Edge City Collective
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Guitar-Based Improvisational Pieces Kick-Off Trilogy
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Founded by guitarist Scott Schaffer, the Edge City Collective is a confederation of musicians committed to creating improvisational music in recorded form -- an outlet for musical creativity in an age that rewards conformity and familiarity. Their first CD, Guitarrasalto, offers fifteen original compositions with heavy improvisational content, built on the theory that good music must take risks and please both the mind and the soul. One or more guitars are central to each piece on the recording, as Schaffer and guitarist Jon Madof weave spontaneous lines and melodies (sometimes with heavy delay or other effects) among bass, accordion or other sparse accompaniment. What is remarkable is that on most tracks you may be hearing the first and only performance of a piece -- truly the act of creation is captured for the listener's enjoyment. If this approach strikes a nerve, be sure to check out Guitarrasalto and give the Collective a critical listen.
Formed in 1999, the Collective includes musicians and composers from various disciplines, including jazz, classical, experimental and world music - people committed to developing new musical ideas through collaboration. Guitarist Jon Madof's credits include the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the widely praised Taylor Madof Group, Baby Head and an array of clubs and festivals in the Phiadelphia-New York axis. Guitarist Scott Schaffer plays eight instruments and has recorded and published over 50 original compositions, and has performed with multi-genre bands in Boston, Pittsburgh, Woodstock and Philadelphia.
The Edge City Collective originally planned a series of three recordings (the "Edge City Trilogy"), each with a different theme, following a process of evolution. The second recording, which will include several additional musicians, is in production now and is about one-third complete.
Contact Information
EdgeCityMusic.com
129 Upland Terrace
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
United States
E-mail:
Edge City Collective
Web site:
www.edgecitymusic.com
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Chaz DePaolo
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High Energy, Blues/Rock Guitar
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Chaz DePaolo is a guitarist, composer, arranger and producer exhibiting his talents on his debut album, Eclectic Impressions. Displaying a variety of musical styles, DePaolo's high energy, yet sensitive blues/rock guitar keeps this set cohesive. Dominated by instrumental compositions (save the cover of "Sunshine Of Your Love", which features vocalist Rhonda Bennett), the CD finds DePaolo setting up rhythmic grooves, and letting his emotional lead work 'sing' the song and relay the emotion of the pieces. In addition, DePaolo is not above ripping out a wicked solo when the situaiton calls for it. From the up-tempo opener "Elephant Groove" to the contemporary jazz track "Fusion 55", Eclectic Impressions has something for everyone.
A listen to AC/DC's "Back In Black" was all it took to convince Chaz that the guitar would be his instrument of choice. Starting on acoustic guitar, he later took lesssons in rock guitar, then received classical training in college. Chaz gradually returned to rock and roll, played the big hair circuit in the '80s, then decided to focus on blues-based rock, influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Buddy Guy. During the last few years, he has been entranced by the music of John Coltrane.
DePaolo plans to touch as many people as possible with his music and emotionally affect them in as many ways as possible. He is finishing up a live album and will be releasing his third album in May, 2001. DePaolo will be performing at the 2000 Montreal Jazz Festival in July and will be performing several shows in Ireland in August, 2000.
Contact Information
Chaz DePaolo
261 Franklin Ave., Suite #8
Nutley, NJ 07110
United States
E-mail:
Chaz DePaolo
Web site:
www.stellarregion.com
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