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Pete Siers

Pete Siers was born in Saginaw, Michigan, in 1961.He began studying piano at age 6.After hearing the Army Big Band at an early age, Pete moved his focus from piano to drums and percussion.

Pete earned a degree in Music Education from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he studied under the direction of Dr. Bruce Early and Rupert Kettle. As a member of the Aquinas College Jazz Ensemble, Pete was honored with several awards for outstanding soloist and outstanding rhythm section player.

In 1984, Siers joined the John Shea Trio; a piano trio with a legacy of steady work and great players. In 1988, Pete moved to Ann Arbor to work with acclaimed pianist Eddie Russ. Pete's affiliation with Russ paved the way to performances and recordings with many of the great Detroit area jazz musicians. During this period, Pete developed his style by studying privately with Adam Nussbaum, Jeff Hamilton, Tom Rainey and Kenny Werner.

Pete is an original member of the award winning Paul Keller Orchestra (PKO)which plays original, obscure and classic big band material from all periods of jazz history. Pete also performs and has recorded with Bess Bonnier, Mr. B, guitarist Ray Kamalay and his Red Hot Peppers, The Easy Street Jazz Band, The Motor City Classic Jazz Band with Marcus Belgrave, The Ron Brooks Trio, The Tad Weed Freedom Ensemble, The Ellen Rowe Quartet and James Dapogny & his Chicago Jazz Band.

In 1993, Siers recorded Black Butterfly on Columbia Records with guitarist Russell Malone. With Russell, Pete has played major Jazz Festivals including the JVC, Newport, Sunfest, Playboy Festival, The North Sea Jazz Fest in Holland, and the Istanbul Festival in Turkey. In 2005 Siers performed on The Jazz Cruise with pianist Johnny O'Neal and bassist Rodney Whitaker.

Pete has performed with Lee Konitz, Sonny Fortune, Frank Morgan, Warren Vache, Jay McShann, Frank Foster, Mose Allison, Eddie Daniels, Mulgrew Miller, James Moody, Barry Harris, Doc Cheatham, Sir Roland Hanna, Marian McPartland, Benny Golson, David "Fathead" Newman, Randy Johnston, Kristen Korb, Kenny Werner, Maria Muldaur, Sir Roland Hanna and others.

Siers' own projects include: Los Gatos, a Latin jazz quintet featuring the music of Cal Tjader.Los Gatos released their first CD, Cats Got Your Tongue in 2001; The Pete Siers Quartet explores creative improvisation; and The Pete Siers Trio. The Trio released recording Those Who Choose to Swing in 1999.

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