Événement

Alan Pasqua & Greg Johnson

Alan Pasqua, Professor of Jazz Studies at USC, was born in New Jersey and began studying piano at the age of seven, playing both classical and jazz. He attended Indiana University and received his bachelors degree in jazz studies from the New England Conservatory. While performing a concert at Carnegie Hall, Pasqua met the legendary drummer Tony Williams. Pasqua was asked to join The New Tony Williams Lifetime along with guitarist Allan Holdsworth. After recording two Lifetime albums for Columbia Records, Pasqua relocated in Los Angeles. His career in L.A. broadened as he started playing with more rock and pop artists. He has been a member of the bands of Bob Dylan and Santana. Some of his other pop album and touring credits include: Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Elton John and Queen Latifa. In addition, he has worked with composers John Williams, Quincy Jones, Dave Grusin, Jerry Goldsmith and Henry Mancini and on motion picture soundtracks. In addition, Alan composed the soundtrack for Disneys hit movie, The Waterboy, starring Adam Sandler.

In the jazz world, Pasqua has played and recorded with Jack Dejohnette, Paul Motion, Dave Holland, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Joe Henderson, Stanley Clarke, Gary Burton, James Moody, Gary Peacock, Gary Bartz, Reggie Workman, The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Sheila Jordan and Joe Williams. Aside from his many critically acclaimed recordings as a leader, in 2008, Pasqua joined forces with Peter Erskine and Dave Carpenter, arranging, co-producing and playing on the Grammy Award nominated trio album Standards. His latest critically acclaimed release, Twin Bill (BFM Digital) features Pasqua recorded on two pianos, playing the music of Bill Evans.

Bob Mintzer describes Greg Johnson as being, one of the most gifted saxophonists/composers to come along in quite a while. Combining elements of Jazz, Classical, Pop, and World; Gregs music has been performed across the globe. He has played at major music festivals like: Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Firefly with the likes of Saint Motel, Robin Thicke, and Barry Manilow and has recorded and performed with Jazz legends Curtis Fuller, Dick Oatts, Peter Erskine, Bob Mintzer and many more. Most recently Greg was featured on the 2017 GRAMMY ballot for Best Improvised Jazz Solo for his work on Aaron Serfatys In the Game. Greg has recently moved up from LA and now resides just north of San Francisco where he works as the Director of Jazz Studies at the Marin School of the Arts.

Also featured are Andrew Boyle on drums and Clarence Stephens on bass.