretching it. As for Schwartz, he has a classic clear-throated tenor sound and kicks like a mule. His zeal to communicate is fervent yet sophisticated... Radiant Blue could make an excellent introduction to jazz for someone on the outside looking for a way in." - Thomas Conrad, Jazz Times Magazine "This is the kind of young jazz the majors keep saying they are looking for but not delivering" - Chris Spector, Midwest Record Recap Publisher's Pick. "Schwartz sports a resounding tone on this studio set, spiced up with grit and a soul-jazz drenched Žlan... masterful group interaction... an irrefutably sparkling program. A top ten pick for 2006." - Glenn Astarita, AllAboutJazz "A tremendous jazz saxophonist... Anton Schwartz has been a local favorite for years. Let's hope that this is the album that pushes the Oakland-based saxophonist to where he belongs -- front and center on the national stage." - Jim Harrington, Oakland Tribune "The hard-swinging Oakland-based tenor saxophonist has a simmering sapphire-flame tone. Here he celebrates the release of his excellent new CD, "Radiant Blue," with a top-shelf quintet" - Andrew Gilbert, San Jose Mercury News "Schwartz cements his reputation as a player who deals in spontaneous melodic ideas, rendered with great clarity." - Kirk Silsbee, Los Angeles City Beat "The spirit and verve of a true independent musician... Schwartz imbues each of his songs with engaging melodies and some serious grooves." - Primetime "An incredible cd. I rarely hear these days something that hits on most, if not all, cuts. [Radiant Blue] does." - Bill White, WWOZ-FM, New Orleans "Dreamy interplay... vibrant jazz... relaxed and warm... a welcome addition." - George Harris, All About Jazz: Los Angeles "Bright original compositions... [a] lush and energetic recording." - The American Jewish World "This is an essential disc for any collection." - Jean-Keith Fagon, Capital Community News "This is grade 'A' 'all-killer-no-filler'... [the five musicians] are virtuosos, endowed with temperance, eschewing gratuity for the greater good of the music. Each has a signature timbre... guitarist Bernstein particularly manages to transcend archetypical jazz guitar stylings with aplomb... Schwartz' compositions are engaging and sophisticated... these are truly unique musicians of the highest order." - Jan-Mikael Erakare, Abstract Logix ________________________________ / Quotes about "The Slow Lane" \_____________________________________________ "Good saxophone players can make their instrument talk to you. Anton goes a step farther... his music communicates with your soul." - Ray Redmond, Jazz USA (Feb/Mar 2000) "* * * *... Schwartz' seemingly uncanny abilities and sensibilities enable him to render even the quietest or calmest of tunes with a meticulous and often understated sense of urgency." - Glenn Astarita, AllAboutJazz.com "* * * * 1/2" - Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide (April, 2000) "* * * * *" - Paula Edelstein, JazzReview.com (April 8, 2000) "* * * *... Each note has logic and a purpose, making the resulting melodies strong and intelligent... Schwartz's playing is stunning." - John Doll, SonicNet "Long after all the smooth jazz "here todays" have faded, players like Schwartz will be making important music." - George Fendel, Our Town "fearless chops... one of jazz music's young lions to watch." - Tad Hendrickson, CMJ New Music Report "Schwartz's playing is stunning." - John Doll, SonicNet (Oct 2002) "Schwartz has a rich and lovely tenor sound." - John Henry, Audiophile Audition (April 2000) "Schwartz plays with an appealing grace and sophistication that allows him to say very much with very little as the remainder of his quartet listens intently and colors in around him." - Marc Greilsamer, Amazon.com "Personfication of genuis" "There have been many young tenor saxophone players before Schwartz, but very few have his naturalness, his musical presence and command of the instrument." - Donald Adderton, Biloxi Sun Herald (June 2000) "The cohesion of this ensemble aside, Schwartz's playing is the highlight. Saving his vibrato for just the right moments, he's strong in his expressiveness. His tone is remarkably consistent, making his command of the instrument come across as second nature. With so many tenor players out there still trying to tackle "Giant Steps," it's nice to listen to someone who sounds more like Trane doing 'Naima.'" - Ed Enright, Down Beat ___________________________________ / Quotes about "When Music Calls" \__________________________________________ "* * * *" - Alex Henderson, All-Music Guide "* * * *... a talent to be reckoned with... brilliant." - Robert Bragonier, Fifty-Second Street "* * * *" - George Fendel, Jazzscene "Schwartz is cut from different weaves than other young men with their horns... Nothing on this outing is less than ear-grabbing. Schwartz's debut CD is impressive." - Rapport Magazine "Schwartz shows his command of his tenor [and] distinguishes himself as a composer, arranger, and instrumentalist." - Sunsh Stein, Jazz Times ______________________________ / CD info for "Radiant Blue" \____________________________________________ GENERAL INFO Anton Schwartz - "Radiant Blue" (C)(P)2006 AntonJazz - AJ-1004 UPC: 614511739221 Distributed by Burnside Distribution Corp. [bdcdistribution.com] Produced by Bud Spangler and Anton Schwartz. All compositions by Anton Schwartz except #3, as noted. All songs arranged by Anton Schwartz. Recorded, mixed, and mastered in 24-bit, 96kHz digital audio. HDCD¨ encoded for enhanced digital fidelity. Total playing time: 61:28 Recording and Mixing Engineer: Dan Feiszli. Recorded December 5-6, 2005 in 96kHz 24 bit audio at Bay Records, Berkeley, CA. Mixed at What's for Lunch Recording, Albany, CA. Mastered by Paul Stubblebine, San Francisco, CA. Graphic design by Martha Cooper. Photography by Gregory Niemeyer. Release date: August 8, 2006. Special edition also available in DVD-Audio format for extreme audio fidelity. MUSICIANS Anton Schwartz (tenor sax) Peter Bernstein (guitar) Taylor Eigsti (piano) John Shifflett (bass) Tim Bulkley (drums) SONG REFERENCE - Each entry contains: Song title [duration] Composer (Publisher) ISRC code Description ISRC codes: 1. Phantom Dance [7:12] by Anton Schwartz (Antonjazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-06-01010 Straight-eight groove. Clean, modern, down-to-earth. 16-bar blues variant. 2. Alligator Strut [4:48] by Anton Schwartz (Antonjazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-06-01020 New Orleans style 24-bar blues with a funky, angular melody. 3. Wave (Jobim) [7:39] by Antonio Carlos Jobim (Corcovado Music/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-06-01030 New take on the classic Jobim samba. Intro & interludes in 9/4 time, solos in 7/4 time, end vamp in 11/4 time. Melodic & pretty through much, but slammin' by the end. Most people don't realize that this song is in fact a blues with a bridge. 4. Slightly Off Course [6:20] by Anton Schwartz (Antonjazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-06-01040 Fast swing. Variant of a 24 bar minor blues. Minimalist funky drum groove with syncopated piano+bass hits 5. Life & Times [7:43] by Anton Schwartz (Antonjazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-06-01050 A feel-good South African groove. Cross-demographic appeal. Peaceful for much of the song, then changes gears and gets extremely energetic toward the end. 6. Marcel Marceau [5:21] by Anton Schwartz (Antonjazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-06-01060 Sparse & funky. A lot of attitude. 7. Blues for Now [5:54] by Anton Schwartz (Antonjazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-06-01070 Shuffly, bluesy swing. 8. Groundsurge [6:04] by Anton Schwartz (Antonjazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-06-01080 Afro-Samba, medium-up tempo. 9. Hooking Up [4:50] by Anton Schwartz (Antonjazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-06-01090 Medium tempo "jazz blues". Upbeat, straight ahead swing. 10. Sneaking Suspicion [5:31] by Anton Schwartz (Antonjazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-06-01100 Slow and bluesy. A relaxed, kickin' back vibe. ______________________________ / CD info for "Holiday Time" \____________________________________________ GENERAL INFO Anton Schwartz - "Holiday Time" (C)(P)2003 AntonJazz - AJ-1003 UPC: 880364187827 Distributed by Burnside Distribution Corp. [bdcdistribution.com] Produced by Anton Schwartz and Bud Spangler. All songs arranged by Anton Schwartz. Recorded, mixed, and mastered in 24-bit, 96kHz digital audio. HDCD¨ encoded for superb digital fidelity. 27 minutes of music, packaged in an attractive DigiPak. Recorded October 28, 2003 at Spark Studios, Emeryville, CA. Recording Engineer: Ben Leinbach. Mixing Engineers: Ben Leinbach & Devin Earthman. Mastering by Ken Lee. Artwork by Gregory Niemeyer. Release date: August 3, 2004. MUSICIANS Anton Schwartz (tenor sax) Art Hirahara (piano) John Wiitala (bass) Tim Bulkley (drums) Ê SONG REFERENCE - Each entry contains: Song title [duration] Composer (Publisher) ISRC code Description 1. Jingle Bells [5:55] J.S. Pierpont (Antonjazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-03010 The verse is reshaped into an introspective preamble, the chorus into a bright & soulful waltz. Both are totally reharmonized. 2. Winter Wonderland [3:57] R. Smith & F. Bernard (Warner Bros. Music/ASCAP) ISRC: US-2S3-04-03020 A reggae for your winter vacation! 3. The Christmas Song [6:01] M. Torme & R. Wells (E. H. Morris & Co./ASCAP) ISRC: US-2S3-04-03030 Classic ballad for the holidays. 4. Sleigh Ride [4:33] L. Anderson (EMI Mills Music, Inc./ASCAP) ISRC: US-2S3-04-03040 A spritely latin version -- a partido alto variant in 7/8 time. 5. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning [7:20] D. Mann & B. Hilliard (Better Half Music Co. & Rytvoc Inc./ASCAP) ISRC: US-2S3-04-03050 A different side of the holidays, from the Sinatra songbook. _______________________________ / CD info for "The Slow Lane" \___________________________________________ GENERAL INFO Anton Schwartz - "The Slow Lane" (C)(P)2000 AntonJazz - AJ-1002 UPC: 030911200220 Distributed by Burnside Distribution Corp. [bdcdistribution.com] 70 minutes of dynamic, acoustic jazz Produced by Bud Spangler and Anton Schwartz Recording Engineer: Paul Stubblebine All arrangements by Anton Schwartz Liner notes by Becca Pulliam, producer of NPR's JazzSet Recorded November 2-4, 1999, Berkeley, CA HDCD encoded for superb digital fidelity Release date: February 15, 2000. MUSICIANS Anton Schwartz (tenor sax) Paul Nagel (piano) John Shifflett (bass) Jason Lewis (drums) SONG REFERENCE - Each entry contains: Song title [duration] Composer (Publisher) ISRC code Description Audio link - full length QuickTime clip 1. Miyako [6:31] Wayne Shorter (Miyako Music/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-02010 A different take on the Wayne Shorter classic. Very spontaneous performance. www.antonjazz.com/audio/sl/Miyako.mov 2. The Curve of the Earth [8:42] Anton Schwartz (AntonJazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-02020 Slow samba, curvacious, with a rubato introduction. www.antonjazz.com/audio/sl/CurveOfTheEarth.mov 3. DonÕt Ask [6:12] Anton Schwartz (AntonJazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-02030 Basher with compelling hits & modern harmony. www.antonjazz.com/audio/sl/DontAsk.mov 4. Then Again [9:01] Anton Schwartz (AntonJazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-02040 Pensive, uplifting ballad with a pop flair. www.antonjazz.com/audio/sl/ThenAgain.mov 5. Along Came Betty [6:01] Benny Golson (Time Step Music/ASCAP) ISRC: US-2S3-04-02050 Cuban-inspired arrangement of the Benny Golson jazz standard. www.antonjazz.com/audio/sl/AlongCameBetty.mov 6. Chelsea Bridge [4:50] Billy Strayhorn (Billy Strayhorn Songs/ASCAP) ISRC: US-2S3-04-02060 Unadulterated rendition of a gorgeous Billy Strayhorn melody. www.antonjazz.com/audio/sl/ChelseaBridge.mov 7. Come Rain or Come Shine [6:21] H. Arlen & J. Mercer (Chappell & Co/ASCAP) ISRC: US-2S3-04-02070 Grooving twist on the Arlen/Mercer standard. www.antonjazz.com/audio/sl/ComeRain.mov 8. Peace Dollar [6:35] Anton Schwartz (AntonJazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-02080 Sparse, moody hommage to Abdullah Ibrahim. www.antonjazz.com/audio/sl/PeaceDollar.mov 9. Born to be Blue [7:41] M. Torme (Jewel Music/ASCAP) & R. Wells (Songwriters Guild/ASCAP) ISRC: US-2S3-04-02090 Ballad, starts solo saxophone, grooves doubletime midway through. www.antonjazz.com/audio/sl/BornToBeBlue.mov 10. The Slow Lane [6:34] Anton Schwartz (AntonJazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-02100 Slow 12/8, bluesy, great for unwinding. www.antonjazz.com/audio/sl/SlowLane.mov 11. The Curve of the Earth (reprise) [1:12] Anton Schwartz (AntonJazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-02110 Slow, stirring recapitulation. www.antonjazz.com/audio/sl/CurveReprise.mov __________________________________ / CD info for "When Music Calls" \___________________________________________ GENERAL INFO Anton Schwartz - "When Music Calls" (C)(P)1998 AntonJazz - AJ-1001 UPC: 714288018021 Distributed by Burnside Distribution Corp. [bdcdistribution.com] Over 60 minutes of dynamic, acoustic jazz Produced by Anton Schwartz with Bud Spangler All arrangements by Anton Schwartz Liner notes by Dan Ouellette HDCD encoded for superb digital fidelity Recorded "live" to two-track November 4 & 5, 1997, Bay Records, Berkeley, CA. Recording Engineer: Bob Schumaker. Mastered by Paul Stubblebine. Release date: May 26, 1998. MUSICIANS Anton Schwartz (tenor sax) Paul Nagel (piano) John Shifflett (bass) Jason Lewis (drums) * Josh Jones (congas) on 3,4,8 SONG REFERENCE - Each entry contains: Song title Description Composer and (Publisher) ISRC code 1. Too Much Pepper Vivacious & soulful opening track. Anton Schwartz (AntonJazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-01010 2. Rabbit Days Buoyant jazz waltz. Anton Schwartz (AntonJazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-01020 3. Where or When * Sparse, funky remake of the classic by Rodgers & Hart. Rodgers & Hart (Chappell & Co. and Williamson Music/ASCAP) ISRC: US-2S3-04-01030 4. Tidepool * Afro-cuban 6/8 groove. Anton Schwartz (AntonJazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-01040 5. Through the Years Melodious, nostalgic ballad. Anton Schwartz (AntonJazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-01050 6. Poketown Classic, lively medium swing. Anton Schwartz (AntonJazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-01060 7. Denouement Lush & melodic, with a Brazilian flavor. Anton Schwartz (AntonJazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-01070 8. Paradoxy * Funky reworking of Sonny Rollins' "Doxy". Sonny Rollins (Prestige Music/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-01080 9. Sticktuitive Powerful, driving 3/4. Anton Schwartz (AntonJazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-01090 10. When Music Calls Pensive, stirring "tone poem". Anton Schwartz (AntonJazz/BMI) ISRC: US-2S3-04-01100 ________________________ / Musicians Bio \_____________________________________________________ Anton Schwartz (sax) See above. Tim Bulkley (drums) With ear opening creativity and a passion for his craft, Tim Bulkley is an exciting drummer on the San Francisco Bay Area scene. Always open to new musical situations, Tim has worked with a an array of musicians that includes Stanley Jordan, Mike Zilber, Ray Drummond, Michelle Hendricks, Anton Schwartz, and the late Smith Dobson. Tim is currently involved in Telepathy, an avant garde group, the Invisible Cities, an alternative rock group, and Octagon, a multi media dancer/musican collaberation. Jazz pianist Smith Dobson put it best when he called Tim "one of the most dynamic, creative, and intuitive drummers on the bay area scene." Art Hirahara (piano) Art Hirahara is a jazz pianist/composer based in Brooklyn, NY. In the fall of 1996, he was selected by the Arts America office of the U.S. Information Agency to serve as a "Jazz Ambassador" on a seven week tour of the Middle East and South Asia, where he performed, lectured and conducted workshops with local musicians. He performed with his sextet at the Monterey Jazz Festival in September 2001. See also: www.arthirahara.com Josh Jones (congas on "When Music Calls") Josh Jones has recorded and performed with such greats as Don Cherry, Steve Coleman, Chico Freeman, Arthur Blythe, Taj Mahal, Sheila E., and rappers Tupac and Too Short. He is also the leader of several bands which are central to the San Francisco jazz/funk scene: The Josh Jones Latin Ensemble, Hueman Flavor, and the Josh Jones Trio. Jason Lewis (drums) Jason Lewis holds a B.A. in music from the classical percussion program at San Jose State University. He has taught privately since 1991, coached at the Stanford Jazz Workshop, and has performed clinics at schools throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Mr. Lewis has played with a variety of talented musicians, including Regina Carter, Joshua Breakstone, John Stowell, Mark Murphy, Cornelius Bumpus, and Kurt Elling. He has also performed with the San Jose Symphony and San Jose Civic Light Opera. Besides performing live throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, he has recently been touring with Michael Brook, Djivan Gasparyan, Ann Dyer, Boz Scaggs, and Ashwin Batish. He can also be heard on the movie soundtracks for "Albino Alligator" and "Affliction" as well as on numerous other recordings. Paul Nagel (piano) Paul Nagel's first professional job was with guitarist Robben Ford's band (1971-72), backing blues singer Jimmy Witherspoon. Since, he has had the opportunity to work with many of the world's greatest jazz musicians, including Dave Liebman, Richie Cole, Eddie Harris, Eddie Moore, Ray Brown, Joe Henderson, Sonny Stitt, and Bobby Hutcherson. He was a member of Ray Drummond's Quartet ('76-'78) and in 1980 formed a long-lasting association with vocalist Bobby McFerrin. Paul has performed at many of the world's greatest jazz clubs, festivals, and concert halls. He is currently touring with McFerrin's band Bang!Zoom and with Boz Scaggs in support of their jazz chart-topping CD "But Beautiful." John Shifflett (bass) John Shifflett's creative musicality, strong energy and rock-solid sense of time make him a staple of the Bay Area jazz scene. Now a San Jose resident, he pursued graduate studies in music at the the University of Iowa, where he also taught Jazz Studies and directed big bands. He has done countless studio sessions ranging from radio and TV jingles to country and pop recordings--but his primary focus has always been jazz. He has performed with a long list of jazz artists, including Toshiko Akiyoshi, Ernie Watts, Red Holloway, Tom Harrell, Bobby Hutcherson, Harold Land, and saxophonist Bill Evans. In the Bay Area he has performed and recorded extensively with such diverse artists as Boz Scaggs, Smith Dobson, Harvey Wainapel, Peter Apfelbaum, Will Bernard, and Ann Dyer. John Wiitala (bass) John Wiitala has worked with some of the greatest names in jazz, including Joe Henderson, Junior Cook, Charlie Rouse, James Moody, Bud Shank, and Cecil Payne. He has toured with Richie Cole, Arturo Sandoval, Shorty Rogers, and Jessica Williams, and has played at jazz festivals around the world, including Monterey, North Sea, Montreux, Detriot, and JVC/Concord. His recording credits include work with Scott Hamilton, Jessica Williams, and Mark Levine.