Jazz on Jay, Presented by the ElectriCity Arts & Entertainment District

and the Schenectady City Heritage Area

Contact: Karen Johnson, 382-3884 x 114

JAZZ ON JAY OFFERS FREE SUMMER CONCERTS IN DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY

Jazz on Jay returns to downtown Schenectady for its 17th season of free outdoor Jazz concerts on Thursdays from June 3 to August 26 from noon to 1:30 p.m. The series features a variety of well-known regional musicians sponsored by the ElectriCity Arts and Entertainment District and the City of Schenectady Heritage Area. Financial support comes from the County of Schenectady, the New York State Council on the Arts (decentralization funds through The Arts Center), Schenectady Musical Union 85-133, the Downtown Business Improvement District and the Jay Street Business Association.

The rain location for Jazz on Jay is Robb Alley at Proctors.

Season Calendar

June 23 – Alan Payette Quartet

June 30 – The Terry Gordon Quintet

July 7 – Ten 27

July 14 – Steve Lambert Sextet

July 21 – Keith Pray Quartet

July 28 – Hi Fly with Frank Loscavo

August 4 – Norm Frederick

August 11 – The Frank Capri Show

August 18 – Paul Mastriani & Son with Jim Corigliano

August 25 – The Dylan Canterbury Quartet

July 15 sponsoring Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius & Heard at Schenectady County Summer Night

June 2 – Colleen Pratt

From: http://www.colleenpratt.com/about.htm

The product of a musical family, Colleen is the daughter of musicians Helen and Norman Pratt and the niece of well-known jazz man Bobby Pratt.

Colleen often devotes her full, rich vocals to the swing and jazz idioms, but also enjoys singing contemporary ballads, pop and Motown.

Colleen is in demand as a guest performer with many other popular area bands. She often teams up with jazz pianist Peg Delaney and on many occasions with Doc Scanlon. Colleen is proud to be the current vocalist with the Empire Jazz Orchestra. This 19-piece band is featured on her latest recording, "I Thought About You".

Colleen also shows her versatility by performing occasionally as a member of the enormously popular vocal group, Jazz Voices, with Teresa Broadwell and Jody Shayne, accompanied by Peg Delaney, Otto Gardner and Bob Halek.

Other highlights of Colleen's satisfying 30-plus year career as one of the most in-demand artists in New York's Capital District include:

· Opening act for Bob Newhart during his last two engagements at Proctor's Theatre

· Appearances for four consecutive years at the Cazenovia Jazz Festival ("Jazz-N-Caz")

· Featured vocalist for over six years with the preeminent Big Band in the area, the Empire Jazz Orchestra

· Recent recipient of Swingtime Jazz Society "Lifetime Achievement Award", shared with that year's co-recipient Helen Pratt (Colleen's mom)

· Two CDs recorded with Colleen Pratt & Friends (for more information, click here).

· Releasing in April 2007 her third CD, "I Thought About You", which celebrates the music of the Big Band era, featuring the Empire Jazz Orchestra.

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June 9 – Tim Olsen Quartet

Tim Olsen is active as composer, performer, and educator. Born in 1961 in St. Paul, Minnesota, his early training involved playing trumpet in marching, concert, and jazz bands. Olsen began writing and arranging for these groups and picked up piano by ear.

He went on to earn a Bachelor of Music (summa cum laude) in music theory and composition from Washington University in St. Louis (1983), a Master of Arts in music theory and composition from the University of Minnesota (1985), and Master of Music (1988), Master of Musical Arts (1989), and Doctor of Musical Arts (1995) in composition from Yale University. As a Fulbright Scholar in 1990-91, Olsen studied with composer Ib Nørholm at the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music in Copenhagen. Olsen joined the faculty of Union College in Schenectady, New York in 1994. He is currently Associate Professor of Music and director of the Union College Jazz Ensemble. He teaches courses in the music and culture of the United States, Latin America, and Africa; music theory; and jazz improvisation.

As a jazz pianist and trumpeter, Olsen has played in concert, club, and private venues throughout the United States and in Denmark. The Tim Olsen Band varies in size from a quartet to an 18-piece big band. He also regularly plays piano with the Albany-based Joey Thomas Big Band, for whom he has produced over 60 arrangements and original compositions. In 1995 Olsen became Director of Music at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Schenectady, where he plays the organ and directs the Adult Choir.

June 16 - Jim Wilson Quartet

Jim Wilson leads this jazz quartet. Playing guitar, he will be joined by Scott Bassinson on keyboards, Ed Tourge on bass, and Bob Halek on drums. A graduate of Plattsburg State, he has played for Plus 24 in the 80’s, and with Jim Hughes in the 90’s. He is currently a sideman with Keith Pray’s Soul Jazz Revival as well as being a guitar instructor at Schenectady County Community College.

June 23 - Alan Payette Quartet

Guitarist Alan Payette will lead this jazz quartet with Steve Aldi, bass, Gene Garone, drums and Frank Roselli, Saxophone. Payette is also the leader of the 7 piece Alan Payette Band, a party band like no other in the area that personifies the best an act has to offer: a dynamic stage presence, unique original music and the hits of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s. His versatility will be shown with this smaller jazz group at Jazz on Jay.

June 30 – Terry Gordon Quintet

The Terry Gordon’s Quintet’s creative, adventurous approach to original music has been a hallmark for the band since its inception. The unified group sound springs from the experienced, creative players that make up the quintet, who not only have written the compositions featured by the group, but also thoroughly enjoy bringing that material to life in the company of one another, and for the enjoyment of Jazz audiences everywhere.

With their third CD release, Homeward Bound and the receipt of a New York State arts grant for composition, the Terry Gordon Quintet has successfully established in their first two releases: Contemplations and Wakeup Call. With the combination of creative players and unique original compositions the Terry Gordon Quintet has created its own distinctive brand of musical excitement.

Terry Gordon (trumpet, flugelhorn, leader, composer) is a graduate of Houghton College and Mansfield University. Terry performs regularly with Alex Torres y Su Orguesta, including appearances at the Montreal and Rochester International Jazz Festivals. He also performs regularly with the Empire Jazz Orchestra, Keith Pray’s Big Soul Ensemble, the Matthew Maguire Quintet and the Arch Stanton Quartet. He has appeared in programs with Bobby Rydell, Leslie Gore, The Four Freshman, The Temptations, Benny Golson, Jimmy Health, Slide Hampton, Randy Brecker, and David “Fathead” Newman. His recording credits include releases with the Terry Gordon Quintet, Alex Torres y Su Orquesta, the Empire Jazz Orchestra, Colleen Pratt, Keith Pray’s Big Soul Ensemble, the Joey Thomas Big Band and Brass-o-Mania. He will appear with Eric Walentowicz (tenor and soprano saxes, flute, composer), Bill Lawrence (bass, composer), and Matthew Maguire (drums, composer).

July 7 – TEN27

Ten 27 is not your typical jazz trio by any standard. The instrumentation alone sets this gritty trio from the commonly heard jazz music of today. The electric cello is a bold addition to the jazz trio form. This instrument screams contemporary as well as adding an unusual color and texture to the group. Utilizing a staple of 1970s progressive jazz, the Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric pianos are yet another interesting twist not expected at first listen. In the compositions, the combination of electric and acoustic pianos battle in a harmonic duel for balance and grace. All of these elements along with powerhouse Rhythm and Blues drum stylings, make for an aural vacation from the ordinary.

The influences of traditional jazz, progressive jazz, R&B, classical, and gospel do not necessarily stand independently in the compositions. Rather, they blend together for an alarmingly fertile and sometimes entrancing sound. Michael Roach is a strong composer in his own right as is Monica Wilson-Roach. However, the most moving and engaging pieces spring from the synthesis of their collaboration. With the addition of Paul Borrello's' strong backbeat and intricate rhythmic patterns, tempered with the sensitivity of gospel drumming, the trio shines in its brightest light.

Michael Roach received formal training in classical and popular piano as a youngster. He has performed in many venues playing Rock, Pop, Classical, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, and has worked in many formats. Michael has performed at The Whitney Museum of American Art, Symphony Space, Black Rock Coalition Festival, Black Expo and abroad. Some local venues include: 9 Maple Avenue, Stephanie's, and the new Pearl (formerly known as the Steuben Club).

Monica Wilson-Roach has been playing cello and bass for over twenty years. She was on faculty at the Juilliard School and has performed in the Texaco New York Jazz Festival, the Documenta X in Kessel, Germany, the Jazz and Bluesfest - Live from Wolftrap, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music performances of Donald Byrd's Jazztrain with Grammy Award winning artist Vernon Reid. The list of venues include: the Knitting Factory, Merkin Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center out-of-doors. Currently, she conducts string ensembles and occasionally plays with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Albany Symphony Orchestra, and the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra.

Paul Borrello has been playing music since the age of seven. He studied music at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, received an Associates degree from Schenectady College and received a Bachelors degree from Saint Rose. He is currently working towards a graduate degree in music at Saint Rose. He has played drums with many players regionally including jazz guitarists Peter Einhorn and Mark Dziuba at the Hartford Jazz Festival. He is currently working with the John Savage Band, the Lab Trio, Night Train, and Ten 27. Paul also performs on vibraphone and has studied with Ed Saindon from Berklee School of Music, Jay Hoggard from Wesleyan and pianist Dan Dobek. Presently, he teaches drums and mallets at Drome Sound Music Studios in Niskayuna, New York.

July 14 – Steve Lambert Sextet

http://www.albanyjazz.com/musicians/stevelambert.html

Steve Lambert, born and raised in Schenectady NY, has been playing trumpet professionally in the capital region for over 10 years. Early in his career he performed with and learned from some of the best musicians in the area including Nick Brignola, Mike Canonico, Rennie Craine, Mike Wicks, George Muscatello, and Brian Patneaude. Steve moved to New York in 1999 to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University, after which he worked in the office of Second Floor Music for two years as assistant to world-renowned jazz trumpet player/arranger/producer Don Sickler. While on staff at Second Floor, he interacted with such legends as Jim Hall, Renee Rosnes, Charli Persip, Ray Bryant, and Rudy Van Gelder, and worked on many SFM publications including "The Thelonious Monk Fake Book", "Sing Jazz!", and Charli Persipi's "How Not To Play Drums." Steve also freelanced around Manhattan, working at such jazz clubs as Kavehaz, Louis, and The Garage, and honed his chops while frequenting many jazz jams around the city including those at Smoke, The Lenox Lounge, Smalls, and Cleopatra's Needle. He returned to the Capital Region in 2003 where he enjoys playing with many of his old jazz friends, as well as freelancing in the show, commercial, and classical circuits.

For Jazz on Jay he will play Trumpet and Flugelhorn with Keith Pray, Saxophone, Brian Patneaude, Saxophone, Dave Gleason, Piano, Lou Smaldone, Bass and Joe Barna, Drums.

July 21 – Keith Pray Quartet

North Country native saxophonist Keith Pray has been performing professionally since the age of 16. During his career, Keith has had the opportunity to perform in many different genres and with hundreds of professional groups. Keith has performed with Benny Golson, Mark Vinci, Temptations, Empire Jazz Orchestra, Alex Torres' Latin Kings, Cole Broderick Quartet, Caged Monkey, L.O.S. and many others.

Beginning his saxophone studies at age 15, Keith went on to study music at Schenectady County Community College studying with Bill Meckley, Brett Wery and John Aasmunstad. After two years he transferred to the Crane School of Music (SUNY Potsdam) and studied with Robert Faub and Brett Zvacek. After receiving his degree, Keith began honing his skills in the Capital District. After 4 great years Keith decided it was time to move on to New York City.

Living the last 3 plus years in Queens, Keith has finished his master’s degree in Jazz Performance at the Aaron Copland School of Music. It was here that he was able to study with Antonio Hart, Mark Vinci, Sir Roland Hanna, Michael Mossman and Todd Williams.

Keith recently released his first CD under his own name entitled "Rhythm of the Blues". He is currently teaching and performing around the Northeast, including several regional festivals, most recently the Freihoffer's Jazz Festival at SPAC.

Keith will play Saxophone at Jazz on Jay with Dave Gleason, Piano, Lou Smaldone, Bass, and Dave Berger, Drums. He will be teaching at Proctors’ Summer Adventure Jazz Institute for young people from July 18-29. His students will be able to join in hearing his professional group.

July 28 – Hi Fly with Frank Loscavo

Frank Loscavo has been playing professionally for 36 years. He began with the saxophone under Gerry Santy in college in Syracuse and studied classical music with Dr. David Abrahms. He continued college study with Joe Riposo and private study with Phil Woods during the 70's and 80's. His C.D. Frank Loscavo 'As is' was nominated for a Syracuse area music award. Loscavo has played rock, rhythm and blues, blues and, of course, jazz which is Loscavo’s main focus He plays regularly at Aperitivo Bistro in Schenectady

August 4 – Norm Frederick

Norman Frederick is a second-generation musician/band leader who has performed in various venues and with various bands for many years. He has performed with notables, including Dennis Yost of the Classics IV, Bobby Darin, Jerry Lewis, Don Jacoby, Joe South, Tiny Tim, Rodney Dangerfield, Tony Pastor and Russ Carlyle.

A Schenectady native and resident, Norm began studying music at the age of twelve. He attended Nott Terrace and Niskayuna High Schools. During high school, he had his own seven-piece band and played in other professional bands in the area. He earned a B.S. Degree in Music Education at Austin Peay University in Tennessee and received a music fellowship for his graduate education. He has performed in several national advertisements, recordings and shows (including Barnum and Baily Circus) in Nashville. He was certified in music teaching from K-12 in Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia. In Hopkinsville, Kentucky, he was the Director of the Marching Band.

In the sixties, Norm’s band performed every Saturday for four years for General Westmoreland at the Officers’ Club, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. When he returned to Schenectady, he taught music at Schalmont for three years and at Bishop Gibbons for four years, before joining his father at Hermie’s Music Store, where he may still be found. Many prominent musicians worked at Hermie's and received encouragement from Norm.

August 11 – The Frank Capri Show

For Jazz on Jay, Frank Capri will play with Mark Anthony on Drums, Michael Lamkin on Keyboards, Eric Walentowicz on Saxophone and Rick Rosoff on Trombone.

August 18 - Paul Mastriani

Paul Mastriani is an active musician in the tri-city area of Albany, Schenectady and Troy, and now performs in the Sarasota and Tampa area as well. He has composed music for two musical reviews by The Schenectady Light Opera Company. He also composed music for Carmen Sgarlatta’s dinner theatre and played with the Gene James Trio for years with Dyanne Marlowe, Jeanette Oppedisana, and Bobby Massaro, Two of his bossa novas, "Time" and "Gotta Take Time" were performed in Carnegie Hall by the late Tony Zano. Mastriani and Jody Shayne released a CD "Love Is A Garden" in 1998. All of the songs are original, with Mastriani as composer and Shayne as lyricist.

He will play Jazz on Jay with Jim Corigliano, an arranger and outstanding saxophonist and his son Paul J. Mastriani of Rochester who has played festivals in New Orleans and had many engagements in New York City and the Rochester and Buffalo area. (Add bass when recruited)

August 25 – Dylan Canterbury Quartet

Dylan Canterbury is recent graduate of the esteemed jazz studies program at SUNY Purchase. Trumpeter/composer/arranger Dylan Canterbury began his studies at the age of 8, and began playing jazz not long after. By the time he was in high school, Canterbury was already performing with a wide variety of groups, including the acclaimed Empire State Youth Jazz Ensemble and the NYSSMA Zone 7 Area All State Jazz Ensemble. In addition to performing locally with a number of youth honors groups, Canterbury was selected to be the lead trumpeter/soloist with the New York All State Jazz Ensemble, as well as being selected as a member of the All-Eastern High School Jazz Ensemble his senior year.

While at Purchase, Canterbury was a member of the Purchase Jazz Orchestra (under the direction of Todd Coolman) and Purchase Latin Jazz Orchestra (under the direction of Ray Vega and Arturo O'Farrill). As a member of these ensembles, he has performed at the world-renowned Dizzy's Club Coca Cola (with the PJO) and Birdland (with the PLJO). While at Purchase, Canterbury studied privately under jazz trumpet greats Jon Faddis, Jim Rotondi and Ray Vega, in addition to working with other notables such as saxophonists Steve Wilson, Jimmy Greene, and Jon Gordon, trombonist John Fedchock, guitarist Randy Johnston, pianists Hal Galper, Pete Malinverni, and Charles Blenzig, and drummer John Riley.

In addition to performing at Purchase, Canterbury has performed with the Grammy-winning Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, as well as being a member of the newly-formed Smoke Big Band, which performs weekly at the renowned jazz club Smoke each Thursday under the leadership of trumpeter/arranger Bill Mobley. In addition to these performances, Canterbury has been fortunate enough to share the stage with jazz greats Jon Faddis, Terrell Stafford, Eric Alexander, Jimmy Greene, Bob Mintzer, Ralph Lalama, Conrad Herwig, John Fedchock, Renee Rosnes, David Hazeltine, Bill Cunliffe, and John Riley. Locally, he has performed with Brian Patneaude, Adrian Cohen, Joe Barna, Lee Russo, Alex Torres and the Latin Kings, the Keith Pray Big Soul Band, and the Joey Thomas Big Band.