Eastman School of Music Posts and Musings
By Dan Gross Rochester-born David Finck grew up in Philadelphia, but returned in the 1970s to study at Eastman, where he graduated in 1980. Since then he’s become one of the jazz world’s premiere free-lance bassists, making recordings with musicians from André Previn to George Michael. In the most recent, Low Standards on the SoundStream…
Karl Stabnau performing at the Rochester Public Library during Jazz Festival 2016 By Dan Gross Karl Stabnau graduated from Eastman (BM ’11); MM in Music Education with jazz emphasis in December 2013. Among many other things, he is currently the Jazz Director at SUNY Brockport and the college’s music business coordinator. Instead of playing as…
The Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival (XRIJF) ran from June 23 through July 1. Along with musicians from all over the world, Eastman jazz players and composers – faculty members, students, and alumni – contributed the festival. Freelancer Dan Gross has interviewed some of them for Eastman Journal during the the festival. He continues his…
By Kameron Ghanavati Beethoven’s most celebrated work, the finale from his Ninth Symphony, will be performed as part of the annual program of Summer Sings! here at Eastman on Thursday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Kilbourn Hall. It is the first performance in the Eastman “Summer Sings” series of readings of great choral masterworks.…
The Wee Trio: James Westfall, Dan Loomis, Jared Schonig By Dan Gross The Wee Trio is James Westfall (vibes) plus two Eastman alumni: Dan Loomis (bass), and Jared Schonig (drums), and they’re coming to the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, following their release of Wee + 3. While it’s mostly just the trio, a few…
Trombonist and composer Nick Finzer By Dan Gross An award-winning composer, arranger, and trombonist, Eastman alumnus Nick Finzer is bringing the joy and power of Jazz to both traditional fans and the most modern 21st century audiences. He’s on a mission to be a passionate voice defining the sound of Jazz in this age while…
Trumpeter Mike Cottone By Dan Gross Jazz trumpet player Mike Cottone is a native of Rochester, New York, and attended Eastman and Juilliard. He has performed and recorded with Al Jarreau, Robin Thicke, Neil Diamond, Ruben Blades, Mike Garson, Paul Anka, The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and attended the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, led…
Bassist Danny Ziemann Eastman graduate (2012) Danny Ziemann is a rising star bassist, teacher at the Eastman Community School and at SUNY Oswego, and author of The Low Down: A Guide to Creating Jazz Bass Lines. Danny is playing with the Vince Ercolamento Quintet tonight, Monday, June 26, at 6 and 10 p.m. in the…
Aaron Staebell The Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival (XRIJF) begins today, June 23, and runs through July 1. Along with musicians from all over the world, Eastman jazz players and composers – faculty members, students, and alumni – will be very busy during the festival. Freelancer Dan Gross will be interviewing some of them for…