The Musicians
Michael Otwell
Sax and Flute
Michael Otwell is a versatile musician; exciting stage presence. Performs in multiple genres. Joined The Jazz Generation in 2014.Michael Otwell also with Equinox Jazz: Mainstream to Fusion Jazz. and
Sabor Jazz (flavorful, tasty, savory, smooth, Latin Jazz).
Genres: Jazz, Blues, Jazz Fusion, Funk, R&B
Influences: Mongo Santamaria, Ernie Watts, Herbie Hancock, Jaco Pastorius, Dave Valentin, Thelonious Monk, Big Jazz Band, John William Coltrane, Tito Puente, Tom Scott, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Crystal Image Music, Jeff Beck, James Brown, Sabor Jazz, Lenny Pickett, Butterscotch, Pete Escovedo, Rollins, Christian DeWild, Jr., Ray Charles, Grover Washington, Charles Mingus, Today In Jazz History, Michelle Schmitt, Hubert Laws, Pat Metheny, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, The Elgins, Sonny, Chicago Tribute Authority, Caribbean Jazz Collective, Ian Anderson, SingNSax.com (The SingNSax Combo), Tom Waits, Bobby McFerrin.
Jim Wendt
Bassist, Keyboardist, Arranger
Began playing music in 5th grade with the Mellophone. By the time he finished high school, he had learned French Horn in school concert bands, picked up electric bass and played in Sacramento area blues bands, He next began playing jazz piano in the Sacramento area. A passionate, multi-instrumentalist, Jim shares his love of music in unique ways, locally to internationally.
Bassist, Keyboardist & Arranger
Member of The Jazz Generation for 10+ years
History and Achievements
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Sacramento City College Music Program (Music Theory and Composition; Jazz Big Band and Combos on piano); and Upright Bass (school symphony)
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Studies with Sacramento local, Jerry Murphy. Performed in local jazz groups
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California State University Sacramento Music Program (Music Theory & Composition-classical and jazz; Jazz Big Band and Combos-piano
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1978-1985--Played piano with John Skinner Big Band and Combos (100 gigs per year)
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1985-present – continues to perform with a variety of local bands, including the Jim Wendt Jazz Combo, Various R&B bands, Oldies bands, Country bands and Rock bands
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Travel: Multiple trips to England, Germany, and Sweden (no music performances);
3 week trip to South Africa and Zambia
3 weeks in Kolkata, India living with and collaborating with tabla prodigy, Abhishek Basu on Jambination (Indo/Jazz Fusion project) while also absorbing Indian Classical Music and Indian culture
3-1/2 week trip to Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania -
Additional Performances
Meadowview Jazz Festivals; KRIA Indo/Jazz Fusion Concert; Sacramento Jazz Festival
Hosted Indian tabla player, Abhishek Basu, in Sacramento for 6 weeks while collaboratimg on Jambination (Indo/Jazz Fusion project) (www.myspace.com/jambination) -
Other Profession: 1982-1985–-CSUS Computer Science Program
Christopher Lee
Pianist/Keyboardist, The Jazz Generation
Chris began playing classical piano at the age of three and began learning jazz piano in high school. Although he was eventually persuaded to pursue actual "work," Chris continues to pursue his musical passion through his frequent performances with Sacramento-area musicians.
Chris attributes his jazz education to the formal and informal encounters he has had over the years with area musicians including, chronologically, Craig Faniani, Jerry Murphy, Bobby Bradford (while in college in Southern California), Joe Gilman, Steve Roach, Mike Kelley, Aaron Garner, and Paul Klempau.
History and Achievements
Since returning to the Sacramento music scene in 2002, Chris has performed with a number of musical groups such as the CSUS Latin Jazz Ensemble and the Moonlight Swing Big Band, and has appeared in a number of venues, including the Mondavi Center, the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, and the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival.
- Pianist with the Jazz Generation for 12 + years. Noted for exceptional improvisation & classical background
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Has also performed around the region with the CSUS Latin Jazz Ensemble and with other bands
Other Professional Experience
Attorney
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California Department of Managed Health Care
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Attorney at Law Office of James Kaufman
- Programmer at CLAS Information Services
Education
- JD, University of the Pacific - McGeorge School of Law
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BS, Computer Science, Harvey Mudd College
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Jesuit High School Sacramento Alumni
Dave Peters
Drummer, The Jazz Generation
The Jazz Generation drummer for 10+years, Dave is a professional drummer who brings 30+ years of experience to the group. Equally passionate about music, he is also experienced in many music genres and styles.
History and Achievements:
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Has played with several Grammy winning musicians, including Jason Newsted (Metallica), Gordon Hunte (Sade), Julius Melendez (Santana) and Tony Lindsay (Santana)
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The 1995 East Bay Guitar Center Drum Off Winner
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Versed in many styles including: funk, jazz, R&B, Latin, Afro-Cuban, rock, Mexican, Reggae, Tejano
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Performs regularly in Sacramento, Stockton and San Francisco
Selected Performances
Oak Park Ice Arena; Istanbul Mehmet Cymbals Official; Guitar Syndicate; Evans Drumheads & HQ Percussion; Rubicon Entertainment 2009; the White Album Ensemble; Drums Outlet; Boogie With The Hook Records Inc.; Sell or Buy Music; La Campana; 2TIGHT 2utorial Fan Page!; Shane Dwight Band; SFJAZZ; DRUM! Magazine; Saint Mary's High School - Stockton, CA; The ZION Academy of Music; atma anur; Vic Firth; TRX Cymbals America
The Track Shack Studios; MTB 40th Anniversary Concert video by ctorres716 on Photobucket; Noble & Cooley Drum Company; Main Street Music Tracy; Mike Torres Band; 40th Anniversary Reception video by ctorres716 on Photobucket; Pinkie & Blind Resistance; Magic Slim; Layce Baker and the Black Diamond band; Capital Sound Recording Inc; Amedia Cymbals USA; Lance Delgado Music;and many more
Dave Peters Endorses Axis Pedals, Evans Drumheads and TRX Cymbals
Suzanne Brooks
Vocalist, Songwriter, Bandleader, The Jazz Generation
Singer, Songwriter, Bandleader of The Jazz Generation Band. A Jazz Stylist who writes, produces & directs her own musical shows. Independent recording artist with 11 CDs, covers and original music. Literary writer: poems, fiction, nonfictiction, one-act drama; public speaker on social issues.
HISTORY AND ACHIEVEMENTS
A singer since early childhood, Suzanne spent many years in church choirs and remains fond of all kinds of religious music, from hymns and chants to gospel. She credits her vast repertoire in jazz, pop, R&B, folk and country to exposure to many kinds of music in a variety of religious environments.
SHOWS
"Great Women of Jazz, 1890-1990, History of Women in Music"
Original Show performed with The Jazz Generation, dancers and narrator for 4 years, on stage and in the round/dinner theater
"I Believe I Can Fly"
Stage show debut of 112 year old woman with her original stories and poems and music by Suzanne Brooks/The Jazz Generation from decades of the story teller/poet's life. Publicity from this event went viral, reaching more than 10 million worldwide.
"Great Women of Jazz, 1890-1990, History of Women in Music"
Original Show performed with The Jazz Generation, dancers and narrator for 4 years, on stage and in the round/dinner theater
"I Believe I Can Fly"
Stage show debut of 112 year old woman with her original stories and poems and music by Suzanne Brooks/The Jazz Generation from decades of the story teller/poet's life. Publicity from this event went viral, reaching more than 10 million worldwide.
RECORDINGS: 11 CDS (9 in jazz): "Even Sad Memories Are Sweet;" "Miles to Go Before I Sleep;" "Great Women of Jazz: A Tribute;" "Listening To The Radio" (original single); "The Strength to Go On" original R&B single);"Lasting Impression" (original single, with Reggie Graham, pianist/co-writer); "Aurora" (original single, co-written with Reggie Graham with Sergio Ortu o, Candombe drummer, Montevideo, Uuruguay); "Candombe pa' la Lia" (original single, co-written/performed with Sergio Ortu and Eddie Encarnacin); "Let Us Shine" (original holiday song (Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, co-written with The Jazz Generation musicians--Chris Lee-keyboard; Jim Wendt-Bass & Dave Peters-drums); "Time After Time" (2 CD set, live recorded @ The Track Shack Studios, 1st set-covers; 2nd set originals, except for finale--See Album Notes for all composers). Additional compositions include: Lyrics to "Up Jump Spring," music by Freddie Hubbard.
Vocal Training
Chris Beatty, Nashville, TN, formerly of The Chicago Opera and producer of The Vocal Coach CD series; Seth Riggs Speech-Level Singing Vocal Camp 2002 and 2003, St. Mary's College, Los Angeles; Reinhardt Krekow, Speech Level Singing Coach/Seth Riggs Associate, Sacramento; Bobby McFerrin, Master Class, Oneida Institute, Rhinebeck, NY; Richard Smallwood Gospel Workshop, Sacramento; Lucy McKinney, Gospel Vocal Instructor.
Chris Beatty, Nashville, TN, formerly of The Chicago Opera and producer of The Vocal Coach CD series; Seth Riggs Speech-Level Singing Vocal Camp 2002 and 2003, St. Mary's College, Los Angeles; Reinhardt Krekow, Speech Level Singing Coach/Seth Riggs Associate, Sacramento; Bobby McFerrin, Master Class, Oneida Institute, Rhinebeck, NY; Richard Smallwood Gospel Workshop, Sacramento; Lucy McKinney, Gospel Vocal Instructor.
Education
MA, English/Creative Writing, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
BA, English and Education, LaSalle University, Philadelphia, PA
EdD (ABD) Educational Leadership and Change, The Fielding Institute, Santa Barbara, CA
EdD (ABD) Adult Education & Administration of Justice, Penn State University, University Park, PA
MA, English/Creative Writing, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
BA, English and Education, LaSalle University, Philadelphia, PA
EdD (ABD) Educational Leadership and Change, The Fielding Institute, Santa Barbara, CA
EdD (ABD) Adult Education & Administration of Justice, Penn State University, University Park, PA
Education
MA, English/Creative Writing, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
BA, English and Education, LaSalle University, Philadelphia, PA
EdD (ABD) Educational Leadership and Change, The Fielding Institute, Santa Barbara, CA
EdD (ABD) Adult Education & Administration of Justice, Penn State University, University Park, PA