Peter Brainin – Saxophone

by Bryant | May 18, 2013 | Artists

Born in the Bronx, saxophonist Peter Brainin has distinguished himself over the past 25 years as a member of many important bands and also as a composer and leader of his own adventurous projects.

As a member of pianist Joey Calderazzo’s Quartet in the late 1980s, he worked alongside Jeff “Tain” Watts, Ron McClure, and Billy Hart. His work as a sideman also includes 10 years (1989-1999) with legendary pianist Hilton Ruiz. In the early 90s he toured with Mongo Santamaria and in ’95 joined the Chico O’farrill Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra where he remains a featured member to this day.

Peter has recorded on two of Chico’s GRAMMY nominated CDs and appeared in the film Calle 54. Some other artists Peter has performed and/or recorded with include : Paquito D’Rivera, Bebo Valdes, Randy Brecker, Wynton Marsalis, Randy Weston, Steve Berrios y Son Bacheche, Harold Mabern, and Eddie Henderson. He was twice awarded the BRIO fellowship for Music Composition by the Bronx Council on the Arts. Many of Peter’s compositions appear on his original CDs with co-leader Steve Johns: Ceremony (Cats Paw) and No Saints, No Sinners (Playscape).

Tommy James – Jazz Piano

by Bryant | May 18, 2013 | Artists

Tommy James has been the pianist and music director of the Duke Ellington Orchestra for the past nine years.

Over the years Mr. James has worked with a wide ranging group of artists of many musical genres. Among the outstanding artists and bands with whom he has performed and/or recorded with are The Duke Ellington Orchestra, Lionel Hampton, Joe Williams, Maureen McGovern, Cleo Laine/John Dankworth, Nell Carter, Marlena Shaw, Roy Ayers, Melba Moore, Manu Dibango, Billy Vera, The Spinners, and the Temptations. He has served as music director with the international tour of the Tony-award winning musical “Bring in ‘da Noise”. He has also been musical director for Dawn Lewis, Doc Powell, Bobbi Humphrey, and others. Tommy’s arrangements have been performed by the Ellington Orchestra, the New York Pops, the LA Philharmonic, the Buffalo Philharmonic, the Atlanta Symphony, and the Brooklyn Philharmonic.