Capital District Jazz is excited to announce the next event in its monthly concert series, Jazz at the Spring: Co-leaders saxophonist Adam Siegel, one of the Capital Region’s brightest young players, and pianist Galen Pittman with their quartet explore the music of Lennie Tristano. Tristano was one of the most enigmatic figures in jazz, who’s work in the late ‘40s and early 50’s was a prescient bridging of bebop to the free jazz that was to come later. His most notable students include saxophonists Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh, two figures largely credited with starting the “cool jazz” movement. The Siegel-Pittman Quartet brings the perspective of 21 century urgency to compositions that were strikingly forward thinking over half a century ago. This group exemplifies one of the remarkable features of jazz, that mining the compositions of its past can be the vehicle for the music’s forward evolution, and it is young musicians like these who keep the music fresh and relevant. Siegel and Pittman are joined by Stephanie Lozina on bass, and Matt Neidbalski on drum set.
 Adam Siegel is an alto saxophonist with over a decade of experience as a jazz improviser. Siegel has a distinctive voice on the instrument and a passion for storytelling. His virtuosity, while often dazzling, always serves the music that’s at once intellectually stimulating and soulful. His explorations of the works of other composers, such as, Lennie Tristano reveal a maturity beyond his years and, the persistence of a true seeker, as he strives to incorporate his own story and experiences with the work of Tristano. Siegel graduated from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, where he was instructed by tenor saxophonists Ben Schachter and Chris Farr. Adam has shared the stage with such greats as Dick Oatts, Jon Gordon, Joe Magnarelli, Grant Stewart, Tani Tabbal, Michael Bisio, Joe McPhee and Pete Seeger. In addition to co-leading the Adam Siegel - Galen Pittman Quartet, Adam is currently a member of the Tani Tabbal Trio, the Walter Donnaruma Group, and the Dylan Perrillo Orchestra.
Galen Pittman has been a performing pianist for fourteen years. Musician, painter and piano tuner Pittman has synthesized his love of art, music and sound into his jazz performance. He is eloquent describing his interest in piano tuning, “…to make something-- it's sound verging on ugliness--sound beautiful to the ear it's as much an art as music as painting.” He has incorporated that passion into the music he interprets: Jazz standards from the Great American song book as well as the compositions of Charlie Parker, Lennie Tristano, and Thelonious Monk. Pittman has played with Skip Scott, Don Messina, Doug Weiss, Nick Lyons, Will Juhn, Adam Caine, and Rich Syracuse. The Galen Pittman Quartet has opened for legendary saxman, Dave Liebman at the Falcon.
Stephanie Lozina began playing the double bass at a young age, taking lessons with master bassist, Cameron Brown. In 2016 she graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelors of Arts in both Music and Chemistry. During her time at Cornell she became a member and driving force in the student jazz organization CU Jazz, taking on the role of club President her senior year. After graduating from Cornell, Lozina has returned to the Hudson Valley where she has been making a name for herself in the local jazz scene.
Drummer, Matthew Niedbalski, began taking lessons from drummer and author Ted Mackenize, at the age of 8. By age 13 he was performing with professional musicians in the Capital region. Matt participated in the Empire State Youth Orchestra jazz ensemble and in 2011 attended the Skidmore Summer Jazz Institute, where he studied with renowned drummers Matt Wilson and Dennis Mackrel. In 2012 Matt began the William Paterson jazz studies program, under the direction of Mulgrew Miller. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Performance in 2016. While at William Paterson, he studied with Bill Goodwin, Kevin Norton and Steve LaSpina and participated in ensembles directed by Mulgrew Miller, Bill Charlap, and Christian McBride. Niedbalski has performed at the Lake George Jazz Festival, the Final Stretch Music Festival, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, Joe’s Pub, and the Harlem Tavern.
Jazz at the Spring is held the last Thursday of each month at the Spring Street Gallery, Saratoga Springs, and is sponsored by Capital District Jazz, Ltd. (CDJ) a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization formed by practitioners and fans who love jazz music. American in origin, jazz reaches and draws from millions of performers and listeners around the globe who are inspired by its rich history, excited by its technical complexity, and moved by its emotional depth. The members of CDJ want to share their love of jazz with current and potential performers and enthusiasts throughout the "Capital District". CDJ's mission is to build and serve a wider audience for jazz through education; to create performance opportunities for jazz musicians; and to develop venues for these pursuits. CDJ supports All Ears: Jazz and Improvised Music Workshop, which is a fun hands-on way for students of all ages to learn about jazz.
CDJ is offering a number of free tickets for youth age 17 and under. If you are interested in obtaining a free ticket please inquire via email info@cdjazz.org.
Tickets are available in advance at: brown paper tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3101252 |
