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Industry News
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The Jazz Generation
The musicians, masters in sight reading and with classical training, include pianist Chris Lee who has played for numerous groups and venues in California, including California State University, Sacramento; bassist/keyboardist Jim Wendt, whose performances with many other bands includes travels to Africa and India working with other musicians and collaborating to support an orphanage in India (also our music arranger); Dave Peters, extraordinary, sight reading drummer whose abilities resulted in his representing a drum manufacturer; Graham Smith, an extraordinary young musician who has already won an Ellington sax solo competition in NY; and Cliff Ford, male vocalist and background singer whose voice is a natural match with Brooks for outstanding duets and harmonies. Brooks is also a playwright who has written, produced and directed several original shows, including "Great Women of Jazz, 1890-1990, History of Women if Jazz" and "I Believe I Can Fly" which featured a 112 year of woman telling her stories and reciting her poems with the band performing songs from each decade of her life. 400 attended the show; post event publicity reached more than 10 million. The Jazz Generation has also worked with children and youth, including artist residencies, summer youth programs, library and other community events and on fundraisers for victims of Hurricane Katrina and other worthy causes. We are known for our artistry, creativity, improvisational skills (Brooks has learned from leading vocal coachees, including famed Bobby McFerrin and Seth Riggs in LA.) and for professionalism in appearance and action. We have numeous websites, including videos online. | ||||||||