CJA Network New Members Spotlight

We Welcome 10 New Members To Our Network!

 Tony Guerrero has established himself in a variety of areas over the last twenty years. His work as a contemporary jazz flugelhorn player, trumpeter, composer and producer has garnered him both critical success and a world-wide audience. He has toured the United States and much of the world as a headliner in major jazz festivals, concert venues and clubs and has enjoyed commercial radio success not only with his own releases but with music he's written for other artists. To date, he has released 8 solo CDs as well as a variety of special releases and has appeared on countless other artist's recordings (trumpet, flugelhorn, piano, guitar, producer, composer, arranger and more).

Aside from his work in the contemporary and classic jazz fields he has produced albums in a variety of arenas, from jazz to rock to country. Most recently he has been establishing himself as a producer in the Christian Pop & Worship fields. His own worship songs, most notably "(I Will Not Be) Shaken" have been recorded and used in churches around the world.

Tony is presently Director of Creative Arts at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California (Rick Warren, Senior Pastor) where he works with literally hundreds of musicians and singers on everything from weekly services to recordings to concerts. Tony spends his spare time writing about and teaching apologetics for the Christian Faith, cooking, drawing and varied other interests, including maintaining a large personal collection of Louis Armstrong memorabilia. He and his wife Candice live in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, with their daughter Ella and son Nico.

His new release "Apasianado" CD showcases Tony's eloquent mastery of his instrument with 12 all-new Latin-inspired tracks featuring guest performances by saxophonist Eric Marienthal, Grammy®-nominated bassist Brian Bromberg, guitarist Grant Geissman, pianist Bill Cantos, and up-and-coming vocalist Sara Gazarek.

Jazziz Magazine -  "His emotion is nearly palpable throughout a powerful and moving horn performance".

For more info/hear samples visit here!  or visit: www.tonyguerrero.com

 Adam Nitti has emerged as one of the cutting edge bassists and composers in the world of instrumental jazz fusion and rock. Adam has toured with the Dave Weckl band, Jeff Coffin Mu’tet, the Justice League, and Angie Aparo, and has also performed with such legendary artists as Scott Henderson, T. Lavitz, Peter Erskine, Jimmy Herring, Mike Stern, Kirk Covington, Susan Tedeschi, Wayne Krantz, and many others. He is currently the bassist with Steven Curtis Chapman, a 5 time Grammy winning artist.

In addition to being a performer and composer, Adam is also Chief Learning Officer for MusicDojo.com, a new type of interactive online music school. He is also a bass clinician for SWR, D'Addario, and Warrior Instruments, and is a staff instructor for Victor Wooten's bass & nature camps. Adam is also a regular columnist for Bass Player magazine, an adjunct faculty member of Lagrange College's school of music, an instructor at Gerald Veasley's bass boot camps, and has done dozens of clinic/performance appearances at such events as the Bozeman Bass Bash, Bassquake, and others.

Adam's latest CD release "Evidence" features a high energy musical offering fusion of jazz, funk, and rock with plenty of variety. Appealing to both music listeners and players alike, with performances by Dave Weckl, Victor Wooten, Shane Theriot, and many other outstanding musicians.

For more info/hear samples visit here!  

Visit Adam's Web Site www.adamnitti.com

Rique Pantoja  has a solid track record as composer, arranger, keyboardist, producer and song writer. His solo career has made him internationally known as a prolific writer in many styles. His CDs have been released in the U.S., Japan, Australia, Europe and Korea.

Rique was born in Rio de Janeiro where he worked extensively as pianist/musical director/arranger for some of the top pop artists, receiving the 1990 Brahma Extra Award “Grandes Nomes da Musica Popular Brasileira” and Victor Assis Brasil Award, in recognition of his important contributions to the music industry. He was member of the renowned   "Cama de Gato" quartet; 86-87 best seller instrumental in Brazil. After 3 years at the Berklee College of Music (Boston) and another year studying privately, he moved to Paris where for 2 years worked on a number of projects.

Rique’s credits range from projects and performances with such renowned artists as:

Alejandro Sanz, Ricky Martin, Ernie Watts, Carlos Santana, Chet Baker, Alessandro Safina, Brenda Russel, Yasuko Agawa, Milton Nascimento, Ivan Lins, Djavan, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, João Bosco, Caetano Veloso, Gonzaguinha, Guinga, Marina, Lee Ritenour, Christopher Parkening, Jubilant Sykes, Romina Arena, Israel Houghton, Ron Kenoly, Kirk Whalum, Tommy Walker and many others. 

One of his most recent collaborations was with a couple of CJA Members saxophonist Justo Almario and bassist Guillermo Guzman.  The title of the CD is "Holy, Holy, Holy" ( Hymns to a Different Drum )

"Rique uses his unique command of re-harmonization and Latin rhythms to come up with a CD full of unusually innovative arrangements with Justo Almario's heart felt playing throughout, the consistent perfection in percussion ofWalter Rodriguez, and beautiful bass of Guillermo Guzman (check out his reading of "Amazing Grace" for proof; "Holy, Holy,Holy" will lead you to a place you won't want to leave!"

 For more info/hear samples visit here!

Visit Rique's Web Site www.riquepantoja.com

Craig Buhler is a UCLA music major where he studied clarinet with Mitchell Lurie, saxophone & flute with Bill Green, ear training with Alvin Learned, and composition with Doug Leedy.

Craig toured & recorded with British singer Ian Matthews and played ih the jazz group “Storyville”,  appearing in concerts with Dizzy Gillespie and the Crusaders. Among his 30 recording credits are 6 CD’s under his own name. Craig is a charter member of the acclaimed California rock band HONK, which toured nationally with the Beach Boys, Loggins & Messina, Chicago, Santana, and others. Craig also currently plays first tenor sax with Sequim’s Stardust Big Band.

Craig serves as Worship Director for the Little Brown Church of Blyn, Washington and is former Worship Director for the Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Seattle.  In addition to Craig’s two original worship recordings, he appears on CD’s by Vineyard artists Andy Park, Kevin Prosch, & Brian Doerksen. Craig has presented his 2-day “Total Immersion” seminar for worship musicians to churches in five states. Craig’s “Jazz For Youth” band has performed at over a hundred school assemblies, religious conferences, and civic functions.

Craig is the author of 2 books on music. “New Ears Resolution” is a revolutionary new ear training method which has proven effective with scores of students on many instruments. “Keys to Music” is a complete course in jazz woodwind technique which includes 54 original etudes.

"Craig Buhler shows amazing versatility in both his performing and writing in this collection of beguiling original compositions that range from straight ahead jazz to moody latin tempos and even a cha cha...  A superb result - well worth repeated play."
 

For more info/hear samples visit here!  

Visit Craig's Web Site: http://craigbuhler.com

Dorothy Collins is a singer with a passion for the lyrical beauty and spontaneous vitality of jazz. Her reputation has grown rapidly during the last seven years, and she has honed a musical personality that is strong, refined, and uniquely her own.

She has worked with some great musicians: John Patitucci, 7-string guitarist Dave Schroeder, Anders Swanson, Eric Stiller, Cecelia Coleman,  Jack Sheldon, Doc Rutherford, Ross Thompkin, and many others.

A creative partnership with pianist/composer Mark Massey has resulted in a remarkable repertoire of jazz and Brazilan standards, as well as a few fresh renderings of popular classics. Mark's imaginative arrangements, combined with Dorothy's rich vocals give you an exciting concoction of straight-ahead jazz. The album entitled Jazz Hymns is a project that grew out of this partnership.

Dorothy shares,"We have attempted to present not only a historical survey of hymns, one as old as 1100 years, others 350 and 200 years old, but a broad spectrum of styles of jazz including traditional, modern, Brazilian, fusion, R&B, and gospel. Our objective is to present jazz to non-jazz listeners (Christians who will appreciate the old hymns), and to present some interesting, straight-ahead jazz to people who wouldn't think of listening to Christian music."

"It swings, it's funky, and it's straight-ahead as well. The musicianship is superlative, the arrangements brilliant, and the vocals are both earthy and angelic. This album redefines 'hymn' while at the same time pays homage to songs that have reverberated with love for God for hundreds of years."

For more info/hear samples visit here!

Visit Dorothy's Web Site: www.dotcollins.com

Wenda Zonnefeld has a diversified musical background. Growing up in a musical family (everyone played at least one instrument and sang), Wenda was encouraged to pursue various musical interests. She performed in church and school, sang in musicals and wrote songs for her teachers to play. As a young adult Wenda became a certified musical instrument repair technician and repaired instruments for many of the Seattle area schools. Soon professionals were using Wenda's repair services, and Wenda took advantage of learning from some of these seasoned pros who were her customers. Don Lanphere, Bud Shank, Phil Woods, Nick Brignola, Bill Ramsay, Dick Oates, Bobby Shew, and Pete Christlieb (to name a few) all gave Wenda musical advice and encouragement.

 Wenda has also developed a curriculum for high school students who want to learn how to play jazz improvised solos. She volunteers and teaches this mini course at High Schools. Performing for Wenda has always been rewarding, but her CD recording made it evident that composing and studio work was in Wenda's blood. She enrolled in The Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program under the tutelage of Hummie Mann, and soon found herself scoring her first film. Wenda is now fully equipped with a recording studio and able to composed film music/scores for a wide range of budgets.

Wenda's CD "Latina By Proxy", includes a wide variety of Latin Jazz styles that can make even the docile get up and dance! The CD has received very good reviews.

"Wenda's soprano playing is quite enjoyable, with a singing quality that enhances tunes....the baritone is heavy by nature, and it takes something special to make certain things especially lyrical playing work on it. Wenda makes this lyrical quality appear easy."-Nick Brignola

For more info/hear samples visit here!

Visit Wenda's Web Site: www.wendaz.com

Metropoiltan Gospel Big Band is a Big Band with a sound determined to reach God's ears and others with the good news of the gospel! The Metropolitan Gospel Big Band  has given musical praise a new dimension. The  Band leader and conductor is Duke Guillaume.

  With the love of Gospel music and Jazz, Duke has put together a band of elite musicians who have the will and desire to give praise to God through the use of Big Band Jazz music that is dedicated to the glory of God...

  The Big Band has appeared at a number of venues including BB Kings in NYC, Strand Theater in Boston, Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club CocaCola in NYC, and Swing 46 in NYC just to name a few. The MGBB have been playing at a number of local churches as well. Using their combined gifts, talents, and instruments they are continually blessed as they "swing unto the lord a new song"!

A CD is in the process of being recorded and there are a couple of finished tracks you can listen to. (David Arivett - CJA Network founder recently used a very hip Latin jazz arrangement of "Lord I Lift Your Name On High" for a recent Big Band outing that the Metro Gospel Big Band has already recorded!)

For more info/hear samples visit here!

Here is a link to their Myspace web site

Ryan Cullen is President and Editor at RYCUN Music Company. His music is is published through Really Good Music, LLC. and PDFJazzMusic.com in addition to RYCUN Music Company and has been sold and performed worldwide.

He holds a B.M. degree in Jazz Studies from Loyola University of New Orleans and a M.M. degree in Studio/Jazz Composition from the University of Miami. His teachers have included Michael Pellera, Gary Lindsay, Ron Miller, Dr. Raul Murciano, John Mahoney, Dr. Robert Gower, Dr. Paul Wilson, Tony Dagradi, and John Ellis.

Ryan currently resides in Southeast Louisiana and was recently appointed Director at the Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts (LAAPA). In addition to his administrative duties, he writes for and directs the school's ensembles, teaches theory/composition, piano and saxophone.

"Ryan has some absolutely killer funk/jazz charts featuring horn lines that will knock you out! I highly recommend that you check out his composition/arrangements for Jazz Band!  - David Arivett (CJA Network Founder)

To hear some samples of his compositions/arrangements visit here!

To check out all of Ryan's arrangements visit here!

David Soto Growing up the son of a musician father, David began his musical journey at a very young age. At 2 years old, he was already keeping the beat and playing for any audience that was willing to listen. Forward 9 years later, at 11, he records his first  demo of original songs. Doors continue to open for young David. He landed an opportunity to play drums for a TV commercial jingle and played with different bands he formed through school. He also picked up the bass and began switching between both.

In June of 2003 when David was only 16 years old, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer that slowed him down but didn't stop him from doing what he loved. After 3 years of Chemotherapy, David was victorious over his cancer battle and was declared cancer free. David continued where he left off and has gone on to play various venues, among them: UCLA, Cal State LA, USC, The Whisky A go-go, El Rey Theatre, BB Kings Blues Club, Universal City Walk, The Mayan Theatre, Vanguard University, The Knitting Factory, and the Larchmont. He also learned to play various instruments like the Jarana, requinto jarocho, vihuela, and the piano.

At only 22 years old, David continues sailing uncharted territory as he fuses his blend of funk, R&B, rock and Latin fusion to create some of the most explosive blend of music invading your ears. Now attending the Musicians Institute and worshipping at Calvary Chapel Montebello, his goal remains to reach out to everyone, especially the sick and hurting, with a powerful message of healing and restoration. David shares, "I defeated cancer, it didn't defeat me, thanks to the power and grace of God!"

For more info/hear samples visit here!

Gerry Johnston Gerry Johnston is a jazz guitarist well versed in jazz standards and traditional classic guitar works. From 1970 - 1972 he attended Berklee College of Music. His guitar teachers included Tom Sczymczak, Lenny Perry, Mick Goodrick and William Leavitt. He also attended the New England Conservatory Music and majored in classical guitar performance receiving a Bachelor of Music degree from the New England Conservatory Of Music in 1975. Gerry received private guitar lessons from Robert Paul Sullivan and attended a master class with Jose Rey de al Torre,Cuban/American concert artist. Also while attending college he was elected to Pi Kappa Lambda and the National Music Honor Society.

Gerry has taught music at Bradford College, Brooks School, The Phillips Academy, and the Pingree School. He has also taught an “Introduction to Music” and “Music Theory and Improvisation” through the Adult Education Program at Northern Essex Community College. He continues to both teach and promote jazz education.

One of Gerry’s specialties is performing as a solo acoustic jazz guitarist. Fingerstyle jazz guitar is a style of guitar picking that Gerry excels at. His instrument of choice for solo jazz performance is the nylon string classical guitar. Gerry is also right at home with an electric guitar when performing with jazz bands, swing bands and other jazz ensembles.

The “American Songbook“ comprises a very large portion of Gerry’s solo guitar repertoire. Composers such as Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Ann Ronnell, and many others provide him with an outstanding foundation of classic jazz standards to choose from for his concerts.

"Gerry is a top-notch musician both versatile and tasteful in his playing. Furthermore, he is the utmost professional. I highly recommend Gerry for your concert, wedding, party or special occasion" - Paul Hollman composer/producer.
 

For more info/hear samples visit here!

Visit Gary's Web Site: www.gerryjohnston.com

    Christian Jazz Artists Members Celebrate Their Musical Gifts!

Cyrus Chestnut - the jazz pianist has begun to do more performances in churches via the use of evening vespers. He has also recorded another solo collection of hymns and spirituals which will come out in 2009. He is also thinking seriously about  recording his "Sanctified Swing" concept. More on Cyrus here!

Lance Bryant - and his quartet appeared in Concert recently at the Andover Baptist Church. The church hosted a "Front Porch" Jazz concert, open and free to all. Lance and his Quartet performed outside the front doors of the church. Proceeds for the event went directly to The World Vision Child Sponsorship fund. More on Lance here!

Patty Peterson - Don't miss Jazz Vocalist Patty Peterson and the entire Peterson family in concert for their Holiday Tour in Minnesota.  The Peterson's will be presenting their heart warming Christmas concert, entitled "The Spirit of the Season". This concert will surely delight young and old and you will leave the theatre with the feeling of LOVE, FAMILY and 'The Spirit of the Season". Three generations of The Peterson's will be performing in this concert. Jeanne Arland Peterson, matriarch and piano virtuoso, will be joined by her five children, Linda, Billy, Patty, Ricky and Paul, all of whom are award winning and internationally acclaimed singers and musicians. Also many grandchildren will be participating as well. Come be a part of this special concert bringing the Christmas spirit from their family to yours in a way that will have you truly touched and uplifted.  For more information on THE PETERSON FAMILY go to www.ThePetersonFamily.info  More On Patty here!

Louie Bellson - recently went on a tour of 3 cities in Illinois as well as an appearance with the Omaha Jazz Youth Orchestra. Also newsworthy is the re-issue of Louie's Big Band CD "SOUL ON TOP" James Brown sings with the Louie Bellson Orchestra...originally released in 1969 as an LP,re-released in 2004 as a CD, reissued again now in 2008. Very hip Big Band arrangements with Louie's Big Band and James Brown! More info on the CD here! For more on Louie visit here!

Carol Harrison - the jazz vocalist recently appeared in concert collaborating with High Performance Dance Theatre in their fall production- "Life’s a Ride". The production included dance, music and visual arts. Carol's CD,  "Life's a Ride", was released in 2000 and has gained rave reviews both in the US and abroad. The CD, a compilation of primarily original songs won independent CD of the Year in 2002. You can hear samples here!

James Weidman - Jazz pianist James Weidman recently arranged seven jazz big band orchestrations for Helsinki, Finland's UMO Jazz Orchestra. The arrangements were based on traditional black Spirituals. James shares about the process of arranging and creating the charts on his website, www jamesweidman.com

Peggy Duquesnel -  Jazz pianist/vocalist Peggy Duquesnel recently appeared in concert at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Los Alamitos, CA.  The concert was a benefit for We Care of Los Alamitos.  Bethlehem Lutheran has been supporting "We Care", a non-profit, local family support center, since its organization in 1990. With the donations generated from this concert Bethlehem hopes to provide funds to further support We Care’s mission to meet the emergency needs of families and individuals. Peggy’s concert featured inspirational favorites and original compositions. More on Peggy here!

Chuck Marohnic -  the jazz pianist has been keeping busy with concert appearances at the ELCA Iowa Conference and at the UCC Church Conference in Kansas City, MO. Chuck also conducts many clinics/seminars on Jazz Worship. Here is an outline from a recent clinic! Much more on Chuck here!

Dave Boyer - Jazz vocalist Dave Boyer stays very busy with concerts in Ohio, Virgina, and South Carolina. For concert details and more info on Dave visit here! Also don't miss out on this issue's featured interview with Dave!

Deanna Witkowski -  Back in February, Deanna's jazz quartet (Donny McCaslin, John Patitucci, Scott Latzky) spent two days laying down instrumental tracks for Deanna's new CD. In March, Deanna re-entered the studio with vocal producer Jocelyn Rasmussen, to begin overdubbing vocal tracks. Deanna's goal is to have her new CD available before Christmas.  To hear samples from Deanna's upcoming CD release visit here!  Deanna's Web Site: www.deannawitkowski.com

David Arivett - recently appeared in concert playing piano and directinga Big Band at Millwood Christian Church in Rogers, AR. The event was entitled "Jazz Sunday" and included original charts by David, Ralph Carmichael and others. The concert also featured vocals by the group "Fresh Fire". More on David and his arrangements here!

Chuck Mandt - Jazz Pianist Chuck Mandt is now officially a Steinway Artist! There will be an induction at the Atlanta Steinway Galleries 11/2 at 4pm. Congratulations Chuck on this achievement! More on Chuck Mandt here!

Alex Acuna -  the drummer/percussionist is currently on tour with concerts in Lima, Peru, Santiago, Chile, and Bonn Germany. For more info on Alex visit here!

Gary Meggs - Saxophonist Gary Meggs and Ezekiel 3:18 was recently in concert at the Redlick Methodist Church Texarkana, Texas, Tapp Memorial Methodist New Boston, Texas as well as churches in Arkansas. For more one Gary visit here!

Justo Almario - the saxophonist remains very busy with appearances in Southern California including Sherman Oaks, Whittier, and San Dimas. For more info on Justo visit here!

Richard Birk -  and the group Jazz Sunday has a new CD release entitled "Rejoice And Sing! You can hear samples here! The ensemble continues to stay busy playing jazz in churches with recent performances in Houston and Bellaire, Texas. More on Jazz Sunday here!

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

CJA Network Resources!