Jeff Barone, a young guitar player, has built a solid reputation through his albums (Crazy Talk u0026 Open Up), live performances and record production. His jazz playing is a refreshing addition to the modern mainstream. He swings hard and looks forward. He was born in Syracuse and recalls that he heard Virtuoso, a Joe Pass record, early on. My parents gifted me a guitar as a Christmas gift from a cousin who owned his own music store. It was that moment that it all began.” He was exposed to jazz music by his uncle, who was a bassist, and his cousin who played the piano. Jeff began his career in jazz clubs at 16 and was soon hired to perform with touring shows. Tony Riposo directed him and he also worked with Al Martino, a singer. “My entire life revolved around music and guitar by the time I was in highschool, so it was an easy transition to be a professional musician.” Jeff considers Joe Pass to be his inspirations. He also admires jazz guitarists Pat Martino and Jack Wilkins, Johnny Smith, George Benson, Johnny Smith, George Benson, Johnny Smith, and classical guitarists Julian Bream, Segovia, as well as pianists Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, and guitarists Jim Hall and Jack Wilkins. To create his own sound, he incorporates elements from each style with his own musical personality. Jeff earned a Bachelors degree in Music Education at Ithaca College. His main instrument was classical drumming. He studied jazz performance at Manhattan School Of Music, where he concentrated on guitar. He also worked in small clubs around the Village, including Evelyn Blakey (Art Blakey’s daughter), Hershel’s group (Weather Report), and Charles McGee, a trumpeter who had previously played with Rahsaan Roland and Archie Shepp). After his school days were over, he joined the Harlem organ scene. Jeff worked for Mel Davis and Jimmy “Preacher”, as well as five years with Reuben Wilson. It was great to play with Reuben Wilson, as he played all types of jazz. We played standards and straightahead jazz in Harlem clubs. We played more funk, acid jazz and other styles when we were not in Harlem. The organ and guitar were meant to be together. The organist can play a left-handed guitar, which allows for more room. This is in contrast to the guitar or piano, where they have to work very hard to not step on each other. Jack recommended Jack Wilkins to him for many important gigs, including one with the Vanguard Orchestra, a sub with the Mingus Epitaph Orchestra (under Gunther Schuller), and an association with vibraphonist Warren Chiasson. Jack was instrumental in Crazy Talk’s release in 2000. He was the one who gave me the drive to record. Crazy Talk was co-produced and released by String Jazz. Jeff is a member of a quartet that includes Ron Oswanski as pianist, Chris Berger as bassist, and Joe Strasser as drummer. The title track features Mike Clark, a drummer who is best known for his work with Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters. It’s a mix of standard songs and Jeff’s originals (“Resa’s Blues,” To Care For” and Crazy Talk”) that is very infectious. Jeff excels at both ballads and medium-tempo tunes. It’s a remarkable debut. Jeff’s second CD, Open Up, marked a significant step forward. “I learned a lot about my first record so the second one is more polished in its performances and arrangements. Jeff is joined by Ron Oswanski, who can be heard playing organ, and Rudy Petschauer, the drummer. Joe Magnarelli, the trumpeter, and Mike Dubaniewicz, the altoist, make welcome appearances. Jack Wilkins performs two memorable songs (“Jenna’s Song”) and Jeff sings “Quiet Now” unaccompanied. Jazzed Media has four Jeff Barone originals on the CD. They also include new versions of “Falling In Love With Love” and “I Hear Music”, as well as new versions of “Falling In Love With Love” and “Quiet Now”. The music is contemporary jazz, but accessible, original, challenging, and with a blues element. It is quite soulful. In recent years, Jeff Barone has performed with Joe Magnarelli, Warren Chiasson, and Tom Harrell. He has performed at Merkin Hall, Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, as well as at jazz festivals, including the JVC Jazz Festival. MaxJazz will release a set of Jack Wilkins’s songs, Until It’s Time. He is also an active record producer. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to make my living playing guitar. Jeff Barone is certain to continue his progress, recording and collaborating, and make a significant contribution to jazz in the 21st century. from http://www.jeffbarone.com
