Our Artists
JIM SNIDERO
Jazz Improvisation-Part 1, Jazz Saxophone- Part 1- Alto saxophonist Jim Snidero has been a major recording artists on the New York jazz scene for the last 30 years. He has recorded for EMI, Milestone, and Savant records, among many, and had a full-length feature (Jan 2012) in Downbeat Magazine, the #1 jazz publication.
His credits as a sideman include the Mingus Big Band, Eddie Palmieri, Frank Sinatra, Sting and Jack McDuff, to list a few. He is the best-selling and most influential jazz author of his generation (three Jazz Conception series’), used in thousands of institutions worldwide. Snidero is a Selmer and Rico recording artists, is on the faculty at New School University, and was a visiting professor at both Indiana University and Princeton University.
WALT WEISKOPF
Jazz Saxophone-Part 1- New York tenor saxophonist Walt Weiskopf is considered by many to be one of the finest saxophonist and composers of his generation. Over the past 15 years his recordings for Criss Cross records, which have featured artists such as Brad Mehldau, John Patitucci and Peter Bernstein, have consistently been praised by critics as the best of the best.
His sideman credits are many, including Frank Sinatra, The Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and Steely Dan, of which he has been a member for over 10 years. Weiskopf is also the author of several influential books, including “Around the Horn”, and has taught jazz saxophone at Eastman School of Music and Temple University.
MIKE LEDONNE
Play alongs- Pianist Mike LeDonne has been a cornerstone of the New York jazz scene for over three decades. His many recordings as a leader have been major hits on the US radio jazz charts and have included Tom Harrell and Eric Alexander, among many.
His sideman credentials are some of the most impressive of his generation, including Sonny Rollins, Milt Jackson, Benny Golson and Jimmy Cobb, to name a few.
LeDonne is also featured on Snidero’s “Jazz Conception” series and taught at Julliard School of Music.
PAUL GILL
Paul Gill is a gifted, first-call New York bassist that has performed with Stanley Turrentine, Tom Harrell, Benny Golson, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and the Village Vanguard Orchestra, among many. He has also toured with Diana Krall, Pat Martino, and Jon Hendricks and is featured on several of Jim Snidero’s “Jazz Conception” books.
McCLENTY HUNTER
Play alongs- One of the most gifted of the young lions, McClenty Hunter has become one of the most in demand drummer on the New York jazz scene. He has worked with Eric Reed, Javon Jackson, among many, and is currently a member of Kenny Garrett’s band. Hunter received his masters degree from Julliard School of Music.
PETER ZAK
Play alongs- New York pianist Peter Zak has been gaining increasing attention as a leader, including a series of critically acclaimed recordings on the SteepleChase label. As a sideman he has worked with George Coleman, Jimmy Cobb and Etta Jones, to name a few, and is on the faculty at New School University.