DMITRI MATHENY, flugelhorn, is celebrated for his warm romantic tone, soaring lyricism and masterful technique. First introduced to jazz audiences in the 1980s as the protégé of flugelhorn legend Art Farmer, Matheny is an honors graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy and the Berklee College of Music, Boston. "Dmitri Matheny has diverted his ample talent from trumpet to flugelhorn, playing beautiful hard bop lines with a flawless warm tone. He's an excellent performer on gentle ballads and bop scorchers alike." —Rolling Stone
CHARLES MCNEAL, saxophones, is a fiery performer who brings a sense of urgency and soul to every note he plays. Originally from Denver and now based in Las Vegas, McNeal has earned a stellar reputation as a soloist with Jon Faddis, Wynton Marsalis, McCoy Tyner, Roberta Flack, The Temptations and Boz Scaggs. He is lauded by critics for his "beautiful, rich tone" (Jazz Review) and "excellent, high intensity solos" (All About Jazz).
NICK MANSON, piano, is a two-time Emmy award winner whose consistently inventive jazz style is informed by his multifaceted career as performer, composer, arranger, producer and studio musician. Originally from Seattle and a veteran of the Los Angeles rstudio scene, Manson has recorded and performed with Christopher Cross, Deniece Williams, John Patitucci, B.B. King, Lenny Kravitz and Ernestine Anderson. "Manson's gorgeous tone is crystal clear, with a wide palate of dynamics." —All About Jazz
RUTH DAVIES, bass, earned her stripes as a world class jazz and blues artist touring for ten years in the band of the legendary Charles Brown. A native of Oakland, California, Ruth has also appeared with Clark Terry, John Lee Hooker, Bonnie Raitt, Jay McShann, Van Morrison, Maria Muldaur, Junior Mance, Barbara Morrison, Amina Figarova, Denise Jannah, Etta Jones, Terry Gibbs, Jimmy Witherspoon, Toots Thielemans, Ernie Watts, Elvin Bishop, Ramblin' Jack Elliot and Little Jimmy Scott.
JOHN LEWIS, drums, is respected among his peers for his exceptional taste, fluency and authenticity across a broad range of musical styles. Based in Los Angeles and Phoenix, Lewis has recorded music for television, film, video, and new media, and has traveled the world performing with Melissa Manchester, the Fifth Dimension, Chris Botti, Michael McDonald, Rick Braun, Natalie Cole, Paul Williams, Willie Nelson, the Judds and Paula Abdul.
