Artist description The New England Jazz Ensemble is a large jazz ensemble comprised of primarily regionally-based artists. The group features original and contemporary jazz ensemble arrangements and compositions. Much of the band's material is generated by the ensemble's members. It is a performance group, as well as a composer's forum.

Music Style Jazz

Similar Artists Bob Mintzer, John Fedchock, Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Bob Florence, Full Faith & Credit, Kim Richmond

Artist History The New England Jazz Ensemble was created in 1990 by trumpeter, Mike Jones. Walt Gwardyak, piano, today's music director of the ensemble, was the music director from the beginning. The band was coneived as a weekly rehearsal band and forum for new compsoitions. Compositions by Gwardyak, Mastroianni, Mertz, Person and others formed the band's book. The New England Jazz Ensemble has performed many concerts with and without guest artists and has given a number of workshops at high schools.In 1994, The New England Jazz Ensemble received funding from the NEA and other sources in order to pay for a trip to the Corinth Jazz Festival in Greece. Following the trip, Gwardyak wrote the piece, Blouzo, with extended solos for the trombone section.The New England Jazz Ensemble has produced two CDs, one in 1995 called Version 3.0, after the title tune, and the second in 2000, called Storm Before the Calm, a humorous title based on lead alto John Mastroianni's composition, Calm Before the Storm.

Group Members REEDSJohn Mastroianni-lead alto, soprano sax, fluteChris Merz-alto sax, fluteKris Jensen-tenor sax, clarinet, fluteCharles Socci-tenor sax, clarinetLisa LaDone-baritone sax, bass clarinetTRUMPETS/FLUGELHORNSMike Jones, LeaderSteve FitzkoMike PeipmanRex DentonPhil PersonHank ZarinTROMBONESTim Atherton (lead)Peter McEachernDave SpornyDave Wampler (bass trombone)RHYTHM SECTIONWalt Gwardyak-Music Director, pianoSteve Bulmer, bassJim Royle, drums

Instruments alto sax, baritone sax, tenor sax, clarinet, flute, bass clarinet, trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone, bass trombone, drums, bass, piano

Albums Version 3.0, Storm Before the Calm

Location Bloomfield, CT - USA

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