Along with his Jazz quartet, and his Fusion group “Human Revolution,” Zen works with Gloria Gaynor, Percussionist Kevin “Bujo” Jones with TENTH WORLD, and plays with the power-house Funk/Jazz/Soul group-”CHOPS” The Band. Along with creating scores for Television and Film, Zadravec continues to pursue the path of the performer, the composer, sideman, and the ARTIST. Zadravec’s Jazz groups also pursue a busy concert schedule with dates in the United States, Canada, Europe, India, and Japan.

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A highlight in David’s musical career was when at the age of 17, he was called on stage to play with Wallace Roney, a world-renowned, Grammy-award winning trumpet player mentored by Miles Davis. David says it was a thrill of a lifetime and a privilege to play on the same stage as Wallace Roney, as well as Ralphe Armstrong, who played bass.

David was in the jazz studies program at Michigan State University. He studied with Etienne Charles, Rodney Whitaker, Randy Gelispie, Wessell Anderson, Diego Rivera, and Rick Roe. He played in the MSU Jazz Orchestras and Octets and led an MSU Jazz Combo.

David was the leader of DTQ (David Thomas Quartet) and the Funtet while at MSU. He and his groups performed around the East Lansing area playing primarily original jazz compositions written by David, as well as standards from The Great American Songbook. The members have included Taylor Herron on alto saxophone and flute, Alex Krausman on piano, Sam Copperman on bass, Jordan Otto on drums, Griffin Vacheron on trombone, and the late Nate Woodring on drums, who is sorely missed.

While at MSU, David also played trumpet with the Bard Owls, an Appalachian folk group based in East Lansing. He is the featured artist on the song, “Blue Rail Line,” off of their album, “No Tracks.”

David is also a certified teacher in grades K – 8. He graduated from Michigan State University with his Elementary Education degree and a minor in music.

David currently leads his jazz trio, David Thomas & Co., in which he plays piano, Rhodes electric piano, trumpet, melodica, piccolo, and flute. He plays with Planet D Nonet, run by drummer, RJ Spangler, and trumpeter, James O’Donnell. David plays solo piano at the Rochester Chop House and Kabin Kruser’s Oyster Bar in Rochester, Michigan. Currently in his second year, he is the piano accompanist for the Rochester Community Schools Elementary District Choir and has arranged jazz tunes for the children’s choir to perform at their concerts throughout the school year. David can be found playing either solo or with his jazz duo or trio at restaurants, clubs, wedding ceremonies and receptions, fundraisers, churches, private events, and other various functions. Other than aforementioned, David also plays with several other bands and artists in the Detroit area.

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“Creative” is probably the best word to use for Solden, although “performer” may be a close second. “While I believe jazz is performance art, I also believe a jazz gig should also be a “show.” Unlike Miles, whose been a huge musical influence, I want to have the audience entertained.” Solden has a natural way with an audience, and educates, entertains, and opens up about personal things in his shows. Even at a jazz club, he adds elements from his one-man jazz/musical theatrical show, Four Special Women, into the set. The audiences seem to respond.
“Dean was incredible. He bared his soul to us through word and song.. Great stage presence, performance, and singing… of course his amazing virtuosity on the piano..”

“I recently had the privilege of seeing the incredibly talented Dean Solden. Dean’s intimate warmth alongside his engaging charisma is a rare combination and most certainly not-to-be-missed. Thank you, Dean for an unforgettable evening!”
Solden has formed a new group with some of the great Detroit jazz artists, including drummer Bill Higgins, bassist Jeff Reynolds, and featuring tenor saxophonist Carl Cafagna. “The guys are fantastic. Bill and Jeff are a great rhythm section and Carl is amazing. He’s got the tone of Dexter Gordon and swings like Turrentine. We recently did a recording and we all just connected. I’m excited to be playing some great jazz clubs with them.”

Solden has been playing jazz for over thirty years, and played with such jazz greats as drummers Harold Jones (Natalie Cole, Ray Charles) guitarist Jackie King (Willie Nelson) and bassist Tommy Beason (Vince Guiraldi). He has toured with singer Maria Muldaur, and been a band leader for years, having played at venues such as the legendary Great American Music Hall (San Francisco), Bakers Keyboard Lounge (Detroit) and locally at the Kerrytown Music Hall (Ann Arbor). He was the house musician for Senator’s Barbara Boxer in San Francisco, and recently has played gigs for Senator Debbie Stabenow, including her election victory party in 2018.
For more information contact: deansoldenmusic.com

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Reviewers of his debut album Instead – released in 2017 with bassist Curtis Lundy and drummer Billy Hart – have been impressed by his musicality and his tasteful playing in light of his immense technical skill. Bob Doerschuk of Downbeat Magazine gave the album four stars, and wrote, “He has the chops to shoot off a few fireworks, … but that doesn’t seem to be a priority when covering sacred material.” C. Michael Bailey notes approvingly: “there do emerge conservatoire aces with grit in their imagination and a facility to express such in their playing. Ben Rosenblum is one such performer/composer. The Julliard-Columbia trained pianist brings a freighter of technique to the keyboard, while still maintaining enough earthiness in his playing to satisfy even the fussiest listener.” Fred Stal of RG Magazine most recently described his experience of listening to Ben’s live CD release performance: “The music keeps you on your feet and not wanting to miss a single moment of magic. … Raindrops from heaven poured down with style and grace from Rosenblum’s piano.”

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Roger has developed into a cutting-edge band leader. His band, “Roger Jones & Higher Calling” is comprised of phenomenal musicians dedicated to inventing fresh and innovative ways to approach the execution of music. Mixed with a soulful and modern approach, the music of this band is innovative, relevant to the current generation, and swings ridiculously hard. There is no doubt that Roger L. Jones II will be heralded as one of the most explosive and innovative pianists of his generation.

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https://alexislombre.com/

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Alexis has performed at some of jazz’s major venues and festivals in Chicago, Detroit, New York City, Newark, St. Louis and Kansas City. Most recently, she celebrated the release of her debut CD at Chicago’s historic Jazz Showcase. She has shared the stage with international renowned jazz musicians such as Ernest Dawkins, Ingrid Jensen, Kendrick Scott, James Carter, Marion Hayden, Gayelynn McKinney, Bobby Watson and, has studied with Geri Allen, Willie Pickens and former Jazz Messenger, Benny Green.
Alexis has also provided music for theater companies such as the Black Ensemble Theater ‘s “The Marvin Gaye Story”(2016),“Men of Soul” (2015), “At Last: A Tribute to Etta James” (2015) and “Sounds So Sweet (2016)” and Manual Cinemas “No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks” (2017).

Alexis strives to be an artist who always searches and rejoices at an opportunity to stretch her musical boundaries.

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Alexis has performed at some of jazz’s major venues and festivals in Chicago, Detroit, New York City, Newark, St. Louis and Kansas City. Most recently, she celebrated the release of her debut CD at Chicago’s historic Jazz Showcase. She has shared the stage with international renowned jazz musicians such as Ernest Dawkins, Ingrid Jensen, Kendrick Scott, James Carter, Marion Hayden, Gayelynn McKinney, Bobby Watson and, has studied with Geri Allen, Willie Pickens and former Jazz Messenger, Benny Green.

Alexis has also provided music for theater companies such as the Black Ensemble Theater ‘s “The Marvin Gaye Story”(2016),“Men of Soul” (2015), “At Last: A Tribute to Etta James” (2015) and “Sounds So Sweet (2016)” and Manual Cinemas “No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks” (2017).
Alexis strives to be an artist who always searches and rejoices at an opportunity to stretch her musical boundaries.

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Alexis has performed at some of jazz’s major venues and festivals in Chicago, Detroit, New York City, Newark, St. Louis and Kansas City. Most recently, she celebrated the release of her debut CD at Chicago’s historic Jazz Showcase. She has shared the stage with international renowned jazz musicians such as Ernest Dawkins, Ingrid Jensen, Kendrick Scott, James Carter, Marion Hayden, Gayelynn McKinney, Bobby Watson and, has studied with Geri Allen, Willie Pickens and former Jazz Messenger, Benny Green.

Alexis has also provided music for theater companies such as the Black Ensemble Theater ‘s “The Marvin Gaye Story”(2016),“Men of Soul” (2015), “At Last: A Tribute to Etta James” (2015) and “Sounds So Sweet (2016)” and Manual Cinemas “No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks” (2017).

Alexis strives to be an artist who always searches and rejoices at an opportunity to stretch her musical boundaries.

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