The Siskiyou Institute
2009 Fall Concert & Workshop Series
at the Old Siskiyou Barn
and
The Siskyou Institute New Artist Series
at Paschal Winery
For reservations please call 541-488-3869 or email info@siskiyouinstitute.com
Receive a 10% discount by reserving and paying for any three events in advance.
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Greta Matassa Duo
Greta Matassa - vocals Darin Clendenin - piano Friday, September 18, 2009 • 7:30 p.m. Old Siskiyou Barn in Ashland Tickets: $25, $20 for Siskiyou Institute Members, ($5 for students) Call 541-488-3869 or email info@siskiyouinstitute.com for reservations. The Siskiyou Institute presents Seattle based award-winning jazz vocalist Greta Matassa & pianist Darin Clendenin at the Old Siskiyou Barn in their first Rogue Valley appearance. In the Pacific Northwest, where she built her career, Greta Matassa has won wide acclaim; six times, the readers of Earshot, the Seattle jazz magazine, have voted her the best jazz vocalist in the Northwest. Jim Wilke, the Seattle jazz maven and host of the syndicated "Jazz After Hours" radio program, praises her versatility. "She has a fearlessness in approaching material,” Wilke says, "that makes her like an instrumentalist in a jam session.” Seattle Times critic Misha Berson described Matassa as a vocal chameleon who "can sound husky or crisp, ebullient or wailing, girlish or jaded.” Pianist Darin Clendenin is recognized as one of the Northwest’s finest pianist and keyboard artists. Fluent in numerous styles of music, his stylish interpretations of everything from old classics to jazz standards, from classical to modern works enchant audiences everywhere. His performances, as well as his arranging and composing talents, are sought after for their artistry as well as their magical innovative mix of styles. He also has performed with numerous jazz legends, including Nancy King, Ernestine Anderson, Leroy Vinnegar, Mel Brown and Ron Steen. ; Blaine Jazz Festival Clinics and Concerts; Bumbershoot, Seattle; Jazz in the Valley; and Anacortes Arts Festival. Greta's concert will features material from her latest release "I Wanna be Loved" Resonance Records (#19 on the national charts in July.) Her show will also feature material from such classic singers as Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald to tribute's to Ray Charles and the late Blossom Dearie. "Greta Matassa is one of America's finest singers and stands firmly among the best in today's jazz" – Jazz Review "Matassa's performance was a marvel of virtuosity." — Los Angeles Times "One of the best jazz vocalists we have to boast about these days." — John Clayton "Greta Matassa moves from triumph to triumph." — Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times To hear an audio sample of Greta, click here http://www.gretamatassa.com/music.html To see a video sample of Greta, click here, http://www.gretamatassa.com/video.html Seating for this concert is limited and advance reservations are suggested. Reservations can be made by calling the Siskiyou Institute at 541-488-3869 or by emailing info@siskiyouinstitute.com Jazz Vocal & Improvisation Workshop Greta Matassa's vocal clinic offers practical advice, both technical and vocational, to aspiring singers of all levels. She will cover concepts about practice, improvisation, rhythmic phrasing, scat singing, delivering a ballad and answer any and all questions! "Greta Matassa is one of the best teacher's I've ever seen!" – Frank Demiero, Northwest vocal Jazz legend For reservations, please call 541-488-3869 or email info@siskiyouinstitute.com |
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New Artist Series
The Gonzalo Bergara Quartet Hot Gypsy Jazz Tuesday, September 22, 2009 • 7:00 p.m. Paschal Winery in Talent Tickets: $15, $10 for Siskiyou Institute members ($5 for students) Call 541-488-3869 or email info@siskiyouinstitute.com for reservations. The Siskiyou Institute presents a very special evening with the Gonzalo Bergara Quartet on Tuesday, September 22 at Paschal Winery in Talent as part of our New Artist Series. His group will also participate in the Artists In The Schools Program and will conduct a workshop/presentation at a local school while they are in the Rogue Valley. Gonzalo is one of the hottest Gypsy Jazz guitarists on the scene today and you won't want to miss this. After having toured the world extensively with the John Jorgenson Quintet, native Argentinean Gonzalo Bergara is now presenting his new CD Porteña Soledad to glowing reviews all over the world. Gonzalo began playing professionally at age 16 in Buenos Aires. By 17 he was already fronting his own blues trio on national television. He arrived in America in the year 2000 and in the short time since, has performed and recorded with hundreds of artists including Tim Hausser of Manhattan Transfer, Sylvie Vartan, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, John Jorgenson, Howard Alden and many more. His new CD Porteña Soledad was Editor’s Pick in Guitar Player Magazine, and Vintage Guitar Magazine called it “a masterpiece,” and he was picked as the “Best Jazz Group” in Los Angeles by Los Angeles Magazine in their Best of LA issue. The music is heavily influenced by Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France, traditional Jazz and hints of his native Buenos Aires. In his review on DjangoBooks.com, Jeff Fiskin writes "Gonzalo Bergara’s music exists in a way that very little music does. He has lavished such care on every phrase, built each arrangement with such lapidary precision and pared away anything extraneous, the music becomes sculpture. It has weight, density, gravity. This is serious. And deeply moving.” Gonzalo has performed all over the world including Croatia, Italy, France, Germany, Hungary, Argentina, Brazil, England, Scotland, The Montreal Jazz Festival, Playboy Jazz Festival, Sweet and Hot Jazz Festival, Django Reinhardt Fest in Germany, Suave Guitar Fest in Italy, Merle Fest, Strawberry Fest, Django Fests throughout the US and lots, lots more. The Gonzalo Bergara Quartet is formed by Gonzalo Bergara on Lead Acoustic Guitar, Jeffrey Radaich on Rhythm Guitar, Rob Hardt on Clarinet and Tenor Saxophone, and Brian Netzley on Upright Bass. Click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfLcwW-9KU8&feature=related to view some video of the quartet on Youtube Editor's Pick - Guitar Player Magazine April 08 A Masterpiece - Vintage Guitar Magazine June 08 Best Jazz In Los Angeles - Los Angeles Magazine Best of Issue Django Reinhardt Artist of the Year - Djangofest.com Seating for this concert is limited and advance reservations are suggested. Reservations can be made by calling the Siskiyou Institute at 541-488-3869 or by emailing info@siskiyouinstitute.com |
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The Gross / Frishberg / Doggett Trio
Friday, October 16, 2009 • 7:30 p.m. Old Siskiyou Barn in Ashland Tickets: $25, $20 for Siskiyou Institute Members, ($5 for students) Call 541-488-3869 or email info@siskiyouinstitute.com for reservations. The Siskiyou Institute presents a very special evening with the Gross/Frishberg/Doggett Trio from Portland in their first Rogue Valley appearance. This is a working group featuring the legendary pianist/composer Dave Frishberg, tenor saxophonist, John Gross, and drummer Charlie Dogget. On their recording "Strange Feeling", they make masterful work of some very rare standards and their strong musical presences ring out, yet blend together for a recording like no other. Pianist Dave Frishberg needs no introduction. Mainly known for the bounty of compositions that he has added to the standard song book, he has the opportunity to be heard as the brilliant and masterful pianist that he is. John Gross has been a west coast favorite for many years, and hails as one the truly distinct tenor players around, in any situation. He can be described as a man who completely embraces his sound. Charlie Doggett is one of Portland's first call drummers, who is frequently playing with international jazz musicians passing through. He provides excellent taste in such a unique instrumentation.
Bios: John Gross is an internationally respected musician and has resided in Portland since 1991. Among his employers past and present; Harry James, Stan Kenton, Lionel Hampton, Shelly Manne, Don Ellis, Woody Herman and Toshiko Akiyoshi. He performs regularly with Gordon Lee Quartet, David Friesen, David Frishberg, Alan Jones Sextet and his own groups Blema Bii and the John Gross quartet. John has taught at universities in the US and Europe and is the author of "185 Multiphonics for the Saxophone, A Practical Guide" published by Advance Music. Dave Frishberg first became known for his work with Ben Webster, Gene Krupa, Bud Freeman, Eddie Condon, Al Cohn and Zoot Sims. Later he was celebrated for writing and performing his own frequently humorous songs including favorites "My Attorney Bernie", "Do You Miss New York", "Slappin' the Cakes on Me" and "Van Lingle Mungo", the lyrics of which entirely consist of the names of old-time baseball players. Many of his songs have been performed by artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Anita O'Day, Michael Feinstein, Diana Krall, Stacey Kent, John Pizzarelli and Mel Tormé. He presently resides in Portland, Oregon. Drummer/percussionist, Charlie Doggett is one of the most enigmatic drummers in the Portland and the greater Northwest music scene. He is a creative and versatile musician. Charlie earned a BA in Music from the University of Oregon, where he studied with Charles Dowd and Gary Versace. He has played with David Friesen, Darrell Grant, John Gross, Doc Holliday, David Frishberg, Gary Versace, Greg Coghen, John Stowell, Jerry Hahn, Randy Porter, Titos Sompa,Obo Addy, Rob Sheps,and the Eugene Symphony Orchestra. He has performed at British ColumbiaÌs du Maurier International Jazz Festival, the Medicine Hat Jazz Festival, Alberta, Canada, and the Mt. Hood Festival of Jazz, which was featured on Branford Marsalis's NPR Jazz Set Program. Charlie currently teaches drums at Clackamas Community College as well as from his own home studio in North Portland. Seating for this concert is limited and advance reservations are suggested. Reservations can be made by calling the Siskiyou Institute at 541-488-3869 or by emailing info@siskiyouinstitute.com Art Of The Trio The Art of the Trio workshop will be a demonstration and discussion on the inner workings and challenges of performing in a trio setting with three master musicians. To register for the workshop, please call the Siskiyou Institute at 541-488-3869 or by emailing info@siskiyouinstitute.com |
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New Artist Series
Christine Williams & Ed Dunsavage Wednesday, October 21, 2009 • 7:00 p.m. Paschal Winery in Talent Tickets: $15, $10 for Siskiyou Institute members ($5 for students) Call 541-488-3869 or email info@siskiyouinstitute.com for reservations.
Christine Williams is a singer and actor based in Ashland. Her performance credits include productions at regional theatres and on concert stages across the country and around the world, from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the Barbican Centre in London, to the Aspen Music Festival and the Grotowski Institute in Poland. With eclectic tastes and a wide stylistic range, Christine is a frequent collaborator with jazz, folk and classical musicians, experimental theatre and movement artists, and has developed her own form of “Concert Cabaret.” In addition to eight seasons at OSF, locally Christine has also performed with the Oregon Cabaret Theatre, the Rogue Music Theatre, the contemporary classical ensembles Syzygy and Cabballito Negro, and is a member both of the Celtic folk group, Thistledown, and the Southern Oregon Repertory Singers. A passionate teacher, Christine is on the voice faculty of Southern Oregon University, has been director and vocal coach for numerous high school and college musicals, and frequently runs workshops specializing in acting for singers and singing for actors. Christine is a narrator of audio books and is a member of the Actors’ Equity Association. Guitarist Ed Dunsavage has been performing and promoting music in the Rogue Valley for nearly 20 years. He has performed in a number of different groups and settings during that time and performed for 2 seasons at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in the world premier of Tracy's Tiger and the Clay Cart. He is also the artistic and education director for the Siskiyou Institute, organizing concerts, work shop and school visits for the Artists In the Schools Program. Seating for this concert is limited and advance reservations are suggested. Reservations can be made by calling the Siskiyou Institute at 541-488-3869 or by emailing info@siskiyouinstitute.com |
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The Mel Martin / Don Friedman Duo Hearing Mel Martin and Don Friedman in duo is to witness two jazz masters at play, feeding off of and interacting with each other in a way that larger group performances don’t generally allow. A true dialogue takes place reflecting their considerable experience and ability to converse in an entirely exposed environment. Mel Martin’s saxophones and flute are primed to shine in their tonal beauty along with Don Friedman’s ultimate harmonic sophistication and considerable pianistic virtuosity. They will be performing pieces from their recent recording Jazzed media "Where The Warm Winds Blow" as well as originals, jazz standards and free-form improvised sections. Don't miss these two jazz masters in an intimate setting that will optimize the musical communication between musicians and audience. To learn more about Mel Martin, visit his very in-depth and informative website at http://melmartin.com/index.html “I am most impressed with Mel Martin's musicianship.” Benny Carter “You really play your ass off!” Dizzy Gillespie "Mr. Martin displays a dazzling technique and an awesome command of jazz harmony. His approach to playing is unique. He doesn?t sound like anyone else” Saxophone Journal “Blistering bebop chops...his tenor speaks in romantic, sculptured phrases..upbeat, naturally fluent melodic qualities.” Owen Cordle - Jazz Times Magazine Jazz Improvisation Workshop: In this workshop, Mel Martin and Don Friedman will demonstrate the methods they use individually and collectively to develop their improvisational skills including melodic variations, harmonic understanding, listening and communication, rhythmic variations and compositional approaches. To register for the workshop, please call the Siskiyou Institute at 541-488-3869 or by emailing info@siskiyouinstitute.com |
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New Artist Series
David Valdez - saxophones Thursday, November 5, 2009 • 7:00 p.m. Paschal Winery in Talent Tickets: $15, $10 for Siskiyou Institute members ($5 for students) Call 541-488-3869 or email info@siskiyouinstitute.com for reservations. Saxophonist David Valdez will present an evening of music composed by the great Lennie Tristano and well as pieces written by some of his students including Lee Konitz, Warne Marsh and Bily Bauer. He will be joined by guitarist Ed Dunsavage, bassist Joe Cohoon and drummer Chicken Hirsh and a special guest appearance by tenor saxophonist Michael Vannice. Lennie Tristano had a profound influence on jazz, but as sometimes happens, has not gotten a lot of popular recognition. His compositions are clever, intricate and challenging to play even if you’re an obvious virtuoso. Lee Konitz followed in Lennie’s footsteps writing a sizable number of songs but making his fame by playing with Miles Davis in the Birth of the Cool sessions. Now at age 81 Lee is revered as one of the great elders of the music as he continues to play his saxophone every day…all over the world. This evenings presentation will be a slice of jazz history not often heard. You won't want to miss this one. Saxophonist/educator David Valdez attended Berklee College of music on full scholarship where he studied with George Garzone and Joseph Viola. While in Boston he worked with John Medeski, the Either Orchestra, Dave Holland, Clark Terry, Dominique Eade, Mick Goodrick, Danilo Perez, Bob Moses, The Four Tops, and Matt Wilson. After finishing his studies David moved back to the West Coast, where for several years he led bands in the Bay Area featuring such notable players as Larry Grenadier, Jeff Ballard, Charlie Hunter, Vince Wallace, Liberty Ellman, Dmitri Metheny, Mark Levine and Scott Amendola. Valdez moved east in the mid-nineties. There he worked with players like Kurt Rosenwinkle, Dave Fuiczynski, Josh Roseman, Ben Monder, Matt Otto, Art Lillard, Donny McCaslin, and Ben Allison at clubs like The Knitting Factory, Smalls, Blue Note, Cleopatra’s Needle, Savoy Lounge and Birdland. In 2000 David relocated to the Northwest where he plays with Nancy King, David Friesen, Alan Jones, Gary Smulyan, Rob Scheps, Glen Moore, Mel Brown, Dave Frishberg, Bert Wilson, and Randy Porter. In the northwest he leads several different Jazz projects, as well as an Afro-Cuban Jazz quintet. David also has a working band in Barcelona, Spain with guitarist/composer Pere Soto. David's Oasis CD was released on the Diatic record label last year and has been receiving wide radio airplay in the US, Europe, and South America. David's Casa Valdez Jazz blog is used as primary source material for Jazz improvisation courses around the country, including the University of North Carolina, North Texas State University, and the University of Colorado at Boulder. He recently taught at the Prague International Summer Jazz Workshop in the Czech Republic. David will be participating in the Siskiyou Institute's Artists' In the Schools Program and will visit several schools in the Rogue Valley while he is here. David also manages a website which is an invaluable resourse for musicians. You can visit his website and read his blog at http://davidvaldez.blogspot.com/ |
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The Siskiyou Institute presents an evening with vocalist Christine Williams and guitarist Ed Dunsavage. The evening entitled, Deconstructing Standards will feature many well known (and lesser known) jazz standards and other popular song forms, presented in new and creative ways.
