Six composers and performers, each with impressive resumes, but located in far-reaching parts of the country, were initially connected through long-standing mutual relationships. They came together in Arizona to work on the first album and to share their musical ideas. Will Campbell, alto Saxophone, is the result of their group dynamic. Will Campbell is originally from North Carolina and is currently the Director of Jazz Studies at UNC Charlotte. He is a Doctor of Musical Arts in Saxophone Performance Literature from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He also holds the Bachelor of Music and Master of Music (Saxophone Performance), both from the University of North Texas. He was a member and director of the Three O’Clock Lab Band while attending UNT. He toured the world as a member and director of the Harry Connick, Jr. Orchestre from 1990 to 1994. Blue Light, Red Light and When My Heart Finds Christmas are some of his recordings. Dr. Campbell has performed alongside artists like Randy Brecker, Marvin Stamm and Aretha Franklin. In 2007, Campbell received a UNC Charlotte Faculty Research Grant to record Think Tank (Cellar Live Records), which was his first release as a composer and leader. Raul d’Gama Rose reviewed Think Tank for All About Jazz and stated that Campbell is meticulous in his pace. His warm, rich tone shines through as he creates solos with astonishing resonance. University of Northern Colorado Jazz Press now has his arrangements for jazz ensemble. Campbell endorses these products as an Artist/Clinician at the Conn-Selmer Company, and as a Performing Artist at Rico Reeds. Jon Hamar, bass Jon Hamar, is a versatile artist whose ability to find a unique, tasteful voice in any situation has made him a fixture in the Northwest music scene. Hamar’s friendliness, sense of humor, and work ethic have kept him busy as a freelance musician in many genres. Hamar was a member of Ernestine Anderson’s jazz and blues band for four years and is currently a regular performer with Northwest musicians like Dawn Clement, Jim Knapp and Randy Halberstadt. Jon performs in orchestral settings regularly recording soundtracks for movies and performing recitals and concerts throughout the Northwest. Jon is an educator and teaches at Central Washington University in Ellensburg (Washington), Northwest University in Kirkland (Washington) and Edmonds Community College, Edmonds, Washington. He also maintains an active private studio. Jon has former students at Berklee College of Music and The New School. Jon joined the Centrum Jazz Workshop faculty in 2012 under the guidance of John Clayton, the Artistic Director. Michael Kocour, pianist Mike, is Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona. Kocour, who was hailed by the Chicago Tribune as “one the most sophisticated jazz pianists,” has performed all over the globe and appeared on Marian McPartland’s nationally syndicated NPR program “Piano Jazz”. He has performed with many artists and groups, including Dizzy Gillespie and Eddie Harris, James Moody and Eddie Daniels, Randy Brecker and Benny Golson. Dom Moio, drummer Dom is a Senior Lecturer at Arizona State University. He teaches jazz percussion ensembles and jazz percussion. He has shared the stage with many jazz legends, including Herb Ellis and Ahmad Jamal. Joe Lovano, Clark Terry, Joe Lovano and Jerry Bergonzi. Moio recorded two CDs alongside jazz great Carl Fontana. He recorded with Chuck Marohnic, Greg Hopkins and The Jazz Nonet. Moio was able to record the Four Tops songs with the original singers. He played both Latin percussion and drums. Recent recordings include I Got ‘cha drums Right Here and Seeds, with Chuck Marohnic. Mel Bay published two Moio books, Latin Percussion In Perspective and Be-Bop Pharsing for Drums. Matt Olson, Tenor Saxophone Matt Olson serves as Associate Professor of Saxophone at Furman University and Director of Jazz Studies. He has degrees from Northwestern University and the University of Illinois. He has performed with Kurt Elling and Kurt Brecker, John Fedchock and Doc Severinsen, Manhattan Transfer as well as Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole and Bernadette Peters. He has performed as a guest artist at universities and high schools across the country. Matt is also a clinician and adjudicator. He presented a clinic at 2009 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. His work has been published in Downbeat magazine and The Saxophone Symposium as well as Walrus Music. Vortex was Matt’s first jazz recording. It was released in 2006. Vern Sielert is Assistant Professor of Trumpet u0026 Jazz Studies at University of Idaho. Rosemary Clooney and Freddie Hubbard were among his many musical collaborators. Vern was also part of the University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band which recorded many of his arrangements and compositions. Vern performs regularly with various groups, including the Jim Knapp Orchestra and Emerald City Jazz Orchestra. You can hear him on the recent recordings of Kelly Wright, Phil Kelly’s Northwest Prevailing Winds, and the Emerald City Jazz Orchestra. Vern is an active clinician, adjudicator and adjudicator. He has spoken at jazz festivals and schools across the US as well as at conferences of the Washington Music Educators (MENC Northwest Division) and the International Association for Jazz Education. from www.unhingedsextet.com
