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Convergence

Greg Gisbert - Trumpet

Fiery, honest, and maniacally talented, Greg Gisbert hit the national jazz scene at an early age and seems to have been on the road ever since. He ventured forth from his childhood home in Denver to attend Berklee, but soon found himself wandering around a tour bus dodging insults from Buddy Rich. He eventually settled in New York, and over the years has been an integral player with the Woody Herman Orchestra, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Horace Silver, Maynard Ferguson, Bobby Shew, Maria Schneider, John Fedchok, and the Smithsonian, Carnegie Hall , and Vanguard Big Bands. In addition to also recording with most of these groups, Greg also has three CD’s out as a leader on the Criss Cross label, with such notable sidemen as Billy Drummond, Chris Potter, and Gregory Hutchinson.

Eric Gunnison - Piano

Known as “the voice of reason” in Convergence, Eric plays with amazing passion and energy, and he is an accomplished writer and arranger. The late Carmen McCrae appreciated this about Eric, and he was her accompanist for the last five years of her career. He has also performed with such artists as Benny Carter, Phil Woods, Eddie Gomez, Betty Carter, Red Rodney, Joe Farrell, and James Moody. Eric also currently serves on the faculty of the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver.

John Gunther - Saxophones/Woodwinds

John Gunther wonders if he has a sort of musical attention deficit disorder (MADD) as he often finds himself on a bandstand with multiple instruments and composing in a multiple of styles and traditions. He enjoys the diversity and with inspirations from jazz, classical, and folk traditions from around the world, he has a unique and compelling voice as a composer and improviser. John has performed or recorded with Tom Harrel, Dewey Redman, John Abercrombie, Joe Williams, Buddy DeFranco, Ernestine Anderson, Dizzy Gillespie, The Woody Herman Orchestra, and The Maria Schneider Orchestra. After being an active performer in New York city and teaching at New York University, John recently moved back to Colorado to teach at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He has several recording as a leader with his groups "Axis Mundi" and "Spooky Actions". John has received grants from the NEA and "Meet the composer" , was Composer in Residence at the 2003 Toronto Fringe Dance Festival, and has composed music for film and animation. Visit "www.turnworld.com" for more information on some of John's activities as a performer and composer.

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Live Review

Convergence Performs at Dazzle in Denver

Read "Convergence Performs at Dazzle in Denver" reviewed by Geoff Anderson


Convergence Dazzle Jazz Club Denver, Colorado November 9, 2007

I enjoy living in Denver so much that having yet another reason to be here is almost an embarrassment of riches. Convergence playing here on a regular basis is a bonus comparable to icing on the cake, heated car seats, a guitar amplifier you can turn up to 11. There's no question that their regular performances significantly enhance the quality of life around here. ...

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Music Industry

Convergence In Music Industry as Managers Become Labels, Distributors Become Marketers and More

Convergence In Music Industry as Managers Become Labels, Distributors Become Marketers and More

Source: HypeBot

In this piece, Jake Udell reflects on the how music companies are increasingly converging to become the same thing as they try to wear a growing number of hats in an effort to remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry. Guest post by Jake Udell of Art of Manager Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a convergence amongst music companies and their suite of artists services, especially between managers and labels. This trend was summed up perfectly by Tim Ingham ...

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Book / Magazine

Author Trevor Barre Pens Second Book "Convergences, Divergences & Affinities: Further Beyond Jazz, The Second Wave Of English Free Improvisation, 1973-9"

Author Trevor Barre Pens Second Book "Convergences, Divergences & Affinities: Further Beyond Jazz, The Second Wave Of English Free Improvisation, 1973-9"

Source: Glass Onyon PR - William James

The sub title of the book is The Second Wave of Free Improvisation in England, 1973-9. It is the author’s second self-published book about English Free Improvisation, and follows his Beyond Jazz, The Golden Age of Free Music in London, 1966-72, an account of the genre's formative years. “Beyond Jazz” was well received and gained many favourable reviews in the press. In particular, it seemed that the book both shone a light on, and provided a much-needed account of, a ...

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Recording

William Hooker Duets with Thomas Chapin! "Crossing Points" Documents the Convergence.

William Hooker Duets with Thomas Chapin! "Crossing Points" Documents the Convergence.

Source: Gapplegate Music Review by Grego Edwards

I have a friend who is dedicated to the music. He prides himself on NOT being a collector, of not making a fetish out of owning thousands upon thousands of recordings to line up in long rows and nod knowingly about the music when guests arrive. “Yes, you see I own all this music, so you know that I know all about it." He doesn't imply that. He rejects it. He is in the music for the music. Yet his ...

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Recording

Joe McPhee's Survival Unit III - Synchronicity (Harmonic Convergence, 2011) ****a1/2

Joe McPhee's Survival Unit III - Synchronicity (Harmonic Convergence, 2011) ****a1/2

Source: Free Jazz by Stef Gijssels

By Paul Acquaro Joe McPhee's Survival Unit III's “Synchronicity" is a tough, dark and moving affair. His experience working the timbers and tones of the avant-garde with his saxophone and clarinet is on great display. The recording was made of a concert date at The Hideout in Chicago in 2007, the sound is excellent and the audience was obviously quite appreciative. While noise, both electronic and acoustic, is used to shade and texture, it's never at the expense of the ...

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Recording

Duo Jalal Explores the Convergence of Indigenous Mid-Eastern, Modern Compositional and Improvisational Approaches on "A Different World"

Duo Jalal Explores the Convergence of Indigenous Mid-Eastern, Modern Compositional and Improvisational Approaches on "A Different World"

Source: Gapplegate Music Review by Grego Edwards

We of course live today in a global village. We take as a matter of course that musical traditions that centuries ago would reach our shores solely in the form of immigrants now can be studied in depth via recordings and live concerts by world-class practitioners from every corner of the globe. We may only be on the edge of what this could mean for music in the world at large, but it is an exciting time for those who ...

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Performance / Tour

A Mischievous Convergence of Past and Present Jazz

A Mischievous Convergence of Past and Present Jazz

Source: Michael Ricci

Erimaj, a band led by Jamire Williams, the young jazz drummer from Houston, features a lot of information being knocked around. There are rising and falling vamps and solos; a bit of rock and pastoral-sounding, post-Pat Metheny guitar harmony; some careful falsetto R&B; and, from Mr. Williams, fluid narrative improvising, as well as beats like fragmented hip-hop. At the Jazz Gallery on Friday Mr. Williams kept a mischievous smile through almost all of Erimajs set. (The bands name is his ...

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Recording

Ryan Oliver "Convergence" Art of Life Records

Ryan Oliver "Convergence" Art of Life Records

Source: All About Jazz

Art of Life Records is proud to present 28-year-old Canadian saxophonist Ryan Oliver's debut recording. Joining Ryan on “Convergence" are Duncan Hopkins on acoustic bass, Bob McLaren on drums, Bernie Senensky on piano and Jake Wilkinson on trumpet. The album features three standards, “It's Easy to Remember" by Rodgers & Hart, “The End of a Love Affair" by Edward C. Redding and “Mamacita" by Joe Henderson, as well as six original songs composed by Oliver. “Convergence" was recorded and mixed ...

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Music Industry

Sydney Bands Convergence of Cabaret and Jazz

Sydney Bands Convergence of  Cabaret and Jazz

Source: All About Jazz

The convergence of cabaret presentations and jazz is becoming more evident and popular at Jazz festivals. Joe Flynn packed “Jazz” audiences to his presentation of comedy patter and topical songs at the recent Gold Coast Jazz Festival and the Newcastle Jazz Festival. George Washingmachine performs at most local Jazz festivals and sets up comedy patter in between playing a few tunes on his fiddle. James Morrison presents a bag of tricks with his presentations. In addition to his brilliant musicianship ...

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Performance / Tour

Phil Kellys 'Convergence Zone' CD release concerts, 2/15 and 2/16

Phil Kellys 'Convergence Zone' CD release concerts, 2/15 and 2/16

Source: All About Jazz

Phil Kelly and the Northwest Prevailing Winds held a pair of CD release concerts this past weekend at Tula's in Seattle WA on Sunday 2/15 ( which was packed to the roof ) and again the next night at JazzBones in Tacoma WA.

Almost the entire recording group was present (including our “LA contingent" Pete Christlieb and Andy Martin) and the band sounded absolutely great both nights, especially considering the fact they were basically “resightreading" the book, since it had ...

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Award / Grant

Phil Kelly's CONVERGENCE ZONE Receives 2003 Twirlie Nomination

Phil Kelly's CONVERGENCE ZONE Receives 2003 Twirlie Nomination

Source: All About Jazz

2003 Twirlie Nominations: TOP 10 BIG BANDS Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra - HIROSHIMA (True Life Jazz) Maria Schneider Orchestra - ALLEGRESSE (Justin Time Records) Gerald Wilson Orchestra - NEW YORK, NEW SOUND (Mack Avenue Records) Renee Rosnes - And The Danish Big Band (Blue Note) The Kim Richmond Concert Jazz Orchestra - REFRACTIONS (Origin Records) David Murray Latin Big Band - NOW IS ANOTHER TIME (Justin Time Records) Phil Kelly and The NW Prevailing Winds - CONVERGENCE ZONE (Origin Records) ...

"They achieve a groove sought by many, but not easily found..." --Ira Gitler

“Convergence is phenomenal. It's a rare treat to hear a small group play compositions and arrangements that are so rich in ideas and formal development. Their pieces are wonderfully original and leave beautiful space to feature every musician in a unique way, and each musician is truly unique and extraordinary. I can't say enough about this group.” --Maria Schneider

“Folks, it just doesn't get better than THIS! Convergence should be known world-wide. I'm gonna do all I can to help that happen.” --Bobby Shew

"...their performances are marked by a genuine sense of unity." --Linda Gruno, Westword

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Modern Man

Unknown label
2004

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