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Terry Bartolotta

Guitarist, composer, educator, and bandleader Terry Bartolotta has been part of the Chicago jazz scene since 2006. He has performed with notable local musicians like: Rose Colella, Elaine Dame, Paul Marinaro, Art Davis, Joe Policastro, Alex Beltran, Chris Madsen, and Chris White. After receiving his Master’s Degree in jazz composition from Depaul in 2009, Bartolotta focused on composing for his jazz quintet, and in 2012, he released his debut cd, Above the Clouds. In the same year, he won the Union League Civic Arts Foundation Jazz Composition Award for his composition “Times Change.” The Terry Bartolotta Group is comprised of James Davis on trumpet, Alex Beltran on tenor sax, Joel Kelsey on bass, Lucas Gillan on drums, and Terry Bartolotta on guitar. This energetic group performs a mixture of originals and jazz standards. They are influenced by jazz artists like: John Coltrane, Brad Mehldau, Herbie Hancock, Horace Silver, and Wayne Shorter.

They have been featured at the Green Mill Lounge as part of the Chicago Composer's Collective, and at Jerry's for the Ears and Eyes Music Series. "Above the Clouds" has been played on NPR's "All Things Considered" as well as many other regional stations such as: WDCB Glen Ellyn, Northwestern Univ. Radio, WHPK Univ of Chicago Radio, Wisconsin Public Radio, and Triton College Radio. Also, the group was featured at the 2014 Elkhart Jazz Festival. In September of 2015, the group celebrated the release of their second cd, Slow Burn, at Andy’s Jazz Club in Chicago. Since then, Slow Burn, has been played on stations all over the country like: Jazz From Gallery 41 in San Francisco, WSHA Raleigh NC, and WDCB Glen Ellyn. It peaked at number 114 on the CMJ radio charts.

Awards

Winner of 2012 Union League Civic Arts Foundation Jazz Composition Competition for original song, "Times Change."

Gear

D'Angelico Hollowbody Guitar and 1971 Silverface Fender Vibrolux Amp

Tags

Terry Bartolotta guitar

"Chicago based guitarist Terry Bartolotta showcases his compositional skills on his relaxed and engaging debut album, Above the Clouds. Surrounded by sympathetic group of like-minded musicians, Bartolotta presents nine of his originals––solidly mainstream, but each with a unique flavor. The title track for example has a small group swing feel with the exuberant drive of the rhythm section over which Alex Beltran’s brassy tenor blows with big vibrato and sophisticated vigor. Bartolotta builds complex improvisations with his slow simmering guitar."

-Hrayr Attarian in Chicago Jazz Magazine

Primary Instrument

Guitar

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

-Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from Northern Illinois Univ. -Master's Degree in Jazz Composition from DePaul Univ. -3 years as Adjunct Guitar Instructor at College of Lake County in Grayslake, IL -Adjunct Guitar Instructor at Harold Washington College in Chicago, IL -Email me for hours and rates in Chicago area

Clinic/Workshop Information

"Fundamentals of Playing Jazz Guitar" Topics will include: harmony on the guitar, improvisation, repertoire, transcription, swing feel, and listening.