7-time Grammy award winner, Randy Brecker is a seasoned jazz veteran, virtuosic trumpeter and prolific composer. Randy’s horn has graced the bandstands and recordings of countless artists including Horace Silver, Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Charles Mingus, Clark Terry, Joe Henderson, Duke Pearson, Frank Foster, and Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. As a first call studio player, Brecker’s trumpet has also energized innumerable studio sessions by artists in just about every genre of music ranging from James Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen and Parliament-Funkadelic to David Sanborn, Jaco Pastorius, and Frank Zappa. Whether collaborating with legends or leading his own ensembles, Randy Brecker continues to captivate audiences with his impeccable technique, soulful improvisations, and an innate ability to connect through the language of music.
In the realms of cutting-edge jazz-rock fusion, Brecker has been a major contributor to Blood Sweat and Tears, Larry Coryell’s Eleventh House and Dreams, a group he co-founded with his brother Michael and drummer Billy Cobham. Another group he formed with his brother was the Brecker Brothers, a band of immeasurable influence and impact. Hailed by pop and jazz critics alike, the Brecker Brothers went on to record a total of 6 albums and receive seven Grammy nominations and 4 Grammy awards.
Randy Brecker is a true musical pioneer who continues to perform extensively around the world in a variety of settings. His quest for musical excellence while constantly expanding his trumpet style and encyclopedic catalogue of compositions is unparalleled.
Randy’s set will feature Ada Rovatti on saxophone. A veteran of important festivals such as JVC in NYC Rochester Jazz Festival, IAJE, Detroit Jazz Fest, Montreal Jazz Fest appearing and performing with an impressive and diverse list of artists and bands such as John McLaughlin, Joanne Brackeen, Tony Levin and many others. In addition to her musical expertise Ada appeared in the movie “Mona Lisa Smile” featuring Julia Roberts. Rounding out the group is a rhythm section of Dave Kikoski (piano), Alex Claffy (bass) and Steve Johns (drums).
“Her voice reaches deep into one’s soul and finds a soft spot.”
The Star Ledger
"She is fabulous with a voice that shakes the rafters.”
Broadway World
Lynette Sheard is a gifted, versatile vocalist with a five-octave range. She is also an actor, producer, director, and experienced curator. Her performances have been acknowledged in numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Record, the Chronicle, and The Star-Ledger. She performs Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Soul, and Pop music throughout the tri-state area and was inducted into the “Encyclopedia of Newark Jazz.”Her theater credits include principal roles in Dream Girls, Smokey Joe Café, Ragtime, Swing, Aida, and an encore performance as Lena Younger Mama in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun. Lynette has received countless awards and recognition for her musical service work with children, the elderly, and veterans. But her true impact is felt beyond the stage.
As a founding member of the Guiding Stars, A Medical Missions group of professional performers, she has volunteered to entertain veterans and children, raising thousands for Hurricane Katrina Survivors, Haitian Relief efforts, The American Red Cross, and numerous other local charities.
Lynette will be joined by her band members John Dubose (sax), Glenn Merritt (piano), Gordan Lane. (drums), and Mike Logan (bass)
Kicking off the event will be a performance of our Jazz Arts Academy Allstars. (this is a selected group of talented students from our premier jazz training program.
The Jazz Arts Academy is a year round comprehensive jazz studies program presented by the non-profit Jazz Arts Project, Inc. in a strategic arts partnership with the Count Basie Center for the Arts. The program provides mostly high school students aged 13–18 with a ‘centralized jazz scene,’ a place where they can supplement their school music program, meet new players from the entire region and gain valuable skills, and experience. Most students experience profound personal growth in such a fun, safe and nurturing professional atmosphere.
This program offers expert musical mentoring with performance ensembles, improvisation training, general musicianship, coaching, special workshops, masterclasses with visiting artists, and jam sessions in addition to jazz repertory and discussions about the history of jazz. It is a performance-based approach that promotes not only musical development but traits such as teamwork, integrity, responsibility, self-reliance, and so much more transformative lessons. The study of jazz music develops and honors self expression, discovery of different cultures and a lasting respect for others. Our jazz education focuses on providing students the tools and skills to navigate planned and improvised musical situations. These skills are not easy to cultivate and we are so proud of our students’ hard work and dedication.