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Brian Betz

Brian Betz is a guitarist, composer and educator that resides in the Philadelphia Metro Area. He performs throughout the east coast with all different musical artists. Brian has 4 CD releases: Up and Running (2001) with Denis DiBlasio, Jim Ridl, Steve Varner, and Jim Miller; Without a Doubt (2003) with Denis DiBlasio, Jim Ridl, Steve Varner and Jim Miller on the Dreambox Media Label; Dichotomy (2005) with Jim Ridl, Steve Varner and Jim Miller on the Dreambox Media Label; Muted Bebop (2006) with George Rabbai and Steve Varner on the Dreambox Media Label.

Brian holds two degrees from Rowan University (BM,MM) and is endorsed by GHS Strings. He was one of the winners of the 2004 Betty Carter International Jazz Competition which took him on a tour to the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Brian currently is on the faculty at Rowan University and Cumberland County College teaching private guitar and music appreciation. He also teaches privately at the Friends School in Mullica Hill, New Jersey.

Being an educator and performer, Brian has given many masterclasses and performances at many different venues. From giving workshops and performing at the Cape May Jazz Festival, Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, Rowan Jazz Festival, Mason Dixon Jazz Camp, Westchester University Jazz Camp, and adjudicating high school jazz festivals all throughout the east coast.

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3
Live From Philadelphia

August 2012: Brian Betz Quartet, Featuring Denis DiBlasio

Read "August 2012:  Brian Betz Quartet, Featuring Denis DiBlasio" reviewed by RJ Johnson


Brian Betz QuartetChris' Jazz CaféPhiladelphia, PAAugust 31, 2012Guitarist Brian Betz led his quartet through a set of standards at Chris' Jazz Café in Philadelphia. In a set comprised entirely of standards, the band used its divergent musical personalities to uncover new ground within a familiar framework.The set began with a fiery rundown of “Secret Love," a piece favored by jazz pioneers such as saxophonist Dexter Gordon. Baritone saxophonist Denis DiBlasio ...

159
Album Review

Brian Betz: Dichotomy

Read "Dichotomy" reviewed by Nic Jones


This release reaches us courtesy of the label that put out the recent Tyrone Brown album Suite For John A. Williams, which was not far from greatness. There, however, any degree of overlap ends. This is a far more straight-ahead affair by an exceptionally cohesive quartet, and while there is much to admire, the singular quality that was palpable in the Brown is not in evidence here.

Betz's guitar shows no overt stylistic influence, though his slightly oblique feel for ...

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Primary Instrument

Guitar

Location

Philadelphia

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Photos

Concerts

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Denis DiBlasio /...

Dreambox Media
2007

buy

Dichotomy

Dreambox Media
2006

buy

Muted Bebop

Dreambox Media
2006

buy

Without a Doubt

Dreambox Media
2003

buy

Videos

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