Russell Schmidt, piano
Pianist Russell Schmidt is Director of Jazz Activities at Bowling Green State University. As a jazz performer, he has worked with such artists as Carl Allen, Bob Berg, Eddie Daniels, Tim Hagans, John Hollenbeck, Gerry Mulligan, Arturo Sandoval, and Clark Terry. He was one of only two American jazz pianists selected to participate in the 2nd Martial Solal International Jazz Piano Competition, in Paris, France. Schmidt has recorded with guitarist Bob Sneider, vocalist Vicki McDermitt, the Birch Creek Jazz Band, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra with Joe Lovano, and the Paul Ferguson Jazz Orchestra, among others. Additionally, he has composed and arranged for artists as wide-ranging as jazz saxophonist Michael Brecker, Rhythm & Brass, and the Ying String Quartet.
Dave Morgan, bass
Dave Morgan is active as a jazz bassist and composer. He was recently commissioned to compose an evening of music for the saxophonist Joe Lovano and the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, which is documented on "The Surprise of Being--Live at Birdland", available on cdbaby.com. His "Three Vignettes" was recently recorded by the Beethoven Academy Orchestra of Krakow and released on Centaur Records. He has performed with many leading jazz artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody, Benny Golson, Cedar Walton, John Hicks, Jim McNeely, Bob Brookmeyer, Mose Allison, Larry Coryell, and Joe Chambers. Information on upcoming recordings and performances can be found at davemorgan.com.
Jim Rupp, drums
Jim Rupp has done extensive touring with the bands of Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, and Glenn Miller. He is the drummer on three Woody Herman CD’s, “The Fiftieth Anniversary Tour,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award, “Legacy,” and “Live In London.” Jim spent eight years with Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Diane Schuur, and has also performed with artists such as Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, Joe Lovano, Hank Marr, Buddy DeFranco, Clark Terry, Joe Williams, Rosemary Clooney, and Natalie Cole. An active clinician, he gives workshops and educational clinics around the country. He is also the chair of the drum set committee for the Percussive Arts Society and the President of Columbus Pro Percussion Inc.
Jack Schantz, flugelhorn
Jack Schantz has served as Musical Director of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra since 1993, as well as leading the Bop Stop Jazz Unit, an ensemble dedicated to presenting new works by its members. He is also active as an educator, serving as Coordinator of Jazz Studies at The University of Akron. During the 80’s, he toured the United States and Japan as featured jazz trumpet soloist with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Artie Shaw Orchestra, and Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd. He has worked with dozens of jazz artists, including, Tom Harrell, Arturo Sandoval, Joe Lovano, Bob Brookmeyer, Maria Schneider, Clare Fischer, Sammy Nestico, Bill Holman, Bill Finegan, Slide Hampton, Jiggs Whigham, and Billy Byers Music.
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