New York Voices’ Darmon Meader to Join 2011 Jazz at Naz Faculty

We’re delighted to announce that Darmon Meader, founder, composer, musical director, chief arranger, vocalist and guiding spirit of the legendary New York Voices will be be joining the Tritone Jazz at Naz faculty, July 24-29.

And oh yeah, he’s also a killing sax player, an outstanding teacher, and a great guy.

As a member of New York Voices, Darmon has released numerous recordings on the GRP, RCA/Victor, Concord and MCGJazz labels.

In 2008, he also released his much anticipated debut solo CD, And So Am I, a collection of jazz standards and original works that reflects his varied interests and skills as a singer, saxophonist, writer and arranger.

New York Voices founder Darmon Meader will coach Tritone Jazz at Naz vocalists and maybe play some big-band sax July 24-29.

In addition to New York Voices touring and recording commitments, Darmon is increasingly busy as a soloist, sideman, studio musician, and clinician at jazz workshops around the world.

At Jazz at Naz, he will be joining our pantheon of favorites, including guitarist Gene Bertoncini (feeling like a new man after his December back surgery), trumpeter Clay Jenkins, trombonist Mark Kellogg, pianist Dariusz Terefenko, bassist Ike Sturm, jazz raconteur Tom Hampson, and the energetic rhythmer Kristen Shiner-McGuire.  Drummer Rich Thompson will be rejoining the Jazz at Naz faculty after a couple summers off.

Interested in joining us?  We recommend signing up today before it’s too late.  Click here to register.

Jazz at Naz Update–27 Days Out

Once again, we can’t believe our good fortune. At every camp, miraculously, the instrumentation for a really solid Tritone big-band seems to materialize out of nowhere.

This year is no exception. The once-puny trumpet section has filled out beautifully and other sections are perfectly balanced. We could use one or two more trombones, but even without, we’re ready for another very cool big-band experience.

Small combos look great, too–plenty of rhythm players at each experience level, and a nice variety of front-line instruments, including a violin and an (gasp!) accordion. We even have two vibes players this year.

And the most exciting recent news is that three full-time vocalists have signed up, and three of our instrumentalists are also interested in doing vocal jazz part-time. Janet Planet will be circling in orbit as usual.

There’s still time to sign up if you’re interested, but there’s no time to waste. Jazz at Naz starts three weeks from Sunday!