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Joel Bowers

Joel Bowers is a 38 year-old native of San Jose, California. Joel is a 1997 graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. In May of 2002, he completed his Masters of Music Jazz Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Colorado at Boulder. While attending CU Boulder, Joel was the jazz department's teacher assistant and his duties included assisting the jazz faculty, coaching jazz ensembles and teaching private students through the Universities continuing education program. Joel, who has been playing the saxophone since age nine, is unique among young saxophonists in that he has a very strong interest in older styles of jazz. His influences include such legendary saxophonists as Lester Young, Stan Getz, Stanley Turrentine, Hank Mobley and Dexter Gordon. He has learned to play in the idiom of those players and has done so quite convincingly. Joel has personally studied under such recognized names as: Jimmy Giuffre, Plas Johnson, George Garzone, John McNeil, Joe Maneri and Jerry Bergonzi. Joel has performed and or recorded with many established bands and legends of the music world including: Alicia Keys, Cee-Lo, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, Too $hort, De La Soul, Redman, The Mary Jane Girls, Pharoahe Monch, Little Brother, Kurtis Blow, Black Sheep, Nice & Smooth, Biz Markie, Marley Marl, Masta Ace, Craig G, Juice Crew, The Beatnuts, Apl.De.Ap, Nappy Roots, Kool Keith, Jennifer Hudson, Estelle, Lupe Fiasco, Lemar, B.O.B, Yo Yo, MC Search, Fred Wesley, Clyde Stubblefield, Money Mark, Mister Cee, Stanton Moore, Quantic, Ms. Spanky Wilson, Oh No, Percee P, Ohmega Watts, Soup, Roc'C', Garage a Trois, Melvin Sparks, Eddie Bo, Leon Spencer,The Greyboy Allstars, Robert Walter's 20th Congress, Connie Price and The Keystones, Orgone, Nikka Costa, Pete Escovedo, Rhythm Roots Allstars, Fully-Loaded, Motherlode, L.A. Carnival, The Motet, Ron Miles, DJ Format, Melanie Fiona, Wolfgramm Sisters, Hilary McRae, Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Rebirth Brass Band. Joel has supported such artists and bands as: Al Green, The Roots, Maceo Parker, De La Soul, Big Daddy Kane, Little Brother, Ozomatli, Galactic, DJ Z-Trip, Gil Scott-Heron, Mayer Hawthorne, Leftover Salmon, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Stanton Moore, Robert Walter's 20th Congress, The Aggrolites, Particle, Zion I, Project Logic, Crown City Rockers, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Heavy D, Doug E. Fresh, The Greyboy Allsatrs, NOMO, The Sam Kininger Band, Wild Magnolias, Rebirth Brass Band, J Rocc, Aloe Blacc & Cut Chemist.

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Jazz Musician of the Day: Joel Bowers

Jazz Musician of the Day: Joel Bowers

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Joel Bowers' birthday today!

JAZZ MUSICIAN OF THE DAY Joel Bowers

Joel Bowers is a 33-year-old native of San Jose, California. Joel is a 1997 graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies... more

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"They got the name of the group right on this one (The Greasy Beats) - - because the music here is greasy and gritty — partly deep funk, and partly older soul-styled grooves! The overall groove is rich and full — almost with Memphis soul touches at times, but cut down with the leanness of the modern deep funk generation." - DustyGroove.com

"JB and the Rebellion is an alumni reunion of jazz-funk's perennial players. Organized by tenor saxophonist Joel Bowers, the disc boasts spots from scene heavyweights like organist Robert Walter, bassist Chris Stillwell, percussionist Chuck Prada and DJ Mister Rourke, among others. Recruiting a rock solid backing of Hammond organist Keith Ladinsky, guitarist Rodney "B.R." Millon and drummer Aaron Redfield, Bowers also lays a firm foundation for his album before layering the disc with talented friends and neighbors. Staples in some of the groove community's strongest live acts, Bowers' recruits have helped set jazz-funk within its current schooled-yet-slinky, context." -Jambands.com

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Primary Instrument

Saxophone

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

Joel enjoys sharing his love of music and the craft of jazz with aspiring musicians, both recreational and professional. He currently directs the Instrumental Music department at St. Bernard High School in Playa Del Rey, CA and has previously taught at Crossroads Elementary School and New Roads High School in Santa Monica. Joel has also been a frequent clinician at the Stanford Jazz Workshop in Stanford, CA.

To learn more about Joel's credentials as a musician please visit joelbowers.com

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