Rob Crozier is a singing bassist, composer/arranger and entrepreneur living in Ann Arbor, MI. He holds a BFA for Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation in Double Bass from University of Michigan.
Mr. Crozier his 20-year musical journey has blessed him with a variety of rock, modern jazz, creative improvisation and world music engagements including shows with Tony Malaby, Perry Robinson, Gary Schunk, Peter Madcat Ruth and opening slots for Blues Traveler and Credence Clearwater Revival. His bass teachers include Robert Hurst, Rufus Reid and David Friesen.
On the latest Rob Crozier Ensemble release, “Tall Trees,” Crozier stretches his listeners with explorations into re-imagining standards, the use of electronics and ethnic instruments like the Australian didgeridoo, African mbira, and djembe. Currently, Mr. Crozier splits his time between leading the Rob Crozier Ensemble, working with the Celtic fusion band Nessa (featured at last Fall’s Music Village fundraiser in South Bend) and running Eventjazz.
www.robcroziermusic.com
www.event-jazz.com
Pete Kahn has performed as lead alto sax and/or jazz sax and clarinet soloist with Mel Torme, Manhattan Transfer, Nancy Wilson, Aretha
Franklin, Johnny Mathis, Lou Rawls, Christian McBride, Barry Harris, The Detroit Symphony and many others. He has been lead alto sax with the Detroit Jazz Festival
Orchestra since its formation.
Rick Beamon is a Drummer, born and raised in Detroit. He got his start on Drums at age 4. He has played all through middle school and highschool and soon after started touring. He performs all the time with many local and national artists. He has performed with The Dramatics (Hey You Get off My Mountian),
The Contours (Do You Love Me),
Jean Carne (Don’t let it go to your head), Cherrelle (I didn’t Mean to turn you on),
Nils (Pacific Coast Highway),
Brandon Willis (When We’re together) and Lindsey Webster (Fool Me Once).
Rick has also worked with grammy nominated producer Nate Harisim. He is a first call Drummer for many local artists in Detroit.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Tonys’ formal classical training came at the age of 7. His involvement with music led him to study at Sienna Heights University, concentrating on jazz and classical piano, theory and composition.
With his wealth of fresh and intriguing concepts he was soon on a European tour of Germany and Austria as guest artist with the University of Wisconsin Big Band and Jazz Vocal Choir.
From 2008 to 2013 Tony was contracted as leader of jazz quartets aboard Royal Caribbean/Celebrity Cruise lines new “Solstice” class ships. Tonys’ compositional skills can be heard on his albums “Lydianosis” and “My Pal Al”, containing all original works inspired by “life, love and music”.
They encompass many styles of jazz, uniquely intermixed with classical motifs.
Kelly McDermott has traveled the U.S., Canada and Europe as performer, teacher and student. She has
a Bachelor of Music degree in flute performance and music therapy from Michigan State University. She also has a Master of Music and Professional Studies degree in flute performance from Temple University in Philadelphia. After her training she remained in Philadelphia for many years working as a chamber and orchestral musician around the east coast.
Since returning to her native Michigan her musical journey has taken a turn. She found her voice as a singer. Her teachers include acclaimed jazz singer Sunny Wilkinson and opera tenor Curt Peters. She now is the leader of “Nessa,” where she sings and plays the flute. She also finds great joy in researching and arranging old ballads from Europe and the U.K..