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!

 

Summer 2008

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!

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~