Eric Reed – piano
Chris Lewis – saxophone
Mike Gurrola – bass
Anthony Fung – drums
Pianist Eric Reed is a composer, producer, educator who has performed with many jazz giants that include Benny Carter, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Buster Williams, and Wynton Marsalis. Eric has played on 35 jazz recordings, 27 as a leader, and 4 dedicated to the music of Thelonious Monk. Reed’s earliest days were listening and playing music in church. His first introduction to jazz was listening to the music of Horace Silver, Art Blakey, and Dave Brubeck. Eric received guidance from saxophonist, educator, and arranger Harold Battiste, Jr., and in his early career worked with Teddy Edwards, Buddy Collette, Gerald Wilson, The Clayton Brothers, Clora Bryant, Clark Terry, Dianne Reeves, Elvin Jones, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Robert Stewart. Irvin Mayfield, Cassandra Wilson and as a curator and producer for artists in a series called the Jazz Composers Portraits for the Manhattan’s Miller Theater. Reed has directed vocalists Paula West and Mary Stallings, and taught at the Julliard School, The New School, and The Manhattan School of Music. Eric directed the musical “Crowns”, played with The L. A. Gospel Messengers, and served as church minister of music. Reed continues to help young musicians manifest their innermost self through music. Reed composed and scored the music for the comedy film, ‘Life”, Featuring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence.
Saxophonist Chris Lewis is a student in the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Program at the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA. Chris has studied with Dick Oatts, Terrell Stafford, Tim Warfield, and Ben Schachter and graduated from Temple University where he has recorded with the school’s jazz ensemble and studio orchestra. Lewis has performed at world jazz festivals, and performed and recorded with Eric Reed, Delfeayo Marsalis, Rodney Green, Jeremy Pelt and others.
Bassist Mike Gurrola, influenced by Ray Brown, was mentored by bassist John Clayton. Mike has played with Eric Reed, Jeff Hamilton, Benny Green, Ralph Moore, Willie Jones 111, and Roy McCurdy. Gurrola plays with maturity, musicianship and experience beyond his years. Mike’s bass knowledge brings strength and humility in his playing, and he swings with a groove and wealth of creative ideas. Gurrola has appeared on 5 recordings, and played with many jazz greats.
Drummer Anthony Fung is a composer, producer, and bandleader, and graduate of The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. Anthony has performed with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Chris Potter, Billy Childs, and others. Fung also graduated from The Berklee School under the tutelage of pianist Danilo Perez.
Anthony has performed at world jazz festivals with numerous jazz musicians, co-leads the band “JabFung”, tours with the David Binney Quartet, and recorded 2 CD’s as a leader
