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Charles McPherson

A Charlie Parker disciple who brings his own lyricism to the bebop language, Charles McPherson has been a reliable figure in modern mainstream jazz for more than 35 years. He played in the Detroit jazz scene of the mid-'50s, moved to New York in 1959, and within a year was working with Charles Mingus. McPherson and his friend Lonnie Hillyer succeeded Eric Dolphy and Ted Curson as regular members of Mingus' band in 1961 and he worked with the bassist off and on up until 1972. Although he and Hillyer had a short-lived quintet in 1966, McPherson was not a full-time leader until 1972.

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Dave Weckl

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, January 8th, 1960, to a mother who loved music and a father who played the piano as a hobby, Dave started playing drums around the age of 8. During his high school years he received many awards from the NAJE (National Association of Jazz Educators) for his outstanding performances in his high school's competition winning jazz band, and was involved with numerous local groups from a very early age while studying with St.

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SaxAssault

SaxAssault consists of 9 saxophonists, (ranging from sopranino to bass sax), plus rhythm section led by saxophonist and composer Andy Scott. Formed in 1994 the group comprises nine saxophones (from sopranino through to bass) with rhythm section. Andy’s compositions for SaxAssault are carefully crafted to feature every member of the ensemble, whether an improviser or more classically-trained musician. Featured Musicians:

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Steve Williamson

Steve Williamson (born June 28, 1964 in London) is a British jazz saxophonist and composer. He began playing saxophone at the age of 16 and started his career playing in reggae bands (including Misty In Roots). In 1984 and 1985 he studied at London's Guildhall School of Music. At the Nelson Mandela 70th birthday open air festival in 1988 he played alongside Courtney Pine in Wembley Stadium and afterwards was a constant presence at Ronnie Scott's. He was member of Louis Moholo's Viva La Black (1988) and of Chris McGregor's Brotherhood of Breath (1990).

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Courtney Pine

Courtney Pine (born 18 March 1964) is a British jazz musician. At school he studied clarinet, although he is known primarily for his saxophone playing. Pine is a multi-instrumentalist, also playing the flute, clarinet and keyboards. His recent music has attempted to integrate modern British music like drum and bass and UK garage with contemporary jazz styles. He runs his own band and integrates many comtemporary musicians in his performances. He also presents 'Jazz Crusade' on BBC Radio 2, the seventh series being broadcast during spring 2007.

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Darth Vegas

Australian avant-garde or experimental band whose music evokes 50s B-grade horror film and deranged circus mayhem, somewhat in the same vein of Mr. Bungle. Darth Vegas is lead by Michael Lira, formally from Vicious Hairy Mary.. Thus far the band has only released one official studio album but still tour locally with a 7-piece-band. Many of the members are currently working on The Tango Saloon on Mike Patton's label. Darth Vegas released "Brainwashing For Dirty Minds" in 2012.

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Prism Quartet

"Intriguing programs of great beauty and breadth have distinguished the PRISM Quartet as one of America's foremost chamber ensembles, presenting the saxophone as a serious concert instrument while embracing its rich history in jazz and popular music. Founded in 1984, the ensemble has twice been awarded the Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music and has been chosen by Musical America as "Outstanding Young Artists.

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