Press Release by: John Kolivas
After 6 years of making music as a group, the Honolulu Jazz Quartet is finally taking its form of post-bop jazz to the West Coast.
HONOLULU JAZZ QUARTET
WEST COAST TOUR 2007:
September 18, San Diego: Anthology
www.anthologysd.com
September 20, Carmel by the Sea (Monterey):
KRML AM Radio, Eastwood Building
www.krmlradio.com
September 21, Sonoma, California: The Lodge at Sonoma
www.sonomavalleyjazzsociety.org/live_jazz__the_lodge
September 24, Seattle, WA: The Triple Door
www.thetripledoor.net
September 26, Los Angeles: Catalina Jazz Club
www.catalinajazzclub.com
The Honolulu Jazz Quartet is a logical progression in the great tradition of post-bop jazz in Hawaii. The band was founded in 2001 by local bassist John Kolivas with the intent of bringing four like-minded musicians together to create a consistent, indelible sound. There are many fine jazz artists in Hawaii, but the economics of making a living as a jazz musician in the 50th State are not conducive to the same group of players working together for an extended period of time. The four members of HJQ have done just that, and the result is a beautiful blend of four individual voices into one distinctive and original voice – a voice that has thrilled audiences at the Hawaii International Jazz Festival, the Honolulu Symphony Pops (with full symphony arrangements), and the finest jazz settings throughout Hawaii. HJQ performances have received praise from top musicians including James Ingram, Rufus Reid, John Clayton, Jr., Jeff Hamilton, Makoto Ozone, Glenn Moore, Ricky Lawson, and Paul Jackson Jr.
The HJQ’s newest album Tenacity, with liner notes by Nat Hentoff, was released nationally in March 2007. Nat Hentoff writes: “The Honolulu Jazz Quartet is ready to be recognized in jazz scenes throughout the world, as is manifestly, invigoratingly evident in ‘Sounds of the City,’ and now, ‘Tenacity.’" HJQ’s debut album Sounds Of The City was released in February 2004. The CD made its debut on the National Jazz Radio Top 50 Chart (JazzWeek) in March 2004, spending seven weeks on the chart. Downbeat Magazine calls Sounds of the City “a satisfying document of their straightahead style.”
Musician’s Profile: Leader/Composer/Bassist John Kolivas is a local Hawaii product who spent eight years in New York City during the 1980s. John has performed with Larry Coryell, Makoto Ozone, John Pizzarelli, Don Grusin, Valery Ponomarev, George Benson, Grady Tate, Robin Eubanks, Eric Marienthal, Herb Ellis, Bud Shank, Richie Cole, Tiger Okoshi, Keola Beamer and Gabe Baltazar. Pianist/Composer Dan Del Negro hails from the south side of Chicago where he absorbed the fine jazz scene around him. Dan has worked with Herbie Mann, Vinnie Coliuta, Eric Marienthal, Tiger Okoshi, and Nestor Torres and Larry Coryell. Hawaii born saxophonist Tim Tsukiyama attended the Berklee College of Music, is a member of the Royal Hawaiian Band and has worked with Ray Charles, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bunky Green, John Pizzarelli, The Temptations, and Kalapana. Drummer Adam Baron, who played in Seattle for years, is originally from Kansas City, attended the Berklee College of Music, and was a student of Jeff Hamilton. Adam has played professionally with Shelly Berg, Hiroshi Hata, Carlinhos de Oliveira and Matt Catingub.
Select Discography:
“Sounds of the City” (HJQ Records)
“Tenacity” (HJQ Records)
For more information: HJQ Website
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