Artist description Excursion’s music is an eclectic blend of ethnic styles and progressive jazz and its members are as eclectic and progressive as the music they create. While some of Excursion’s players often rotate, its core consists of the duo with Peter Deneff (piano) and Vik Momjian (bass). Together they weave a web of rhythm, harmony, and improvisation that makes the project’s compositions spring to life. Peter Deneff grew up listening to Greek music and studying classical piano with Leaine Gibson. After starting his professional musical life at age fifteen he became obsessed with straight-ahead and Latin jazz. He began jazz studies with renowned pianist Mike Garson (of David Bowie fame), where he crafted his art through studying some of the great jazz improvisers such as Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, Chick Corea, Whinton Kelly, Horace Silver, Mike Garson, and others. During this time he also studied many ethnic styles that eventually led to the compositions and collaborations of Excursion. Peter received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music composition from California State University Long Beach, where he continues to study medieval through 20th century art music styles and world music. He spends his day teaching, performing, composing, recording, and writing books for Hal Leonard Publishing. Vik Momjian is a master of the four, five, and six-string, fretted and fretless electric basses. While his musical roots started on the piano at age nine, Vik turned to the guitar at age fourteen and ultimately discovered his true voice through the electric bass at age fifteen. Having studied with many significant musicians, three of Vik’s most influential instructors were Jim Lacefield, Steve Bailey, and John Pena. In addition, he has his own line of basses and is endorsed by many notable companies. Over the last few years, Vik has established himself as the first-call musician for many top Middle Eastern and ethno-European artists. When he’s not touring the world with these artists, he spends his days in town doing sessions, teaching, and playing with Excursion. His soulful playing not only brings enormous heart to the project, but it is an integral part of the band’s sound and energy.He has a brilliant sense of groove and is a unique improviser, with his incredible dexterity and slapping techniques. The group’s self titled CD “EXCURSION” is a colorful fusion of Middle Eastern and Latin jazz styles. It was recorded at Musician’s Institute where Peter and Vik were instructors. The CD marks an important step in the development of the group’s sound and is available right here and in most fine music stores.

Music Style Greek and Armenian folk meets Latin jazz

Musical Influences Chick Corea, Mike Garson, Greek, Armenian, Arabic, classical, Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, McCoy Tyner, et al.

Similar Artists Chick Corea, Michel Camilo

Group Members Peter Deneff-Piano,keyboards Vik Momjian-Bass Robert Kyle-woodwinds Armen Husnyuts-Sax David Libman-Drums Dimitri Matsis- Drums Maria Martinez-percussion

Instruments piano, keyboards, saxophone, flute, bass, drums, percussion

Albums Excursion

Additional Info http://www.excursionjazz.com

Location Cypress, CA - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).