Saturday, March 18th, 2006

FEATURING
Steve Smith & Buddy's Buddies
A Celebration of the Music of Buddy Rich

&

CLINICIANS
Chip McNeill - Bob Lark -  Steve Haines

Gary Keller - - tenor saxes, Andy Fusco - alto sax, Mark Soskin - piano, Baron Browne - electric bass,
Steve Smith - drums

Steve Smith - drums - Smith's early inspiration was drawn from the great drumming stars of the big bands such as Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson and Kenny Clarke, among others.

Smith performed in the usual school band program and garage bands while in his teens, but also began to broaden his performing experience by playing in a professional Brockton concert band and even the big band at the local college, Bridgewater State. After high school, Smith began studying music at the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1972. There he received valuable instruction from such renowned teachers as Gary Chaffee and Alan Dawson. His drumming influences at this time came to include such notables as Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, Lenny White and Steve Gadd.

In 1974 Smith's professional career began in full, at 19 years old, with his tenure in the Lin Biviano Big Band, which he toured and recorded with for the next two years. At that same time he also performed with bebopper Buddy DeFranco and was a member of free-jazz group The Fringe featuring George Garzone. In 1976, Smith began his association with jazz fusion by joining violinist Jean Luc Ponty and recording the album "Enigmatic Ocean" (Atlantic 1977), which also featured guitarist Allan Holdsworth. However, it was while touring with rocker Ronnie Montrose a year later that Smith was asked to join the popular rock band Journey which brought his playing to the attention of a young rock audience.

Smith began leading his own fusion band Vital Information (currently featuring Tom Coster on Hammond B-3, Frank Gambale on guitar and Baron Browne on bass) in 1983 while still a member of Journey. This powerful ensemble allowed Smith the opportunity to fully develop his uniquely robust drumming style and express his developing concept as a band leader. His explosive solos and intricate timekeeping served to gain him much acclaim from sources such as Modern Drummer Magazine, whose readers voted him the #1 All-Around Drummer five years in a row. Vital Information's '97 release, Where We Come From, was voted Best Contemporary Jazz Recording Of 1998 by the Association For Independent Music.

Smith has also maintained an extensive touring and recording career, appearing with many jazz luminaries such as Mike Mainieri's group Steps Ahead. This band, which included virtuosos such as Michael Brecker and Mike Stern, was one of the most successful of the '80s electric jazz groups and Smith contributed greatly to their tight, energetic sound for seven years (1986-1993). Other high profile jazz touring and/or recording gigs that have filled the drummer's schedule include such artists as Ahmad Jamal, Jeff Berlin, Michael Manring, Stanley Clarke, Randy Brecker, Zakir Hussain and the Buddy Rich Big Band, with whom he has performed in many tribute concerts to the late drumming idol. He also rejoined Journey for a short time in 1996 to record the reunion album "Trial By Fire" (Columbia 1996). Smith's calendar often includes many drum clinics in which he is able to display his phenomenal techniques to drumming students around the world.


Gary Keller - tenor sax -  In addition to his work with the Buddy Rich, Mr. Keller has also performed in the big bands of Lionel Hampton, Woody Herman, and Gerry Mulligan and has also performed with jazz greats Billy Eckstine, Sarah Vaughn, Carmen MaCrae, Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, and Nancey Wilson. He has also backed pop artists such as Sting, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Paul Simon, Elton John, and Billy Joel.


Andy Fusco - alto sax -  New York City-based alto saxophonist Andy Fusco first earned notice for his 1978-1983 stint with the Buddy Rich Big Band, also touring with Gerry Mulligan and Mel Lewis. He made his headlining debut in 1996 with Big Man's Blues; Out of the Dark followed three years later.


Mark Soskin - piano -  Mark Soskin was born July 12, 1953 in Brooklyn, NY. Soskin has recorded and performed with such diverse musicians as Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Randy Brecker, Billy Cobham, Buster Williams, Eddie Henderson, Stanley Turrentine, Cornell Dupree, Herbie Mann, John Abercrombie, Claudio Roditi, Sheila Jordan, Gato Barbieri, Joe Locke, David"Fathead"Newman, Mark Murphy, Slide Hampton, Pete and Sheila Escovedo, Bobby Watson, Miroslav Vitous, The NY Voices and others. Soskin attended Colorado State University where he pursued classical studies, but at this time his interests in jazz music were growing. In 1973 he enrolled in The Berklee College of Music, studying composition as well as arranging. In Boston he began to work professionally until moving to San Francisco, eventually going on to work with some of the west coast's finest players.

Shortly after arriving in San Francisco, Soskin was introduced to the latin music legend, Pete Escovedo. Along with Pete's daughter, percussionist Sheila. E, they toured and recorded as Azteca, a group in which Soskin's keyboard, writing, and arranging talents were showcased. Eventually, the group, which now included Tom Harrell on trumpet, went on to record two discs for Fantasy Records, produced by drum ace Billy Cobham. Soskin was enlisted in Cobham's band, a stint that lasted for two years and which produced two recordings for Columbia. In between tours for Cobham, Soskin did a tour and live recording for the CBS All Stars with Tom Scott, Alphonso Johnson, Steve Khan, and Billy Cobham. At this time Soskin was very active as a session player at Fantasy studios in Berkeley, California and veteran jazz music producer Orrin Keepnews took notice.

Since 1981 Soskin has resided in New York City, remaining active as sideman and as a leader. He has seven of his own recordings to date and three as co-leader, one which features Harvie Swartz and Joe LaBarbera with Sheila Jordan called "Spirits", one under the name "Contempo Trio" with Danny Gottlieb and Chip Jackson featuring Ravi Coltrane and another Contempo Trio recording named "The Secret of Life" featuring Carolyn Leonhart. His recording, "17" on TCB, highlights Soskin in a quintet setting featuring mainly original compositions. He continues to maintain a busy tour schedule as well as giving masterclasses and workshops. Television performance credits include the HBO hit series, "Sex And The City." Examples of arranging projects have been writing for Slide Hampton's "World Of Trombones" and his writing and playing on Steve Smith's DVD,"Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat". Soskin has been featured in solo piano concerts throughout the world such as the Ottawa Jazz Festival. He has performed the premier of contemporary classical music composer John Adams' opera, "Ceiling/Sky" at Lincoln Center. Soskin is currently on the faculty of The Manhattan School Of Music and has been written up in numerous music publications, including Ira Gitler and Leonard Feather's Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz and The Jazz Book by Joachim E. Berendt. Mark Soskin is featured in the film documenting latin jazz artists entitled "Calle 54."


Baron Browne - bass -  Born and raised in Georgia, USA, Baron Browne gravitated to music at a very early age, learning to play his uncle's drumset at 7 years old. As a teenager he dabbled in piano lessons and at age 12 played guitar for a year before realizing that bass guitar was to be his instrument.

At age 18, Baron was launched into the professional music scene right out of high school, moving to Boston and studying at the Berklee School of Music. After studying at the prestigious school for a year, he began working full time in Boston with artists such as Kevin Eubanks, Tiger Okoshi, Mike Stern, Bill Frisell and Dean Brown.

In 1983, Baron received a call from jazz-fusion violinist Jean-Luc Ponty. After touring for three years and recording three albums with Ponty, Billy Cobham came calling. Baron traveled extensively throughout Europe and the U.S. with the legendary drummer. After three years and two albums with Cobham, Baron returned to the Ponty band for more work.

In 1992, Baron joined the group Steps Ahead featuring Mike Mainieri and "Saturday Night Live" saxophonist Alex Foster. One year later he was invited by renowned jazz vibraphonist Gary Burton to join him for tours of Japan, Europe and the U.S.

Baron's versatility with playing all styles of music allowed him to also perform with R&B and Pop artists such as Brian McKnight, Tom Jones and Exposé.

In 1996, Ponty called on Baron once again to record his first live album in over 20 years ("Live at Chene Park"). The album received rave reviews from jazz critics. In 1997 Baron's talents were secured by renowned Journey drummer Steve Smith for a European tour with his group Vital Information.

The sought-after bassist has made several television appearances, including "The Pat Sajak Show" on CBS and "Ohne Filter" in Germany.

Baron can be heard on many albums by jazz recording artist Walter Beasley. Walter's album "For Your Pleasure" reached the number one spot on the Billboard contemporary jazz chart. Because of Baron's musical experience, Walter also made Baron musical director of his touring band.

In 1999 Baron went on an extensive tour of Europe, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand with Steve Smith and Vital Information to help promote their CD entitled "Where We Come From." A double live CD called "Live Around The World" documenting the band on that tour was released Sept. 2000.

In the year 2002 Baron continued to tour with Vital Information to promote the CD "Show 'Em Where You Live." He was also included in the writing and producing of this album.

While working with Vital Info, Steve Smith also uses Baron for his Buddy Rich tribute band Buddy's Buddies with Mark Soskin and Buddy Rich alumni Steve Marcus and Andy Fusco. They have released two live recordings showcasing that lineup, "Very Live at Ronnie Scotts' Set 1 and Set 2."

As of 2004, Baron continues to write and perform with Vital Information as a full-fledged member. Their latest release "Come On In" received rave reviews from jazz critics around the world.

Baron has continued to be a major force in the music industry. He has expanded his range to include producing and arranging for other artists as well as his own projects.

Clinicians

Chip McNeill

Chip McNeill is a jazz tenor saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator. In addition to his responsibilities as associate professor and chair of jazz, Professor McNeill is the musical director and jazz tenor saxophonist for Grammy award-winning recording artist Arturo Sandoval. Professor McNeill has recorded with Sandoval on his CD, Americana, and Hot House. The Hot House CD won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Performance. Professor McNeill also has worked closely with legendary jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson. He produced, wrote, and performed on five recent CDs with Ferguson and has toured with Ferguson, Sandoval and many other notable jazz performers. Professor McNeill has performed at countless jazz festivals and clubs around the world, including the Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland), Monterey Jazz Festival (U.S.A.), and Noto Jazz Festival (Japan), as well as performing at Carnegie Hall (U.S.), Town Hall (Sydney, Australia), the London Palladium, and on numerous jazz radio and television productions in Europe, Japan, U.K., India, and Indonesia. In addition to recording with Sandoval and Ferguson, Professor McNeill has recorded with such musicians as Nat Adderley, David Liebman, Duffy Jackson, Ira Sullivan, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Ted Shumate and Larry Willis, and has performed with such entertainers as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joe Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Eckstine, and Wynton Marsalis. Prior to coming to the University of Illinois, McNeill held similar academic positions at Florida International University and at Virginia Tech University

Bob Lark

Bob Lark is a trumpet and flugelhorn player whose performances are especially notable for his lyrical style and fine tone. His harmonically oriented improvisations shift between aggressive and cool playing. In speaking of Lark, jazz icon Clark Terry says, "He's a very good trumpet player, a very good musician.  He's paid his dues."   Soon to be released on the Jazzed Media label is the CD recording In Her Eyes, by the Bob Lark/Phil Woods Quintet.  The group also includes prominent jazz artists Jim McNeely, Steve Gilmore and Bill Goodwin. Bob's playing and writing are also featured on the compact disc recordings Until You (2003) and First Steps (1997) on the Hallway Records label.

 Bob Lark serves as the Chair of Jazz Studies at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, where he directs the university Jazz Ensemble, teaches jazz trumpet and courses in jazz pedagogy and jazz style. Under his direction the DePaul University Jazz Ensemble has produced several Outstanding Performance Awards from the Jazz Educators Journal, Down Beat and Jazz Times magazines, and has recorded albums with legendary jazz artists Phil Woods, Clark Terry, Louie Bellson, Bob Brookmeyer, Tom Harrell, Jim McNeely, Frank Wess, Slide Hampton, Bobby Shew, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra members Charles Vernon and John Bruce Yeh. 

 Bob is an active clinician, soloist and guest conductor, and is the past-president of the Illinois Unit of the International Association for Jazz Education, has chaired the International Trumpet Guild jazz improvisation competition, served as the host for the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition, and throughout the 1990's directed the Midwest GRAMMY High School Jazz Band.  He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in performance from the University of North Texas, having earlier earned a Master's degree from that school and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from The Ohio State University.

Steve Haines

Steve Haines (bass) is currently the Director of the Miles Davis Program in Jazz Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He has performed was players such as Dick Oatts, Adam Nussbaum, Bob Berg, Joe Williams, Mark Levine, Richard Stolzman, Bruce Forman and Marcus Roberts; and has supported clinicians such as Tim Hagans, Fred Hersch, Mulgrew Miller, Lou Marini, Jim McNeely, Mike Stern, and Kenny Garrett. Performance venues include the Pori Jazz Festival in Finland, the Molde Jazz Festival in Norway, the Ethno Jazz Festival in Moldova, the Odessa International Jazz Carnival in Ukraine, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. With the UNCG Jazz Faculty Trio, Steve served as an ambassador to the state of North Carolina by performing for heads of state at the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau, Moldova.

Haines holds a B.M. in Jazz Performance from St. Francis Xavier University in Canada and a M.M. in Music (Jazz Studies) from the University of North Texas. While at the University of North Texas, Haines directed the Three O'clock Lab Band, and was a member of the One O'clock Lab Band, with whom he traveled internationally. Haines' music for large jazz ensembles is published at the University of Northern Colorado Press and has been broadcast on the Canadian Broadcasting Cooperation's national radio shows Jazz Beat and All the Best. He has served as a clinician and as an adjudicator for large and small jazz ensembles at numerous high schools, colleges, and universities. At UNCG, he is the Director of the Annual UNCG Honors High School Jazz Band, and the Jazz Director's Summit.