Jann Klose (Writer/Performer/Vocals/Guitar)

The Philadelphia Daily News writes of Jann Klose’s new album, REVERIE: “Ear-grabbing pop singer-songwriter has a confident yet gentle voice, with tints of soul gospel and Afropop rhythms.” This multi-cultural pop singer-songwriter’s collection of songs covers as much musical, sonic and emotional ground as Jann has himself. Now living in the Bronx, New York, and born in Mannheim, Germany, his family relocated to Nairobi, Kenya, when he was less than a year old. “Eastern Africa was full of impressions.  Because of my parents’ interest in travel, I experienced African culture first-hand at a very young age.” Jann’s travels as a child have manifested themselves in his constant drive to tour around the U.S. and Europe. First as a performer with Broadway Shows Jekyll & Hyde and Jesus Christ Superstar and now with his own band, playing an average of 75 shows per year and growing. With all the exposure the CD has received through the live shows and a variety of media it has become apparent that every listener and reviewer has a unique take on the record: “If it’s at all possible, this album is both spiritual, tender and funky at the same time. It may seem like an odd combination, but the pairing of things that don’t seem like they’d work, but do – is a big part of what sets this album apart from others." – The Celebrity Cafe

Official Site: www.jannklose.com
Chris Marolf (Upright Bass/Vocals)

Bassist Chris Marolf's range of projects is considerablly varied. In addition to his work with Jann, he is a member of the jazz quartet Grand Central, a regular contributor to cross-cultural collaborations with the Non-Aligned Movement, and freelances with various jazz ensembles. Recently, Chris has also recorded for a Celtic crossover project, performed in a Chinese folk duo with erhu, and performed with the Middle Eastern ensemble The Howling Makams. Before moving to New York, he held a permanent position with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and an artist residency for the Wichita Jazz Festival.

Links: www.grandcentraljazz.com

www.nonalignedmovement.com
Roberta Piket (Keyboards/Vocals)

Roberta Piket has been called "a modern romantic" who "makes dissonance sound savory." (Village Voice). She has six CDs as a leader which have frequently made the jazz magazines' yearly top ten lists. In addition to leading her own projects on organ and piano, Roberta plays regularly in a free improvisation trio with drummer Billy Mintz and saxophonist Mark Reboul (a recent recording will soon be available), is a member of the BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Jim McNeely and Michael Abene, and has worked with leaders such as Dave Liebman, Rufus Reid, Michael Formanek, and Lionel Hampton. She has twice appeared as a featured guest on the venerable NPR show, Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz. Roberta has held master classes and/or clinics at the Eastman School of Music, Rutgers University, Duke University, as well as many other institutions in the U.S., Europe and Japan.

Official Site: www.robertajazz.com
Patrick Carmichael (Drums/Percussion)

Patrick Carmichael grew up in Kansas City, started playing drums around the age of 11, wound up in New York, at the age of 26, and has been living here ever since.  His playing experience during these years has spanned many styles of music, and his influences have become even more varied. Some of his gigs to note have been The Kin, Woody Allen’s Dixieland Jazz Band, Broadway’s The Lion King, Smokey Joe’s Café, Michael Powers (a New York blues artist), The Big Apple Circus, his own band Flea Circus, and an extensive array of independent artists. With this diverse range of experience, it’s hard to say what he does best, but Patrick likes to sum it up by saying: “There is nothing I like better than to lay down a nice fat, funky groove on the drums.  If it gets too complicated I don’t enjoy playing it, and I doubt the audience enjoys listening to it.”  Furthermore, when asked how he tackles so many styles, he responds by saying: “My key to life is to start simple”.