With a wealth of experience that has led to performances throughout the United States, Europe and Canada, saxophonist, Roland Rizzo and vibraphonist, Juan Vazquez decided to pool their resources and keep the music closer to home.
As co-founders of the highly regarded jazz quintet, "In Session", the two musicians have taken a touch of today’s jazz without forgetting the music of their youth to create a blend that is musically satisfying for the listener and fun for everyone involved in the process.
With the talents of three of the area’s finest musicians, guitarist and keyboardist, Mike Mathias, bassist Bob Peters and drummer Mike Kanter, “In Session” has created a sound that is bringing audiences to their feet at every performance. “The chemistry between us on stage, the level of talent as well as our choice of material is quite special. I feel lucky to be involved in such an exciting project with these high caliber musicians.” says vibraphonist, Juan Vazquez.
Be sure to be a part of the “In Session” experience. Sign up for e-mails about their upcoming performances and info. You will not be disappointed.
|
|
|
An honors graduate from the prestigious New England Conservatory in Boston, Roland has performed in every style of music. This multi-faceted instrumentalist has worked with symphony orchestras, classical chamber ensembles, jazz big bands, jazz chamber music as well as a “first-call” sideman in the area’s live music scene. His studio work includes commercials for television and radio as well as demo recordings for up and coming new artists.
With graduate studies in computer science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, this former public school and private music teacher currently works as a Composer/Sound Designer for computer games.
Serving as co-founder of In Session, Roland welcomes the opportunity to stretch and expand his musicianship as well as offering an outlet for his compositional skills. “You stop learning when the urn is on the mantle!”
|
|
|
A truly dedicated musician, Juan has performed throughout the United States, Europe and Canada in both jazz and classical settings. This multi-faceted percussionist has worked with the Baltimore, Boston and Annapolis symphony orchestras with performances in New York’s famed Carnegie Hall. Highlights include performances with Johnny Mathis, Lou Rawls, Roberta Flack & Crystal Gale to name a few.
He currently serves as the principal percussionist with the United States Navy Band in Washington, DC and has performed for four presidents with concerts at the White House, Kennedy Center and the United States Capitol.
“In Session has allowed me to perform with a premier group of musicians in my home base of Baltimore. I feel truly blessed to be associated with these excellent musicians and am very excited about sharing this great music with our audiences.”
|
|
|
A multi-talented instrumentalist and highly respected musician, Mike’s diverse set of talents have made him one of the most sought after players in the Maryland area. Naturally gifted, Mike is equally proficient on guitar as well as piano while dabbling on bass, drums and saxophone.
With over twenty years of teaching and performing experience Mike currently is the guitar instructor at the Music Workshop in Baltimore and is in the process of recording a new solo CD due out this December.
|
|
|
Baltimore native, Bob Peters, was an integral part of the area’s live music scene from the late 70’s through the early 90’s. After performances with nearly every major act in the MD/DC corridor he decided to retire from the shrinking opportunities in the music business. During the day Bob serves as a building inspector with Baltimore County.
He now welcomes and relishes the opportunity to perform jazz with In Session. As Bob says," You're never too old to learn!"
|
|
|
Known throughout the music community as the consummate professional, Mike has performed with many well known artists in the Baltimore area. A meticulous time-keeper, his talents led him to Atlanta where he became a “first-call” percussionist in the recording studios and club music scene. He has performed and recorded with such notables as Carl Filipiak, members of Joe Cockers touring act as well as Wild Cherry.
Presently Mike serves as the assistant director and instructor for the "Baltimore School For Drumming".
Most importantly Mike is enjoying performing with In Session. “I am very excited to be a part of this great project and love sharing our music with the public”.
|