Jeff Pedraz is a Philadelphia native and now Detroit-area resident bassist and composer. Working on both the double bass and electric bass, and has worked in an array of musical genres, ranging from traditional orchestral to modern Jazz. Pedraz received much of his training on stage at Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus in Philadelphia in the 1990’s, where he had the chance to play with and learn from the house band which included Shirley Scott, Mickey Roker, Arthur Harper, Mike Boone and Sid Simmons. Major career highlights include both national and international touring with groups such as Pat Martino Quintet, Jimmy Bruno Trio, Terell Stafford Quintet, George Garzone Quartet, Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet, Freddy Cole Quartet, Kurt Elling Quintet and the Johnny O’neal trio. Throughout his career, Jeff has shared the stage with notable jazz luminaries such as Donald Byrd, Cecil Payne, Sheila Jordan, Christine Ebersol, Arturo Sandoval, John Swana, Jodi Christian, Frank Tiberi, Uri Cane, Eric Alexander, Bryan Lynch, Ellis Marsalis, Richie Cole, Bootsie Barnes and many others. He continues to perform in major venues and festivals worldwide while maintaining a presence in the vibrant Detroit music community, where he strives to grow artistically and share the great Jazz tradition with fellow musicians and audiences all over the city.
Jeff also spends much time at the piano and will be joined alongside Detroit trumpeter and singer Dave Vessella for an intimate and laid back setting playing selections from the American songbook.