DONNY McCASLIN
Three-time GRAMMY® nominee Donny McCaslin is the leading saxophonist, composer, and musical pioneer of his generation, receiving wide commercial and critical acclaim in jazz, rock and electronica circles alike. With 12 albums to his name, McCaslin is best known for his collaboration and friendship with the late David Bowie, who tasked McCaslin to work hand-in-hand on his final album, Blackstar. Raised in Santa Cruz, California, McCaslin attended Berklee College of Music, where he would go on to join the iconic NEA Jazz Master Gary Burton’s Quintet as a senior. Moving to New York in 1991, he quickly made a name for himself as a first-call soloist and touring musician, working with Maria Schneider, Dave Douglas, Danilo Perez, Brian Blade, Gil Evans project, Steps Ahead, and many others. During this time frame he also began releasing several albums with his own groups as well as receiving critical awards such as a Chamber Music of America New Works Grant in 2006 and winner of DownBeat Critics Poll ‘Rising Star’ category in 2008 & 2009, among others. However the definitive path to Bowie and Beyond Now can be traced back to 2011, when McCaslin released Perpetual Motion, taking an electric direction for the first time at the suggestion of longtime producer David Binney in contrast to his previous acoustic projects. He and Binney soon after assembled the core members of his working band, known as the Donny McCaslin Group: Jason Lindner (Now Vs Now) on keyboards, Tim Lefebvre (Tedeschi Trucks Band, Saturday Night Live) on electric bass, and drummer Mark Guiliana (Meshell Ndegeocello, Brad Mehldau), all of whom were featured on Blackstar. Two subsequent albums Casting for Gravity and Fast Future continued this new musical direction, directly influenced by electronica artists (covering groups such as Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, and Baths), which netted McCaslin a GRAMMY® nomination for “Best Improvised Jazz Solo.” It was clear that McCaslin was cementing a new improvisatory style of music with his passion for electronica, EDM, funk, dub, and jazz. Named “one of the hottest jazz tickets in the world” by AARP in 2017, recent awards include winning Best International Jazz Artist at the 2017 Jazz FM Awards in London, where he shared the stage with the Rolling Stones. He was later honored with the prestigious Paul Ackett Award from the 2017 North Sea Jazz Festival. The Donny McCaslin Group has performed over 80 shows on 5 continents throughout the 2016-2017 season alone supporting Beyond Now. The next evolution of the Donny McCaslin will be documented on a new recording for Motéma Music in 2018. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two children.
Three-time GRAMMY® nominee Donny McCaslin is the leading saxophonist, composer, and musical pioneer of his generation, receiving wide commercial and critical acclaim in jazz, rock and electronica circles alike. With 12 albums to his name, McCaslin is best known for his collaboration and friendship with the late David Bowie, who tasked McCaslin to work hand-in-hand on his final album, Blackstar. Raised in Santa Cruz, California, McCaslin attended Berklee College of Music, where he would go on to join the iconic NEA Jazz Master Gary Burton’s Quintet as a senior. Moving to New York in 1991, he quickly made a name for himself as a first-call soloist and touring musician, working with Maria Schneider, Dave Douglas, Danilo Perez, Brian Blade, Gil Evans project, Steps Ahead, and many others. During this time frame he also began releasing several albums with his own groups as well as receiving critical awards such as a Chamber Music of America New Works Grant in 2006 and winner of DownBeat Critics Poll ‘Rising Star’ category in 2008 & 2009, among others. However the definitive path to Bowie and Beyond Now can be traced back to 2011, when McCaslin released Perpetual Motion, taking an electric direction for the first time at the suggestion of longtime producer David Binney in contrast to his previous acoustic projects. He and Binney soon after assembled the core members of his working band, known as the Donny McCaslin Group: Jason Lindner (Now Vs Now) on keyboards, Tim Lefebvre (Tedeschi Trucks Band, Saturday Night Live) on electric bass, and drummer Mark Guiliana (Meshell Ndegeocello, Brad Mehldau), all of whom were featured on Blackstar. Two subsequent albums Casting for Gravity and Fast Future continued this new musical direction, directly influenced by electronica artists (covering groups such as Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, and Baths), which netted McCaslin a GRAMMY® nomination for “Best Improvised Jazz Solo.” It was clear that McCaslin was cementing a new improvisatory style of music with his passion for electronica, EDM, funk, dub, and jazz. Named “one of the hottest jazz tickets in the world” by AARP in 2017, recent awards include winning Best International Jazz Artist at the 2017 Jazz FM Awards in London, where he shared the stage with the Rolling Stones. He was later honored with the prestigious Paul Ackett Award from the 2017 North Sea Jazz Festival. The Donny McCaslin Group has performed over 80 shows on 5 continents throughout the 2016-2017 season alone supporting Beyond Now. The next evolution of the Donny McCaslin will be documented on a new recording for Motéma Music in 2018. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two children.
ZACH DANZIGER
Zach Danzinger is on the cutting edge of today's music and is one of the hottest players leading a new movement that has broad implications for modern drum set playing. Zak has co-led projects Bluth and Boomish, who pioneer a futuristic mix of electronic music and astonishing musicianship that retains its human touch. Immersing himself in jungle, drum 'n' bass, and other contemporary styles, Zach teamed up with Zildjian's Sound Lab team to develop the A Zildjian Breakbeat Ride and EFX, some special cymbals specifically designed for electronic music styles. Emerging from the heart of New York's experimental music scene, Zach has recorded in a wide variety of musical genres with such highly acclaimed musicians as Michel Camilo, Chuck Loeb, Randy Brecker, Leni Stern, Bob Mintzer, David Holmes, Jim Beard, Bill Evans, and Dave Fiuczynski. In addition, Zach has co-written the music to a four-hour special on Nickelodeon entitled Nickellennium. Boomish, Zach Danziger and Tim Lefebvre's contemporary music group, delivers much-needed freshness and originality to the growing drum 'n' bass scene. Zach's programming and uncanny ability to recreate and expand sounds in a live setting really brings Boomish into a whole other realm of contemporary music. Their debut album features both programmed and live tracks. Zach has also achieved success scoring music for a number of major motion pictures including Oceans 11 and Oceans 12. It is clear that Zach Danziger will continue to challenge traditional music making methods in the interest of advancing music. Zach is not only a cutting edge player but also a true musical innovator.
Zach Danzinger is on the cutting edge of today's music and is one of the hottest players leading a new movement that has broad implications for modern drum set playing. Zak has co-led projects Bluth and Boomish, who pioneer a futuristic mix of electronic music and astonishing musicianship that retains its human touch. Immersing himself in jungle, drum 'n' bass, and other contemporary styles, Zach teamed up with Zildjian's Sound Lab team to develop the A Zildjian Breakbeat Ride and EFX, some special cymbals specifically designed for electronic music styles. Emerging from the heart of New York's experimental music scene, Zach has recorded in a wide variety of musical genres with such highly acclaimed musicians as Michel Camilo, Chuck Loeb, Randy Brecker, Leni Stern, Bob Mintzer, David Holmes, Jim Beard, Bill Evans, and Dave Fiuczynski. In addition, Zach has co-written the music to a four-hour special on Nickelodeon entitled Nickellennium. Boomish, Zach Danziger and Tim Lefebvre's contemporary music group, delivers much-needed freshness and originality to the growing drum 'n' bass scene. Zach's programming and uncanny ability to recreate and expand sounds in a live setting really brings Boomish into a whole other realm of contemporary music. Their debut album features both programmed and live tracks. Zach has also achieved success scoring music for a number of major motion pictures including Oceans 11 and Oceans 12. It is clear that Zach Danziger will continue to challenge traditional music making methods in the interest of advancing music. Zach is not only a cutting edge player but also a true musical innovator.
HENRY HEY
Henry Hey is an established composer, arranger, producer, music director, songwriter and keyboard player. He is co-leader of the progressive instrumental quartet, Forq and is co-leader and co-founder of critically acclaimed instrumental quartet, Rudder. Most recently he worked directly with David Bowie as the orchestrator, arranger and musical director for David's theatre piece 'Lazarus' (NYC/London). In recent years Henry has been George Michael’s musical director, working closely with George and legendary producer Phil Ramone in the creation of the critically acclaimed album ‘Symphonica’, and then going on to lead the 40 piece orchestra and band in arena touring throughout Europe. Prior to working with George Michael, Henry was the musical director for Rod Stewart’s ‘Great American Songbook’. He led and arranged for Rod’s world tour and for many television appearances. As composer and songwriter Henry's writing can be heard on albums by pop sensation 'Empire of the Sun' and Columbia artist Lucy Woodward as well as others. In demand as a key part of several touring groups, Henry appears frequently with television and Broadway star, Vanessa Williams, and Columbia recording artist Chris Botti to name a few. Henry has worked closely with famed producers Tony Visconti, Kevin Killen, Frank Filipetti, Richard Perry and Steve Tyrell, yet enjoys the variety afforded by freelancing with a number of jazz groups and has performed in festivals throughout the world.
Henry Hey is an established composer, arranger, producer, music director, songwriter and keyboard player. He is co-leader of the progressive instrumental quartet, Forq and is co-leader and co-founder of critically acclaimed instrumental quartet, Rudder. Most recently he worked directly with David Bowie as the orchestrator, arranger and musical director for David's theatre piece 'Lazarus' (NYC/London). In recent years Henry has been George Michael’s musical director, working closely with George and legendary producer Phil Ramone in the creation of the critically acclaimed album ‘Symphonica’, and then going on to lead the 40 piece orchestra and band in arena touring throughout Europe. Prior to working with George Michael, Henry was the musical director for Rod Stewart’s ‘Great American Songbook’. He led and arranged for Rod’s world tour and for many television appearances. As composer and songwriter Henry's writing can be heard on albums by pop sensation 'Empire of the Sun' and Columbia artist Lucy Woodward as well as others. In demand as a key part of several touring groups, Henry appears frequently with television and Broadway star, Vanessa Williams, and Columbia recording artist Chris Botti to name a few. Henry has worked closely with famed producers Tony Visconti, Kevin Killen, Frank Filipetti, Richard Perry and Steve Tyrell, yet enjoys the variety afforded by freelancing with a number of jazz groups and has performed in festivals throughout the world.
JONATHAN MARON
Jonathan Maron is a Grammy-nominated electric bassist, composer and producer. Maron's unique approach, propulsive basslines and big sound travel with him always, regardless of the musical setting. Early in his career, Jonathan co-founded New York's now legendary Groove Collective, a band that has toured internationally, released eight albums including their Grammy-nominated, "People People Music Music." The band's dance-floor blend of afro-cuban rhythms, jazz, funk and house music has provided a perfect showcase for Maron's playing and writing. With other artists, Jonathan can be heard on almost 200 records ranging widely in style, including Maxwell's platinum selling “Ascenscion (Don't Ever Wonder)." Maron has also performed with Meshell Ndegeocello, Tupac Shakur, Shujaat Khan, Dave Douglas, Jewel, India.Arie, Donny McCaslin, Anoushka Shankar, and Kurt Rosenwinkel, among many others. Jonathan’s been featured numerous times in Bass Player Magazine, and these interviews and transcriptions are included in the book, " Brave New Bass: Interviews & Lessons with the Innovators, Trendsetters & Visionaries."
Jonathan Maron is a Grammy-nominated electric bassist, composer and producer. Maron's unique approach, propulsive basslines and big sound travel with him always, regardless of the musical setting. Early in his career, Jonathan co-founded New York's now legendary Groove Collective, a band that has toured internationally, released eight albums including their Grammy-nominated, "People People Music Music." The band's dance-floor blend of afro-cuban rhythms, jazz, funk and house music has provided a perfect showcase for Maron's playing and writing. With other artists, Jonathan can be heard on almost 200 records ranging widely in style, including Maxwell's platinum selling “Ascenscion (Don't Ever Wonder)." Maron has also performed with Meshell Ndegeocello, Tupac Shakur, Shujaat Khan, Dave Douglas, Jewel, India.Arie, Donny McCaslin, Anoushka Shankar, and Kurt Rosenwinkel, among many others. Jonathan’s been featured numerous times in Bass Player Magazine, and these interviews and transcriptions are included in the book, " Brave New Bass: Interviews & Lessons with the Innovators, Trendsetters & Visionaries."