Scott Agster
Snowblind Jazz Quintet
Snowblind came together in 2005 on a mission to create good music.
Each group member possesses extensive musical training and professional accolades, but together they chase the communal idea of the jazz ensemble: a group in which all members are equal and pursue common musical goals through relentless rehearsal. Music in the tradition of jazz masters such as Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Art Blakey served as a foundation for the group. From there, the members injected their own personal influences to apply inventive reharmonizations and textures to traditional jazz standards and compose original works inspired by their predecessors within the genre. Snowblind's 2006 debut album, Arctic Fury, serves as the band's homage to these luminaries.
Following the release of their first record, Snowblind continued to shape their artistic vision through performances at the Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant, The Artists' Quarter, and the Twin Cities Hot Summer Jazz Festival. The ten original tracks on their second album, Taking Shape, extend the full-bodied brass sound they embrace from jazz to Afro-Cuban, groove-oriented, and through-composed works.
Salsa del Soul
Salsa del Soul is a Twin Cities-based, nine-piece orchestra performing various styles of dance music from the Spanish-speaking regions of the Caribbean. Salsa del Soul was formed with the purpose to provide great dance music for Twin Cities Salsa fans. The musicians of Salsa del Soul represent some of the finest musicians in the Twin Cities Latin music scene. Self-described as a group of friends that enjoy hanging out and playing music together, Salsa del Soul's styles of music include Son Montuno, Cha-Cha-Cha, Merengue, Plena, and, of course, Salsa. Salsa del Soul performs locally at Nochee Restaurant & Bar and The Times Bar & Café, among other locations. I am currently performing and arranging for this group on a full-time basis.
Jack Brass Band
The crack of the snare drum, the blat of the sousaphone, the blaring brass over it all tells you that the Jack Brass Band is an infectious machine, one that drives the crowd to their feet and commands them to groove. As the only New Orleans style brass band in Minneapolis, they are the ambassadors of the Crescent City's brass band tradition. The Jack Brass Band embraces the traditions of New Orleans jazz, at the same time adding old time blues, rock, hip-hop, pop, funk and reggae.
Davina and the Vagabonds
Davina Sowers hit the Midwest scene in February 2005 and she hasn't looked back since. It didn't take her long after moving here from Key West, FL to start making a name for herself. With great vocals and piano, she commands attention onstage and leaves everyone smiling. Davina has been performing since the age of 5, with the support of an extremely musically involved family. Sowers is a classically trained pianist with years of experience in piano performance. Sowers made a big splash at Duluth's Bayfront Blues Festival in 2006 and 2007, having the highest sales in CDs in both years.
She has been called the "hardest-working blueswoman in frigid Minnesota”. “Two things remain consistent at all her shows though: her throaty but cushiony voice, which has a sort of hard-mattress comfort to it that's part Bonnie Raitt, part Etta James and a little Amy Winehouse; and her band's rollicking New Orleans flavor, driven home by dueling horn players and a bayou-thick standup bass." (CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER, Star Tribune)
Davina has already shared the stage with Little Feat, Buddy Guy, Elvin Bishop, The Lamont Cranston Band, The Blues Brothers, Joe Bonamassa, Nellie McKay, Irma Thomas and James Hunter, among others, at venues such as House of Blues in Atlantic City, NJ and the Bayfront Blues Festival in Duluth, MN.
G8
The international organization known as the Group of Eight Nations has been holding summits for years to decide the fate of the world and all its inhabitants based on the interests of these, the eight wealthiest countries on the planet. Minneapolis-based "G8" is a meeting of eight musicians in a jazz/hip hop format. The group features poetry over a full rhythm section and three horn harmonies. Visit our website to order our newly-released album "Run With It."
The Bella Galla Big Band
Perhaps your musical taste winds back the clock to the original 78 records of Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman, or even the more recent 33's of Count Basie, Les Brown, Stan Kenton, and Buddy Rich. Or maybe your musical history has avoided the crackling records of the past, with your heart pumping to the sounds of Rob McConnel, Louie Bellson, Harry Connick, Brian Setzer, ot Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. I have been playing the lead bone chair in this group since summer.
The Century Brass Quintet
Century Brass can expand from a brass quintet to a brass band that recreates the wonderful musical wealth of 19th century brass band for the edification and amusement of the modern audience. The group ranges in size from as few as five brass players to as many as ten brass and three percussion players.
Brass bands have been important in Minnesota since the 1850s. The Great Western Band of St. Paul was active in Minnesota as early as 1858. Another early brass band was the St. Anthony band which in 1853 played for the grand opening of the suspension bridge over the Mississippi in St. Anthony. In 1861, the Red Wing brass band played as they sent Civil War volunteers to Fort Snelling--when those volunteers arrived, they were greeted by the Great Western Band of St. Paul.
The Century Brass Band can provide live music to accompany 19th Century dances such as waltzes, polkas, schottisches, quick-steps, reels, quadrilles, and other dance styles popular in the 19th century.
Adam Rossmiller
Adam is an incredibly versitile trumpet player in the Twin Cities. We have collaborated in many different situations including orchestra, big band, hip hop, brass band, jazz combo, and brass quintet. He always sounds great in whatever ensemble he is playing in. Check him out at his website.
Reid Kennedy
Reid is the drummer for my jazz quintet Snowblind. He is not only a fantastic musician to work with but a great composer and arranger also. Go check out his site for more information on what he's doing, and how to get his newest arrangements.
Shilad Sen
Shilad Sen is the tenor saxophonist for my jazz quintet Snowblind. He is also a doctoral candidate in Computer Science at the Univeristy of Minnesota. Shilad is one of the more multi-talented individuals I know. He has found a way to balance his educational goals with his wonderful musicial pursuits.
Fluxure Advanced Motion Media, Inc.
Fluxure is an artistic New York City production house specializing in cutting edge visual and audio experiences. They designed and programmed this site.
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