Craig Yaremko

Up and coming saxophonist Craig Yaremko is one of the most exciting and versatile young artists on the New York jazz scene. A dynamic performer on all saxophones, flutes and clarinets, Craig's diverse musical tastes have led to performances with world-class jazz, classical, rock and pop artists. Through this he has developed a distinctive approach as both a composer and performer. His latest recording, Sync (Jazz Excursion), catches a forward-thinking artist in prime form.A native of Clifton, NJ, Craig received his B.F.A. in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance from the New School University in New York City in 2001. While at the New School, Craig studied with renowned saxophonist, and doubler Ken Hitchcock (who passed on the teachings of the great Joe Allard), as well as jazz greats Jane Ira Bloom, Richard Boukas, Joanne Brackeen, Joe Chambers, Eddie Gomez, Barry Harris, Junior Mance, Cecil McBee, Ron McClure, Charles Tolliver, and Reggie Workman.Since then Craig has been in constant demand. He has performed along side jazz artists Helio Alves, Tim Armacost, Don Braden, Paulo Braga, Randy Brecker, Candido, Kermit Driscoll, Paquito D'Rivera, John Riley, Joe Magnarelli, Paul Meyers, Bob Mintzer, Dave Samuels, Bobby Sanabria, Byron Stripling, Dave Valentin, and Ray Vega. He has worked with some of the New York area's finest big bands, including Diane Moser's Composer's Big Band, the Cecil's Big Band, the BMI Composer's Workshop (with Jim McNeely and Michael Abene), as well as the bands of Joe Elefante, Russ Speigel and Bill Warfield. As a soloist, Craig has worked with some of the finest players of his generation, including Freddie Hendrix, Julius Tolentino, Sam Barsh, Josh Dion, and Marshall Gilkes, and has recorded two albums with the Nathan Eklund Group (The Crooked Line (2007) and The View From Afar (2006)).A truly eclectic musician, Craig has also performed with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, New York City Symphony, and numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway pits orchestras. He has backed-up such artists as Lou Christie, the DuPrees, Linda Eder, Michael Feinstein, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Bobby Rydell, Paul Sorvino, Toni Tennille, and Frankie Valli.Yaremko has led is own groups since 2001. With performances at clubs like the Zinc Bar, Trumpets, Cornelia Street Cafe, Kavehaz, and the Greenwich Village Bistro, Craig has built a strong following throughout the New York area. The June 2007 release of Sync will mark his third recording as a leader (Persistence (2004) and Brasil (2001)). A highly interactive, “chordless” quartet outing, the album features Nathan Eklund on trumpet, Bill Moring on bass, and Steve Johns on drums. Exploring compositions by Monk, Jobim, Lennon and McCartney, and Irving Berlin, as well as originals, the album finds Yaremko developing his “highly distinctive and personal approach”, both as a composer and multi-instrumentalist.A firm believer sustaining the art form and giving back to the next generation, Craig is also a dedicated educator. He currently maitains a private woodwind studio and is on the faculty of the Encore Music Studio in Ridgewood, NJ. He is the saxophone section instructor at Ridgewood HS and West Orange HS, and has given clinics throughout the area on jazz improvisation and woodwind performance.