Sylvain Guitar&Vocals
The music of Sylvain is fresh and attractive. But, it is also familiar. This is because the compositions, all original, draw from many diverse styles. This is kind of “world music”, all tied together by lyrically crafted melodies, choice harmonies and Sylvain’s French vocals – vocals which can be wistful (N’fais pas d’bétises), to positively gritty (NOLA). He has been a jazz guitarist and a composer for TV for over 25 years for national and international TV ads, TV series and put together this solid quartet featuring his skillful guitar playing and an in-the-pocket rhythm section of acoustic bass and hand percussion. All in all, masterful, soulful and very satisfying music
Rob Allgeyer B3 Organ, Piano, Accordion
Rob Allgeyer comes from a long line of professional musicians. At age 6, he started his musical journey first as an organist, then drummer, then pianist. Trained at the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music (CCM), Rob was part of the Jazz Ensemble and top Jazz Combo, as well as the featured pianist in many student recitals and on several CDs.
For the past twenty years, Rob has performed extensively as a sideman and leading his own trio and quartet. He has performed with the late David “Fathead” Newman, Nashville-based jazz vocalist Annie Sellick, saxophonist/composer Gordon Brisker, Brazilian guitarist Bruno Mangueira, as well as many of the top musicians in the Greater Cincinnati region.
Rob is currently leading his own trio at Eddie Merlot’s restaurant in Cincinnati, as well as playing with the Ron Jones Quartet of Louisville. Rob also performed with Jones when he served as artist-in-residence at Purdue University in 2010.
His newest project is working with this French-born guitarist/singer-songwriter Sylvain.
Nick Fryer Bass
Though Nick plays bass in this group, he is a guitarist, composer, and educator. Nick has performed throughout the United States, Canada, and South America with appearances at jazz festivals that include the JVC Jazz Festival NYC, Iowa City Jazz Festival, and Jazz in Peru International Jazz Festival. Nick has had the great privilege to share the stage with many jazz greats includingPeter Erskine, Anthony Cox, Mike Clark, Red Holloway, Dennis Mackrel, Rufus Reid, Billy Hart, David Bixler, Bob Mintzer, Pete McCann, and George and Ed Schuller.
Nick received a B.M. in Jazz Performance from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and a M.M. in Jazz Performance/Pedagogy from Northern Illinois University. Studies also include New York University and the School for Improvised Music in New York City. Nick has studied privately with Steve Cardenas, Brad Shepik, Pete McCann, Bruce Arnold, Fareed Haque, and Tony Moreno.
Nick has over fifteen years of teaching experience and is currently the Associate Director of the Brubeck Institute in Stockton, CA. Prior to working at the Brubeck Institute, Nick Fryer was an Associate Professor of Music at Minnesota State University Moorhead where he coordinated the guitar program and directed jazz combos, taught jazz history, and directed the jazz guitar ensemble. Nick also previously taught at Harold Washington College and the Chicago Academy for the Arts in Chicago, IL. A D’Addario Performing Artist, Nick Fryer also performs and presents clinics on guitar and jazz to colleges and high schools throughout the United States.
The music of Sylvain is fresh and attractive. But, it is also familiar. This is because the compositions, all original, draw from many diverse styles. This is kind of “world music”, all tied together by lyrically crafted melodies, choice harmonies and Sylvain’s French vocals – vocals which can be wistful (N’fais pas d’bétises), to positively gritty (NOLA). He has been a jazz guitarist and a composer for TV for over 25 years for national and international TV ads, TV series and put together this solid quartet featuring his skillful guitar playing and an in-the-pocket rhythm section of acoustic bass and hand percussion. All in all, masterful, soulful and very satisfying music.
John Zappa Drums
John Zappa is a performer and educator. At Northern Kentucky University, he teaches trumpet, Jazz Theory, Arranging, Jazz History, Composition, Improvisation and Jazz Appreciation as well as coaching a variety of ensembles. As an educator, Zappa has written a text book for Jazz Appreciation and developed Jazz Theory and Arranging courses to fit the needs of the students at NKU. He also developed a course called Composition For Commercial Media which blends composition with technology. Many of Zappa’s former students have gone on to successful performing careers and some as successful music educators. His trumpet students range from serious jazz players to lead/commercial players and classical players looking for better technique.
He also maintains a performing schedule and has appeared throughout the United States, Asia and Europe. Zappa’s professional credits as a trumpeter run the gambit of musical styles and ensembles. While primarily a jazz trumpeter appearing regularly with several big bands and jazz combos, he also plays with salsa bands, concert orchestras, pit orchestras, and show bands. John is also an accomplished studio musician recording music for theme parks and T.V. commercials as well recording for various album projects which have included the Grammy nominated “When Bullfrogs Croak” by Zach Morgan and “We Want the Funk” by Bootsy Collins for the movie “Undercover Brother.”
Zappa has recorded his own music on albums including “Not Too Slow, Not Too Fast” and “Moon and Shadow” with famed and legendary Cuban drummer, Ignacio Berroa. Another album called “Now Hear This” is also the name of his band that features his original compositions and arrangements that explore world beat rhythms in a contemporary jazz setting. John has worked consistently as a band leader fronting dance bands of different sorts as well as jazz groups for 22+ years. One such group featured the drummer of Woody Herman and Stan Kenton fame John Von Ohlen.
John has performed a variety of concerts with headliners including Don Rickles, Eddie Money, Wayne Newton, Leslie Gore, The Temptations, The O’Jay’s and Frankie Vallie, in addition to jazz concerts with well-known artists including Joe Henderson, Clark Terry, Ignacio Berroa, Jimmy Heath, Lew Soloff, Terell Stafford and Jeff Coffin.