Dan Pugach is a Brooklyn-based, two-time ASCAP Jazz Composer Award-winning drummer/arranger. Dan has worked with Ingrid Jensen, Rosa Passos, Airto Moreira, Gregoire Maret, Billy Drews, Jeremy Pelt, Wayne Bergeron, Sloan and Lucy Wainwright, and Dave Stryker, among others. Originally from Israel, Dan served his mandatory three-year military duty as the drummer of the Air-Force Orchestra. He received his Bachelors degree from Berklee College of Music and his Masters from the City College of New York, where he studied with Hal Crook, Joe Lovano, George Garzone, John Patitucci, Terri-Lyne Carrington and Ari Hoenig.

Pugach goes from strength to strength on his debut Plus One, the album showcasing his beautifully intricate compositions, first-class arrangements and yes, his combustible drumming, which is surprisingly restrained for a musician of such gifts. Dan’s Nonet arrangements recall the Thad Jones and Mel Lewis Big Band, Bob Mintzer Big Band, and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra–expressed in a far smaller ensemble, what Dan calls “a mini big band.” Deft compositions, brilliant arrangements, exceptional musicians and Dan’s silken rhythmic touch make Plus One a special outing.

Nicole Zuraitis – voice
David Smith – trumpet
Sam Blakeslee – trombone
Mark Mauldin – bass trombone
Andrew Gould – alto sax
Jeremy Powell – tenor sax
Andrew Gutauskas – baritone sax
Brandon Coleman – guitar
Leo Sherman – bass
Dan Pugach – drums

The post Dan Pugach Nonet appeared first on Cliff Bell's.