Lineup Announced for Chris Williams Jazz Concert at the OC Pavilion

Jan. 29, 2007 - PRLog -- The critically acclaimed Chris Williams and The Jazz Nightlife Renaissance will be featured on the main stage of the OC Pavilion (www.ocpavilion.com). The show will be held February 3rd, 2007, with the performance beginning at 8:00 PM. Select seats are still available by calling the box office at 714-550-0550.

Chris Williams is touted for his vibrant stage presence and performs straight-ahead, bebop and latin jazz while consistently putting new twists on old standards. Chris makes the music solely his own and is known for unique and inventive interpretation of the music while maintaining a profound respect for the rich tradition of jazz music. He has been touted as a “Fabulous Find” by KLAC radio, featured on the Fox 11 News, and received radio recognition on KKJZ 88.1 FM with Helen Borgers and on KABC 790 AM with Doug McIntyre.

His seven-piece ensemble features the following well-known, local jazz musicians:
Edmund Velasco – Saxophones
Edmund Velasco has played professionally for the past fifteen years with such top names as Mel Torme, Eddie Daniels, Ernie Andrews and many others. He has been named the top Tenor Sax Artist in Orange County in 1998 & 1999 by the Orange County Weekly. He is currently leading his own quintet, writing and directing as well as producing three CD’s.

Greg Parman – Saxophones
Seattle-native, Greg Parman has worked with One Nation (Global Funk), Mark Massey (pianist), Ron Kobayashi (pianist), Luis Villegas (latin guitarist), Little Bill and the Blue Notes and Merrilee Rush (“Angel of the Morning”). He is featured on recordings with Rick Waldren and Chris Williams. In addition, Greg performed on the One Nation album that was honored with the Orange County Music Award in 2004 for Best Latin - Contemporary.

Andrew Carney – Trumpet
Since the age of fifteen, Andrew Carney has been playing trumpet and flugelhorn professionally. For over twenty five years Andrew has worked with such artists as Michael Jackson, Michael Bolton, Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston, Wayne Henderson, Bobby Lyle, Chaka Khan, Brenda Russell, the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, and Randi Crawford. In addition, Andrew has recorded with such artists as Billy Mitchell, John Bolivar, Yve Evans, Tommy Walker, Justo Almario, and Larry Carlton.

Blake White – Guitar
Blake White is an extremely accomplished, talented, self – taught guitarist. Having played for more than 20 years, he is quickly gaining notoriety amongst jazz-fans and local musicians for his extensive musical knowledge and vocabulary.

Grant Childers – Drums
Grant Childers, a native of Los Angeles and a versatile performer, has worked with a diverse group of musicians including the Shirelles, Joe Houston, and famed jazz artists Phil Wilson, Rich Matteson, Ashley Alexander, and Louie Bellson. His experience includes numerous recording sessions, tours, television broadcasts, and musical theater.

Mike Bennet – Percussion
Mike Bennett is an award winning drummer who has been recognized by Downbeat Magazine as a rising star. Already a first call live and session drummer and percussionist, Bennett's credits include work with Johnny Blas (CuBop Records), Tony Kaye (YES), Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder), Ron Powell (Madonna, Sergio Mendes), Luis Conte, Sandro Albert, Max Bennett (Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell), Joe Jewell, Reed Gratz, Michael O'Neill (George Benson), & many others.

David Miller – Double Bass
David Miller, recently returned Orange County native, is a performing and recording artist and a music educator. David attended music school in New York at the prestigious New School and performed with jazz greats Ornette Coleman, Eric Alexander and Roy Hargrove. David has toured extensively both nationally and internationally and has performed at such events as the Copenhagen and North Sea Jazz Festivals. He has also recorded and toured with the legendary swing band Royal Crown Review. Since returning to Southern California in 2001, David has worked with top Los Angeles based jazz musicians, Joe La Barbera, Larry Koonse, and Theo Saunders and has completed a Master’s degree in Jazz Music from The California Institute of the Arts. David has recorded with the Evan Stone Quartet, who received the OC Music Award for Best Jazz Album in 2006.

Matt Politano – Piano
Matt Politano, jazz pianist, is a highly skilled and versatile musician. Matt was awarded a music scholarship to attend the University of North Texas, the country’s oldest and most honored jazz program, and the Manhattan School of Music for his award winning piano playing. In 2000, he received the High School Spotlight Award for excellence in instrumental jazz for Los Angeles County. Some of the musician’s Matt has performed with include Erykah Badu (R&B), Bob Brookmeyer (jazz trombonist), Chris Potter (saxophonist), Benny Green (jazz pianist), Joey DeFrancesco (jazz organist), and the Kim Richmond concert jazz orchestra.

Website: www.ocpavilion.com