Eric Scott Reed Quartet
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About
When you think of hard-driving swing, daring expression, sophistication and elegance in artistry, formidable technique and a thunderous sound, there are only a small handful of pianists you think of and one of them is most assuredly ERIC SCOTT REED.
Eric was born in the musically rich city of Philadelphia, PA. He grew up playing in his fathers storefront Baptist church: "My father was a minister who sang with a Gospel group called the Bay State Singers; he was my earliest musical influence. I was also hit heavily by everything I heard on the radio - James Cleveland, Edwin & Walter Hawkins, Andraé Crouch, Donny Hathaway, Earth, Wind & Fire. Soon after, young Reed was bitten by the Jazz bug after hearing recordings by Art Blakey, Ramsey Lewis and Dave Brubeck.
A child prodigy born with a God-given gift, Eric started playing piano at the age of two and began private studies by the age of seven at Settlement Music School. However, he remained primarily self-taught, often confounding his instructors not by learning the written music, but listening to them play it first and memorizing musical pieces note-for- note: "I wasnt interested in practicing Bach; I was too busy digging Horace Silver!"
By age eleven, his family moved to Los Angeles and he continued his formal instruction at the Colburn School (formerly the Community School of Performing Arts) where his theory teacher, finally realizing that Eric was destined for swinging, turned him onto more recordings of great Jazz pianists. His research continued via records discovered at his neighborhood library.
Soon, the word was spreading about this kid who is playing up a storm, and as a teenager he was already working with West Coast luminaries such as Buddy Collette, Teddy Edwards, Clora Bryant, Jeff & John Clayton. During his first year of matriculation at California State University at Northridge, he received a call from controversial trumpeter Wynton Marsalis to do a tour of the Midwest. Leaving college life behind, Eric began touring the world both as a leader and sideman, making serious waves in the music industry. He garnered great notice as a permanent member of Wynton Marsalis ensembles (1990-95), making countless recordings and TV appearances with him. He also worked in the bands of Freddie Hubbard and Joe Henderson (1991-92) after which his résumé would flourish with names such as Wayne Shorter, Jessye Norman, Patti Labelle, Edwin Hawkins, Quincy Jones, Natalie Cole and numerous others. Eric has recorded over twenty chart-topping, critically-acclaimed, award-winning projects, supported by global performances to appreciative audiences. Such accomplishments and hard work have not gone unnoticed by legendary pianist Ahmad Jamal, who has called Eric one of my very favorite pianists.
Beyond playing the piano, Reed expanded his scope to Hollywood, composing and arranging music for the Eddie Murphy comedy, Life, various other independent projects for Fantastic Four director and high-school chum Tim Story, plus commercials and TV spots. Annually, he serves as musical conductor for choreographer Alvin Aileys classic Revelations with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, under the direction of Judith Jamison. An ardent educator, Eric served on the faculty of the prestigious Juilliard School of Music. He continues to perform worldwide master classes that cover the full spectrum of Jazz history and discography.
Eric's latest recording, THE DANCING MONK is a loving tribute to the late, great genius Thelonious Monk. About this project, Eric says, "Monk is one of the greatest jewels in the crown of American music. I am both honored and humbled to present his music in my own fashion."
Stacy's concept is original and inspiring. He is completely unpredictable and doesn't bore you with stock licks. In fact he doesn't bog himself down with just playing chord changes, and he plays ideas. He's a true improviser.
Eric Reed, pianist & composer
Stacy Dillard, raised in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, started playing the saxophone at a rather late age. In his hometown, there isn't much music happening, but only Robert Moore, Stacy's band instructor, and a host of close friends. Athletics was a big part of his life, leading to the late start on the instrument. Stacy attended college at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio to study with Dr. William Denza, Jim Smith, Chris Berg, and Lenard Moses. Very quickly, Dillard acquired the necessary knowledge that would soon put his name out on the local scene. It was a run-in with Wynton Marsalis in Dayton, Ohio that would turn his attention to the New York Scene. After graduation, Stacy took the act to Cincinnati, where he stayed for a short time and made his first recording appearance with Mike Wade on trumpet, drummer Melvin Broach and pianist William Menefield. Maturation was very rapid, finally leading the way to New York.
Stacy is a one-of-a-kind musician. Seriously."
Roy Hargrove
A young saxophonist of serious promise (Ben Ratliff, The New York Times), Stacy has caught the attention of many with his large and rich tone, developed ideas, accurate technique, work ethic, and patience, leading to a number of working opportunities. Dillard has played with Winard Harper, Cindy Blackmon, Lenny White, Norman Simmons, Frank Lacy, Wycliffe Gordon, Eric Reed, Roy Hargrove, Stephon Harris, Ernestine Anderson, Terrell Stafford, Herlin Riley, John Hicks, Frank Wess, Mulgrew Miller, Clark Terry, Victor Lewis, Steve Wilson, Johnny O'neal, Antonio Hart, Russell Malone, Lewis Nash, Mark Whitfield, the Mingus Big Band, and a host of others in different genres of music, including Shirley Ceasar, Alex Bugnon, Stephanie Mills, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, and more.
"Hey man, this (censored) can play. This MF can PLAY!
Wynton Marsalis
As well as being a sideman, Stacy Dillard is currently leading three bands of his own. cPhyve is the genesis project, along with cPhour, which is stylistically similar to cPhyve. The Other Side is exactly what the name says. The cast of members are the same as cPhyve, but r&b/funk/hip-hop oriented.
To sum it all up, Stacy Dillard is a perfect example of the fusing of tradition and innovation, the combination which keeps EVERYTHING fresh, exciting, energetic, theraputic, and more importantly, real.
Weblinks:
www.stacydillard.com
Bassist, composer, educator and producer Danton Boller has been residing in New York City since the late 90s. He was mentored in Los Angeles by legendary bassist “Senator” Eugene J. Wright of the Dave Brubeck Quartet. He has toured internationally and recorded with top jazz artists of his generation as a member of the Roy Hargrove Quintet, Seamus Blake Quartet, Anthony Wilson Nonet and Ari Hoenig's “Punk Bop.” Danton’s versatility and appreciation for all genres of music has propelled him to the stage and studio with an eclectic array of influential artists: Alvin Queen, Bridget Everett, Justin Robinson, Run the Jewels, Ernie Andrews, Elvis Costello, Elysian Fields, Taylor Mac, Fela! on Broadway featuring Patti Labelle, Taran Killam, Bennie Wallace, Seun Kuti, Robert Glasper, and Jon Fishman (of Phish), to name a few. Currently, Danton can be seen performing in the HBO documentary film Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music, and is seen perfroming in the film Can You Ever Forgive Me? (starring Melissa McCarthy) performing with Justin Vivian Bond. Danton music directed and performed on Austin City Limits with Kat Edmonson and co-produced Edmonson’s highly lauded release on Sony records, Way Down Low, with Al Schmidt (Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney, Henry Mancini, etc.). Danton’s 2023 release Space (released on the ONBO Records label) showcases his original compositions and features fellow Roy Hargrove alumni Justin Robinson, Willie Jones III, and Tadataka Unno. Danton is currently the adjunct professor of Applied Jazz Bass at Western Connecticut State University and teaches private lessons in NYC. For more information visit dantonboller.com or email [email protected].
Born in Los Angeles, CA on June 8, 1968, Jones' earliest exposure to music was his father, Willie Jones II, an accomplished and notable jazz pianist, who offered guidance and inspiration to his gifted son. Dedicated to the further development of his skills, Jones III spent the next few years working diligently with acclaimed drummers and music instructors, and began performing with distinguished musicians by the time he was in his teens. Jones completed his academic training after receiving a full scholarship to the California Institute of the Arts, where he studied under the tutelage of the legendary Albert "Tootie" Heath. Before he was a semifinalist in the 1992 Thelonious Monk Jazz Drum Competition, Jones co-founded Black Note, one of the most promising jazz bands around. Following the rich soulful energy of the West Coast bop movement, Black Note's hard-swing sound propelled them to First Place in the 1991 prestigious John Coltrane Young Artist Competition. Jones contributed his skillfulness as both musician and producer on all four Black Note recordings entitled 43rd & Degnan and L.A. Underground (World Stage Records), Jungle Music (Columbia), and Nothin' But the Swing (Impulse!). By 1994, the band toured Europe and across the U.S., and was the opening act for Wynton Marsalis. Near the end of 1994, while Jones was reaching for a higher level of drumming dexterity, he gained the privilege of playing sideman to the renowned vibist Milt Jackson. Here was where Jones learned the importance of pacing and sensitivity. Meanwhile, his musical career continued to unfold. From 1995 through 1998, Jones was a member of Arturo Sandoval's band and is featured on Sandoval's Grammy Award winning release Hot House (N2K). Subsequently, Jones recorded with Horace Silver on the album Jazz Has a Sense of Humor (Impulse!), and on Roy Hargrove's CD releases Moment To Moment and Hard Groove (Verve). He can also be heard on Eric Reed's latest release, Here (Max Jazz). From amongst the many jazz dignitaries who recognized Jones' talent, he attained further critical notice by working with distinctive musicians such as Ernestine Anderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Wynton Marsalis, Cedar Walton, Billy Childs, Eric Reed, Ryan Kisor, Eric Alexander, Bill Charlap, Michael Brecker and Herbie Hancock. From 1998-2005, Jones was a member of and toured with the prominent Roy Hargrove's Quintet, and can be heard on Hargrove's latest album release Nothing Serious and RH Factor's Distractions. Continuing the pursuit of musical artistry, Jones not only made his debut as a bandleader in 2000 with his premier record Vol 1...Straight Swingin' (WJ3), but he also revealed his proficiency as a composer as well as a producer. He released his second acclaimed CD in 2002, Vol II...Don't Knock The Swing. Currently, Jones is touring with Eric Reed, Kurt Elling and Hank Jones.Weblinks:www.williejones3.com
Eric was born in the musically rich city of Philadelphia, PA. He grew up playing in his fathers storefront Baptist church: "My father was a minister who sang with a Gospel group called the Bay State Singers; he was my earliest musical influence. I was also hit heavily by everything I heard on the radio - James Cleveland, Edwin & Walter Hawkins, Andraé Crouch, Donny Hathaway, Earth, Wind & Fire. Soon after, young Reed was bitten by the Jazz bug after hearing recordings by Art Blakey, Ramsey Lewis and Dave Brubeck.
A child prodigy born with a God-given gift, Eric started playing piano at the age of two and began private studies by the age of seven at Settlement Music School. However, he remained primarily self-taught, often confounding his instructors not by learning the written music, but listening to them play it first and memorizing musical pieces note-for- note: "I wasnt interested in practicing Bach; I was too busy digging Horace Silver!"
By age eleven, his family moved to Los Angeles and he continued his formal instruction at the Colburn School (formerly the Community School of Performing Arts) where his theory teacher, finally realizing that Eric was destined for swinging, turned him onto more recordings of great Jazz pianists. His research continued via records discovered at his neighborhood library.
Soon, the word was spreading about this kid who is playing up a storm, and as a teenager he was already working with West Coast luminaries such as Buddy Collette, Teddy Edwards, Clora Bryant, Jeff & John Clayton. During his first year of matriculation at California State University at Northridge, he received a call from controversial trumpeter Wynton Marsalis to do a tour of the Midwest. Leaving college life behind, Eric began touring the world both as a leader and sideman, making serious waves in the music industry. He garnered great notice as a permanent member of Wynton Marsalis ensembles (1990-95), making countless recordings and TV appearances with him. He also worked in the bands of Freddie Hubbard and Joe Henderson (1991-92) after which his résumé would flourish with names such as Wayne Shorter, Jessye Norman, Patti Labelle, Edwin Hawkins, Quincy Jones, Natalie Cole and numerous others. Eric has recorded over twenty chart-topping, critically-acclaimed, award-winning projects, supported by global performances to appreciative audiences. Such accomplishments and hard work have not gone unnoticed by legendary pianist Ahmad Jamal, who has called Eric one of my very favorite pianists.
Beyond playing the piano, Reed expanded his scope to Hollywood, composing and arranging music for the Eddie Murphy comedy, Life, various other independent projects for Fantastic Four director and high-school chum Tim Story, plus commercials and TV spots. Annually, he serves as musical conductor for choreographer Alvin Aileys classic Revelations with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, under the direction of Judith Jamison. An ardent educator, Eric served on the faculty of the prestigious Juilliard School of Music. He continues to perform worldwide master classes that cover the full spectrum of Jazz history and discography.
Eric's latest recording, THE DANCING MONK is a loving tribute to the late, great genius Thelonious Monk. About this project, Eric says, "Monk is one of the greatest jewels in the crown of American music. I am both honored and humbled to present his music in my own fashion."
Stacy's concept is original and inspiring. He is completely unpredictable and doesn't bore you with stock licks. In fact he doesn't bog himself down with just playing chord changes, and he plays ideas. He's a true improviser.
Eric Reed, pianist & composer
Stacy Dillard, raised in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, started playing the saxophone at a rather late age. In his hometown, there isn't much music happening, but only Robert Moore, Stacy's band instructor, and a host of close friends. Athletics was a big part of his life, leading to the late start on the instrument. Stacy attended college at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio to study with Dr. William Denza, Jim Smith, Chris Berg, and Lenard Moses. Very quickly, Dillard acquired the necessary knowledge that would soon put his name out on the local scene. It was a run-in with Wynton Marsalis in Dayton, Ohio that would turn his attention to the New York Scene. After graduation, Stacy took the act to Cincinnati, where he stayed for a short time and made his first recording appearance with Mike Wade on trumpet, drummer Melvin Broach and pianist William Menefield. Maturation was very rapid, finally leading the way to New York.
Stacy is a one-of-a-kind musician. Seriously."
Roy Hargrove
A young saxophonist of serious promise (Ben Ratliff, The New York Times), Stacy has caught the attention of many with his large and rich tone, developed ideas, accurate technique, work ethic, and patience, leading to a number of working opportunities. Dillard has played with Winard Harper, Cindy Blackmon, Lenny White, Norman Simmons, Frank Lacy, Wycliffe Gordon, Eric Reed, Roy Hargrove, Stephon Harris, Ernestine Anderson, Terrell Stafford, Herlin Riley, John Hicks, Frank Wess, Mulgrew Miller, Clark Terry, Victor Lewis, Steve Wilson, Johnny O'neal, Antonio Hart, Russell Malone, Lewis Nash, Mark Whitfield, the Mingus Big Band, and a host of others in different genres of music, including Shirley Ceasar, Alex Bugnon, Stephanie Mills, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, and more.
"Hey man, this (censored) can play. This MF can PLAY!
Wynton Marsalis
As well as being a sideman, Stacy Dillard is currently leading three bands of his own. cPhyve is the genesis project, along with cPhour, which is stylistically similar to cPhyve. The Other Side is exactly what the name says. The cast of members are the same as cPhyve, but r&b/funk/hip-hop oriented.
To sum it all up, Stacy Dillard is a perfect example of the fusing of tradition and innovation, the combination which keeps EVERYTHING fresh, exciting, energetic, theraputic, and more importantly, real.
Weblinks:
www.stacydillard.com
Bassist, composer, educator and producer Danton Boller has been residing in New York City since the late 90s. He was mentored in Los Angeles by legendary bassist “Senator” Eugene J. Wright of the Dave Brubeck Quartet. He has toured internationally and recorded with top jazz artists of his generation as a member of the Roy Hargrove Quintet, Seamus Blake Quartet, Anthony Wilson Nonet and Ari Hoenig's “Punk Bop.” Danton’s versatility and appreciation for all genres of music has propelled him to the stage and studio with an eclectic array of influential artists: Alvin Queen, Bridget Everett, Justin Robinson, Run the Jewels, Ernie Andrews, Elvis Costello, Elysian Fields, Taylor Mac, Fela! on Broadway featuring Patti Labelle, Taran Killam, Bennie Wallace, Seun Kuti, Robert Glasper, and Jon Fishman (of Phish), to name a few. Currently, Danton can be seen performing in the HBO documentary film Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music, and is seen perfroming in the film Can You Ever Forgive Me? (starring Melissa McCarthy) performing with Justin Vivian Bond. Danton music directed and performed on Austin City Limits with Kat Edmonson and co-produced Edmonson’s highly lauded release on Sony records, Way Down Low, with Al Schmidt (Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney, Henry Mancini, etc.). Danton’s 2023 release Space (released on the ONBO Records label) showcases his original compositions and features fellow Roy Hargrove alumni Justin Robinson, Willie Jones III, and Tadataka Unno. Danton is currently the adjunct professor of Applied Jazz Bass at Western Connecticut State University and teaches private lessons in NYC. For more information visit dantonboller.com or email [email protected].
Born in Los Angeles, CA on June 8, 1968, Jones' earliest exposure to music was his father, Willie Jones II, an accomplished and notable jazz pianist, who offered guidance and inspiration to his gifted son. Dedicated to the further development of his skills, Jones III spent the next few years working diligently with acclaimed drummers and music instructors, and began performing with distinguished musicians by the time he was in his teens. Jones completed his academic training after receiving a full scholarship to the California Institute of the Arts, where he studied under the tutelage of the legendary Albert "Tootie" Heath. Before he was a semifinalist in the 1992 Thelonious Monk Jazz Drum Competition, Jones co-founded Black Note, one of the most promising jazz bands around. Following the rich soulful energy of the West Coast bop movement, Black Note's hard-swing sound propelled them to First Place in the 1991 prestigious John Coltrane Young Artist Competition. Jones contributed his skillfulness as both musician and producer on all four Black Note recordings entitled 43rd & Degnan and L.A. Underground (World Stage Records), Jungle Music (Columbia), and Nothin' But the Swing (Impulse!). By 1994, the band toured Europe and across the U.S., and was the opening act for Wynton Marsalis. Near the end of 1994, while Jones was reaching for a higher level of drumming dexterity, he gained the privilege of playing sideman to the renowned vibist Milt Jackson. Here was where Jones learned the importance of pacing and sensitivity. Meanwhile, his musical career continued to unfold. From 1995 through 1998, Jones was a member of Arturo Sandoval's band and is featured on Sandoval's Grammy Award winning release Hot House (N2K). Subsequently, Jones recorded with Horace Silver on the album Jazz Has a Sense of Humor (Impulse!), and on Roy Hargrove's CD releases Moment To Moment and Hard Groove (Verve). He can also be heard on Eric Reed's latest release, Here (Max Jazz). From amongst the many jazz dignitaries who recognized Jones' talent, he attained further critical notice by working with distinctive musicians such as Ernestine Anderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Wynton Marsalis, Cedar Walton, Billy Childs, Eric Reed, Ryan Kisor, Eric Alexander, Bill Charlap, Michael Brecker and Herbie Hancock. From 1998-2005, Jones was a member of and toured with the prominent Roy Hargrove's Quintet, and can be heard on Hargrove's latest album release Nothing Serious and RH Factor's Distractions. Continuing the pursuit of musical artistry, Jones not only made his debut as a bandleader in 2000 with his premier record Vol 1...Straight Swingin' (WJ3), but he also revealed his proficiency as a composer as well as a producer. He released his second acclaimed CD in 2002, Vol II...Don't Knock The Swing. Currently, Jones is touring with Eric Reed, Kurt Elling and Hank Jones.Weblinks:www.williejones3.com
Lineup
