This youthful sextet includes Kirsten Edkins on saxophone, Clay Jenkins on trumpet, Steve Cotter on guitar, Dave Hamm on organ, Ben Shepherd on bass, and Ana Barreiro on drums.
Saxophonist Kirsten Edkins performs on NBC’s “The Voice”, with actor and vocalist Seth McFarland, and with jazz great Bill Holman. Kirsten’s alto sax playing is inspired by Cannonball Adderley, Charlie Parker, and Kenny Garrett. Her tenor sax playing is inspired by John Coltrane, Rich Perry, Joe Henderson, and Eddie Harris. Edkins is a graduate of Eastman School of Music where she studied with saxophonist Walt Weiskopf, and saxophone educator Ray Ricker. She has also studied with saxophonist Bob Sheppard. Kirsten has played with jazz greats Tim Hagans, Gary Smulyan, Joe Labarbera, John Daversa, Clay Jenkins, Larry Koonse, Bill Cunliffe, Bernie Dresel, Wayne Bergeron, and Pete Christlieb. Edkins has performed on American Idol, and played with Pharrel Williams, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, Catherine McPhee, Adam Levine, Carrie Underwood, John Legend, Natalie Cole, and many others. Edkins has recently recorded her first album entitled “Art and Soul” featuring her original compositions with the groovy influences of guitarist John Scofield, and saxophonist Joe Lovano, and straight ahead jazz tunes. The recording was rated among the top 15 jazz albums, and received media praise from Down Beat and Jazziz Magazines, Japanese Jazz Life Magazine, and AllAboutJazz.com. Kirsten maintains a private studio and teaches at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, and Occidental College in Eagle Rock. Kirsten plays with strength, versatility, technical prowess, swing, and a robust style deeply rooted in jazz. Kirsten’s vigor and poise comes out in her touch and tone that is both delightful and charming. Edkins can stretch out in an engaging and exuberant way with a sound all her own.
Trumpeter Clay Jenkins has toured and recorded with the Stan Kenton, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Harry James, Jim Widner, and Clayton-Hamilton Big Bands, and played with over 50 jazz greats. Clay has made 12 recordings as a leader/co-leader. Jenkins received his Bachelor Degree from North Texas State University, and a Masters Degree from USC. Clay studied with top trumpet teachers including John Haynie, James Stamp, Boyde Hood, and Uan Rasey. Jenkins has taught at USC, Cal State Northridge, California Institute of the Arts, Colburn School of Performing Arts, The Foundation for the Junior Blind, and has taught on the faculty of the Eastman School of Music since the year 2000.
LA guitarist, performer, and educator Steve Cotter received his Bachelor and Masters Degrees from North Texas State University, where he also played in the One ‘o’ Clock Jazz Lab Band, and obtained a graduate teaching fellowship while working on his Masters. Steve currently teaches at Citrus College, Pasadena City College, and Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Cotter has recorded and toured with Steve Tyrell, Bobby Caldwell, Joey DeFrancesco, and recorded and performed with Jimmy Smith, Jimmy Cobb, Bette Midler, Lou Soloff, Benny Maupin, John Pisano, Bill Perkins, Dale Fielder, Jane Getz, Bob Maize, Ernie Watts, and Ramon Banda.
Organist Dave Hamm is a versatile LA keyboardist who has appeared on 40 recordings, has toured and performed with a dozen different groups, and over three dozen diverse music artists playing pop, rock, jazz, hip hop, and country. Hamm began playing the piano at the age of four, and studied at Citrus College and Cal State Bakersfield. Dave has twice received an award as a member of the best jazz combo, and the top pianist at the Pacific Coast Collegiate Jazz Festival at UC Berkeley.
Bassist Ben Shepherd from New Zealand has played the bass since he was seven years old. Ben studied at the California Institute of Arts with jazz bass greats Charlie Haden, Alphonso Johnson, and Darek Oles. Shepherd has played with David Archuleta, Lee Ritenour, Mike Keneally, Mike Stern, Billy Childs, Patrice Rushen, Bob Sheppard, John Beasley, and the Monk Orchestra, and many others.
Drummer and percussionist Ana Barreiro from Brazil plays pop, gospel, funk, jazz, Latin, and Brazilian music. Ana received a performance degree from Berklee College of Music as a scholarship recipient. Barreiro has studied for her Masters Degree and worked as a teachers assistant in jazz studies at USC under jazz drummer great Peter Erskine. Ana has played with Grammy Nominated pianist Otmario Ruiz, the Gypsy Jazz Band, the Vignes Rooftop Revival, Skip Spiros OPC J/B Project, singers Catina Deluna, Lisa Casalino, Molly Kruse, organist Casey Frank, the Lado B Brazilian Project, Evan Zee, Roberto Montero, and others.
Saturday January 14th at 7:00pm at Pete Carlson’s the world-class Kirsten Edkins Sextet will perform tasty, swinging, contemporary jazz. Don’t miss it!!!
