The 10th Annual
GO (Genesee - Orleans)
J
A
Z
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Festival Line-Up
"JAZZ A to Z"
Sunday, May 21, 2006
RACHEL Z
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Grammy winner with Wayne Shorter “Rachel has great harmonies and really swings at the piano” -- Chick Corea “Playing with Rachel Z is like winning the lottery” – Tim Price “It’s safe to say that the Rachel Z Trio is one of the most exciting, passionate and impressive groups in Jazz” – Jazzonline.com “…she(Rachel) was the picture sheer talent…I’m sure I’ve never seen a pianist’s fingers move as quickly…Her concentration alone was captivating to watch…Rachel wowed us all with her intricate interpretations…” – Beverly Packard, Berks County PA Arts Council Of Bobbie Rae – “I consider him a unique drummer in the world of Jazz music... His brush playing keeps me smiling…” – Tim Price |
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Rachel Nicolazzo, or Rachel Z, emerged in the 1990’s as a talented “Young Lion” pianist. Having graduated from the New England Conservatory, she has studied with John Hicks, Richie Bierach and JoAnne Brackeen. She has toured with such luminaries as Wayne Shorter (for two years), Al DiMeola, Lenny White, Najee, Steps Ahead with Mike Mainieri and most recently with Peter Gabriel of Genesis, with her trio as his accompaniment. During that time, she’s also collaborated with Ron Carter, Bobby Watson, Larry Coryell, Special EFX and Angela Bofill, and fronted her own trio, which has toured internationally and extensively. While with Wayne Shorter, as his music director and pianist, they won a Grammy with the album “High Life” for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. Rachel has recorded extensively with her own groups and as accompanist for others. |
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Rachel Carmen Nicolazzo, born in Manhattan, was raised in a musical family. With an opera-singing mother, Rachel began voice lessons at age 2 and began piano lessons at 7. In her mid-teens, Rachel discovered Miles Davis’ Miles Smiles, whose improvisational works diverted her from her classical roots. Z’s piano talents enabled her to attend the Berklee College of Music, where she launched the quintet, Nardis. Later Rachel graduated from the New England Conservatory with a “Distinction in Performance” award. She’s been touring, playing many major festivals, and recording successfully ever since. Rachel Z now focuses mainly on her trio, drummer (and husband) Bobbie Rae a driving force in a recent flourish of the group’s releases, including Rachel’s debut as a singer. Touring on Peter Gabriel’s Growing Up Tours, 2002 to 2004 has given Rachel the opportunity to widen her fan base and work with other renowned musicians, including bassist, Tony Levin. |
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The critics: Ellen Rocco, Blue Note Magazine, 12/2003: “The Don Washington Blues Band could go head to head with the best of Chicago, New Orleans and Memphis and hold their own. Led by the extraordinarily talented Don Washington…the playing is professional, commitment is palpable and you’ll hear the heart as soon as you slide this disc into the cd player. I’m proud to know this band. I’m honored to recommend their music to you.” Bruce Iglauer, President, Alligator Records: “Don Washington is an exciting young pianist and singer championing the blues piano tradition with flair, talent and soul. His original songs show plenty of writing talent and a sense of humor… His performance at the 2005 Chicago Blues Festival won him a legion of new fans and left the crowd hollering for more….” Jim O’Neal, co-founder, Living Blues Magazine: “One of the most pleasant surprises I had at the 2005 Chicago Blues Festival was meeting and hear Don Washington. It’s great to hear someone not only carrying on the blues piano tradition in such fine fashion, but knowing how to entertain an audience with it too.” Ann Rabson, Blues Pianist Magazine: “I don’t know where Don Washington has been, but now that I’ve heard his recording I sure hope I’ll be hearing him everywhere. Mr. Washington writes wonderful songs and sings with power, warmth and depth. But most of all Don Washington plays the piano with a passion and groove a mile wide. His piano style is rooted in traditional barrelhouse and at the same time soaked in gospel and even a touch of funk and Memphis-sounding soul. Highly recommended.” Biography Don started playing piano at the age of five. It was a rule in his father’s house that every child learns to play an instrument and sing. Being the youngest of five children, Don was determined to stand out from the pack. In addition to mastering the piano, he learned to play the organ, drums, saxophone, tuba, bass, guitar and harmonica, as well as taking voice lessons. Don’s father the late Rev. William M. Washington, groomed his children to be his personal praise and worship team at the Royal Church of God in Christ, in Kent, NY. It was during this time that Don leaned the instrumental and vocal styles and techniques that would later make him a blues man. In Kendall schools, Don was a music star. Music teacher Nancy Pierce introduced him at school concert, when Don was in the 7 th grade, “We’re going to have the pleasure of listening to this young lad for the next seven years.” And she was right. Don sang and performed at many events and went to the States, Eastern Regionals and Nationals thru the NSMA (National School Music Assn.) auditions. Don then earned his Bachelors and Masters in Music Education from the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam. At that same time Don had a chance to see Buddy Guy in Ottawa, Ontario. The performance was so powerful that Cdon left the show mesmeriszed. He realized at that moment that his gospel roots gave him the tools he needed to play and sing the blues. He formed a trio and began touring on the weekends and in the summer. He has recorded three discs. Don presently teaches music in the Morristown Central Scholl District and live with his wife Dawn in Ogdensburg, NY. |
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SOUNDMAN: Rob Robinson (aka "Christopher Robin") - Keyboardist and our soundman Rob Robinson, is a pianist and composer (of popular and religious music) of local note. He's frequently played at the Apple Grove Inn, elsewhere in the region, Canada, and Europe. His mother, Virginia Bishop, played organ and piano in the region for years. She was a regular at the Apple Grove. Rob was a child prodigy, who, from the age of eight, soloed on keys for Medina school assemblies. He does sound often at the Apple Grove Inn, other indoor sites and festivals outside as well. He's an electrician and also teaches piano and guitar. |
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