Trailblazing
pianist, composer, producer, and bandleader Jeff Lorber is a consummate artist
who continues to push himself to new plateaus. There is a palpable energy when
Lorber talks about his creative process. “I really love writing, recording and
performing. I don’t look at this as work,” confides the pianist. “I’d much
rather have some playing that has a ‘vibe’ over something that doesn’t but is
more technically perfect. A true
clinician, Lorber has made it a point to study the long line of modern jazz
pianists since 1945. “Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea have been major influences
but I had to go back and try to figure out who they listened to and were
inspired by,” says Lorber. “Some of these icons that come to mind are Bill
Evans, Thelonious Monk, McCoy Tyner and Bud Powell.” He adds, "I also
can't forget all of the pianists who played with Miles Davis such as Red
Garland, Wynton Kelly, Tommy Flanagan and Horace Silver.”
Singer, saxophonist,
and composer Grace Kelly plays with the heart and passion of an old soul yet
with the genre-bending zest and energy of a 25 year old. Kelly has drawn
critical praise and new fans every year with headlining over 700 shows in 30
countries including major jazz festivals from Montreux to Newport to Montreal.
“Grace Kelly has an electric charisma on-stage that instantly ignites the
room,” says Jon Batiste. She wrote her first song at 7 years old, recorded her
first CD at 12, orchestrated and performed her original composition with the
Boston Pops Orchestra at 14, and performed at President Obama’s Inauguration at
16. Already known for defying genres with her award-winning music, Kelly is
picking up steam by rewriting the rules of the performance experience.