Celebrate and promote jazz in churches!

Attention all artists, musicians and newsletter subscribers! Ask your pastor or church to have a jazz concert, jazz worship service, or Jazz vespers service at your local church! Tell them about your ministry playing jazz to the glory of God! If you are a fan                 share with your church your love for jazz and favorite CJA network artists - and how to contact them for an engagement! Promote jazz music in the sanctuary!!

______________________Help Keep Jazz Alive!______________________

Play Jazz, record jazz, write and arrange jazz, listen to jazz, teach jazz, promote jazz education, read about jazz,  attend jazz concerts, and celebrate and savor the gift of jazz music wherever you are!

Recording a CD project???

Need musicians or producers for a recording project? Then seriously consider contacting and using our network artists! The majority of our artists are seasoned veterans as studio session musicians, producers, and arrangers. Many of them have their own studios and are experts in laying down the tracks you need! With new technology you can hire an artist from anywhere to do the work - you don't have to live in the same area at all anymore! Visit the CJA Network directory to contact your favorite Christian Jazz Artists here!

CJA Network New Members Spotlight

We Welcome New Members To Our Network!

David Wells

David Wells is a gifted Fluglehorn/Trumpet player from a small town in West Virginia. He made his professional debut at the age of thirteen. Heavily influenced by Louie Armstrong, Herb Alpert, and The Tijuana Brass, David has evolved into an instrumental soloist with the capability of reaching his audiences on an intimate level.

Wells has celebrated his musical gift with the release of six CDs and with approximately 200 shows per year. In 2006, the release of "More Love, More Power," brought national acclaim on smooth jazz radio stations.

Jazz show host Larry Hollowell speaks highly of David's ability - "David's' soaring trumpet carves riveting melodies...Wells' facility on his horn is masterful, to say the least. His tone is boldly exciting and immediately engaging". In 2007, David was a guest on the national television show "Studio Jams" on the BET Network.

 David has a new CD Release, "Friday Afternoon". a collection of original instrumental pieces which reaches out and touches the listener's heart. For more info/hear samples visit here!

Voices Of Lee  

Excellence in harmony, spirit, and performance depicts the lush musical style of The Voices of Lee. Since their debut in September '94, their intense musical focus has captivated audiences worldwide. Directed by Danny Murray, this seventeen-member group is characterized by their unique variety of lush acapella jazz vocal harmonies, high-energy patriotic numbers, fun-filled audience participation, as well as heart-felt gospel favorites. The Voices of Lee have appeared on "Good Morning America", as well as in some of America's most noted churches and cities across the nation. Under the direction of Danny Murray the Voices Of Lee have blossomed into one of America's premier jazz acapella vocal groups. Murray has coached collegiate-aged musicians for over 25 years at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.  Danny is a veteran choral clinician who brings practical instruction, humor and lots of heart to inspire singers to develop, present, and celebrate their musical gifts with excellence. For more info/hear samples visit here!

 Guillermo Guzman   

Guillermo Guzman has been making music for over 30 years. He has played bass professionally in the studio, film, tv, and on stage, with his own bands and with well known pop, jazz, Latin and world music artists.  A native of Bogota, Colombia where he started his musical career, Guzman came to the United States in October 1976 where he lived and work with several bands in the New York City before moving and settling in Los Angeles, CA. in 1978. He played bass for "The Tony Orlando Show", as well as numerous appearances on "The Johnny Carson Show", The Merv Griffin Show, The Mike Douglas Show.. He has played or recorded with Aretha Franklin, Billy Preston, Adam Sandler, Rita Moreno, Captain & Tenille, Nelle Carter, Stephen Stills, Felix Cavalieri, Jose Feliciano, Melba Moore, The Beach Boys, The Platters, Chick Corea, Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick, Juliet Prowse, Tolu, Tommy Walker,  Ricky Martin, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Michelle Greene, Luis Perico Ortiz, Alex Acuña, Pete & Sheila Escovedo, and many others. Guzman has a brand new CD, "Hymns To A Different Drum".

The CD is a collection of instrumental hymns performed with excellence and creativity, for a great listening experience. This unique collaboration of talents will take you on a journey trough music that draws on elements of jazz, Brazilian, Colombian, Puerto Rican & Afro Cuban rhythms, blended together to bring these traditional songs to the beat of a different drum. The recording features Justo Almario on Saxes and flute, Rique Pantoja on Piano, Keyboards, & Guitar, Walter Rodriguez on Percussion, and Guzman on Bass. For more info/hear samples visit here!

Deanna Jones Orchestra  

As one of New York's premier bands, The Deanna Jones Orchestra has performed at thousands of special events and celebrity functions. With fans ranging from Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones to Jimmy Buffett and Geraldo Rivera, you know that they must be something special to appeal to the sophisticated listener. It's not difficult to understand their success; collectively, the credits of individual band members reads like a veritable "who's-who" of the music industry.

The Deanna Jones Orchestra has performed with Blood Sweat and Tears, Buddy Rich, Dave Valentin, Tower Of Power, Whitney Houston, Tony Bennet, Maynard Ferguson. Wynton Marsalis, and many others.

 "Very First Dance"  features all-original music in a wide variety of jazz styles. Superbly written by vocalist/bandleader Deanna Jones and producer/keyboardist Mark Falchook, whether your taste is for traditional swing or smooth jazz, funky or romantic, latin or big band, The Deanna Jones Orchestra's "Very First Dance" is a creative adventure that deserves a home in your Jazz CD collection! For more info/hear samples visit here! Deanna and the Band are currently in the studio working on a new CD "Feels Like Sunday"!

Richard Maegraith

Richard Maegraith has been described as a musician of many hues. His versatility on both alto and tenor sax, as well as flute, sets him apart.

However it is the warmth and beauty in his tone that first captivates so many. This in-demand tenor player has performed with the finest jazz, latin and world music artists and ensembles including the James Morrison Big Band, Dan Barnett, The Black Sorrows, Wonderbrass, the Sydney All Star Big Band, Mike Nock's Young Lions, the Java Quartet, James Muller, Margaret Urlich, Tom Burlinson, Rachel Gaudry, Jeff Duff and Lily Dior.

Richard was a finalist in the James Morrison National Jazz Scholarship 'Generations in Jazz' and was also nominated for outstanding achievement in the Young Australian of the year Award. He holds a Masters of Music (performance) from The Sydney Conservatorium of Music for which he was awarded a scholarship.

As well as recording with numerous artists, Richard also heads up his own ensembles, the Orghan-um Trio, the Richard Maegraith Band, and Lotsa Leslie.

 His latest CD is, "Free Running". To hear samples visit here!

"The compositions are well orchestrated, sometimes smoothly and melodic, yet each one contains richness and great jazz substance. This album is without a doubt appealing and heartily unique. Maegraith reaches a fusion of deep melodies and guides us into an interesting contemporary jazz trip coupled with tons of artistry and groovy spaces...Jazz Review.com

Dave Corsello -

Dave Corsello is a jazz guitarist and composer . Dave received his B.A. in Music Education in 1986 from Jersey City State College where he studied classical guitar with Joe Owens.. Over the years Dave has had opportunities to play in a variety of settings including small and large jazz ensembles, pit orchestras for numerous local productions and off Broadway production, a Brazilian guitar trio, chamber ensembles, as a classical soloist, and in rock/pop bands.  Dave also plays the trombone and baritone horn.

 Dave's first original Jazz recording is currently in production to be released shortly. Dave currently plays guitar and bass in the worship band at his church and with the NJ band Oracle. For more info/hear samples visit here!

Jazz Is Alive and Well!

    Christian Jazzers Celebrate Their Musical Gifts!

Micheal Ripoll - the guitarist recently has very busy with appearances across the country with his own band and with Kenny "Baby Face " Edmonds. Also a special performance at Kimbro's Cafe in Franklin TN with Richie Pena - drums, John Santos - percussion, Danny O'Lannerghty - bass, and Michael Whittaker - keys.

Patty Peterson - Patty recently appeared in concert with TC Jammers and special guest Jazz Pianist Bobby Lyle at the Dakota Club/Restaurant.  Patty also was in concert with the Peterson family at the Jazz Bakery. Tune into Patty Peterson and Amy Yasbeck-Ritter ( widow of actor John Ritter) on Sirius Satellite Radio - The Doctor Channel - 114. They will be discussing Aortic Dissection, the importance of being diagnosed correctly and the protocol used to diagnosis Aortic Dissections VS a Heart Attack. It is the mission of Patty and Amy to raise awareness to both men and women in order to save lives from this potentially deadly cardio-vascular condition.  More On Patty here!

Peggy Duquesnel -  has a new CD "Show Me Your Way". The new CD reveals Peggy’s eclectic background in jazz, pop, Latin, gospel and the classics. Her unique blend of songwriting, piano improvisation and smooth vocals shine in both intimate and lively arrangements, featuring top-notch studio musicians and world-class background vocalists. For more info/hear samples visit here! She also will be in concert at the Kobe Bistro Jazz Club in Seal Beach, CA on July 10, and at the Concordia University Concert on the Green 1530 Concordia University
Irvine, CA on August 3, 2008.

 

Deanna Witkowski - has been keeping very busy working on finishing her new CD "From This Place". Joining her on this recording are Donny McCaslin, John Patitucci, and Scott Latzky. Visit here to hear excerpts from four (still unmixed) tracks, or click here to hear a piece called Christ the Light. More Info at: www.deannawitkowski.com

Justo Almario - Saxophonist Justo Almario recently was featured in the Kung Fu Panda original musical score, Co-Written By Hans Zimmer & John Paul. Justo was also featured on the recently released documentary Cachao: Uno Mas and talks about his friendship with Israel Lopez "Cachao"- an unforgettable story!

Jeff Newell -    Jeff Newell's New-Trad Sextet was recently in concert at the Brooklyn Music School Faculty Concert, 126 Saint Felix Street, Brooklyn NY. Jeff combines the instrumentation of a New Orleans brass band and an electric R&B group, his free-wheeling ensemble brings its infectious rhythm and joyful humor to American music from John Philip Sousa to The Dirty Dozen Brass Band with a few hymns thrown in on the way. Jeff Newell-saxophone, John Bailey-trumpet, and Alan Ferber-trombone. More on Jeff Newell here!

Randy Bernsen - Randy has been keeping very busy with engagements at the Van Dyke Cafe, the Shizen Japanese Cuisine restaurant, and appearances at the at Peacock Park in Cocunt Grove( South Florida's hippest and longest running outdoor food and jazz festival) For more on Randy visit here!

As you can see our network artists are keeping very busy - to the glory of God!

CJA Network Resources!