Jazzbows.com Publishers of fine sheet music for improvising strings, in American Styles
Artist Repertoire for the Modern String Player Beginner to Professional
Great Performers
Great music in the hands of an artist is universal in its capacity to inspire, no matter the genre, style, or origin of the performer. Here are links to the websites of some of our favorite string players:
John Blake Jr., violin
Violinist John Blake is that rare string player who has earned the title, Jazz Master. From local groups in his native Philadelphia, John advanced to the front line of ensembles led by jazz giants McCoy Tyner, Grover Washington Jr, Billy Taylor, and Steve Turre. A skilled educator, clinician, and co-author of the critically-acclaimed method book JIME: Jazz Improvisation Made Easy, John's soulful lyricism and improvisatory brilliance place him on elevated ground where few violinists can stand.
Violinist Regina Carter occupies a place that was inconceivable before her mercurial rise to super-stardom. Her luminous tone and exquisite rhythmic clarity make her the undisputed diva of jazz violin. A Detroit native, Regina was being primed for a classical career when she began her transit from the quartet Straight Ahead to the String Trio of NY, stopping to pay dues in bands led by Max Roach, Kenny Barron, and Steve Turre. With so many best-selling albums and sold-out concerts under her belt, there's no telling what Regina will do next!
Christian Howes has the technical mastery, courage and originality to take his violin where no man has gone before. Having worked with such highly regarded jazz masters as Bucky Pizzarelli, Jack DeJohnette, Steve Turre, Billy Hart, David Murray, and Randy Brecker, Christian's artistry has a universal quality which allows him to touch people from every station in life. Here is a young man who can reach the stars.
George Taylor is a masterful violist who has achieved critical acclaim as a recitalist, soloist with orchestra and chamber musician. A teacher, lecturer and clinician, Taylor is a professor at the Eastman School of Music. As a performer, George Taylor's expansive repertoire always holds a surprise. Be sure to allot some time when you visit his website -- Taylor provides a wealth of selections for your listening pleasure, the common thread being the beauty of his viola playing. Don't miss his interpretation of 'Round Midnight.
The brilliant violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins is announcing new projects at her website. Congratulations, Kelly, on your appointment as concertmaster and soloist with the Chamber Orchestra of New York, as well as your new CD (due to be released later this season). In the meanwhile we can visit the website, marvel at Hall-Tompkins lustrous playing, and purchase a copy of her first CD!
In addition to her work as a recitalist, soloist and chamber musician (notably with the wonderful Ritz Chamber Players), Kelly advocates for the homeless through an organization she founded, the Music Kitchen. Be sure to visit Hall-Tompkin's website and if you can, please contribute to her marvelous work.