This is a band made by students and performers who love jazz. Always open to new material and old favorites, the Jazz Experience is looking to make a name and revitalize the jazz music scene in New York City and Long Island.
Kunal Singh has been playing the sax since 1993, stopped in '98 only to be found by Professor Tom Zlabinger in February of 2006 and was then commanded to play jazz!!!! Nothing has stopped him since. Another member of the YCJW and featured artist in many trios and other acts, he has been doing the circuit for over 10 years. Influences range from classical to jazz to even progressive metal. Kunal has gone international with former bands and artists. Always looking to have a great time, he personally invites you to come down and hang.
Jennifer Bellisario has been an active member in the York College Jazz Workshop, along with the York College Blue Notes. She is currently performing with many artists in Queens College and City College. A student of the worldly praised Alison Deane, her influences include Rachmaninov, JS Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, Monk, Mingus, Ellington, Mark Adams, and more. Bringing her determination and strong work ethic to the group, the Jazz Experience benefits every time she plays.
Gabriel Bonanno started as a singer in a rock band. After detours into metal, hindustani and folk musics, he finally arrived as a jazz musician in 2005. His Influences include teachers John Valeri and Tom Zlabinger, as well as Wes Montgomory, Miles Davis and Kenny Burell. He is currently a music student at City College, class of 2010...
Rick Furel is a working DJ on the NYC and LI scene. His heart lay in his playing on any kit he sits on. Always creative and simply a treat to play with, Rick brings a fantastic alternative to the standards we play. Rick has toured with many acts from R&B and hip hop including A Tribe Called Quest. His proficiency in Pro Audio and great stage presence makes him all the better fit for this band. Never miss a chance to hear Mr. Furel perform!
Tony Jimenez is our man behind the kit. He's easily the warrior of the group. Tony has a rich history of jazz performances and knowledge of the scene. Tony has brought the joy of playing even further out every time he plays; not only with us, but with anyone who is lucky enough to have him lend his talent. A wise man with a sense of humor, Tony will have your jaw dropped and then have you rolling on the floor afterward. It's a promise!
Bruce Mathews is the latest addition to the Jazz Experience lineup of regular players. Bruce is a teacher at the Malverne School of Music, music director at his church of 9 years, and has recorded his "Cooking with Jazz" CD just to name a few things about the man. He is currently playing the electric bass with KS & JE and giving some new flavors to some classic tunes. Watch out for this one, he's one of those functional keyboardist guys too. Go figure...
Hiroyuki Matsuura is the new man behind the madness on percussion. His talent with the Jazz Experience is featured every Friday night at Don Pedro's as his authentic Latin Jazz flavor combines with Rock and Swing influences to make an unforgettable and unique mix of wonderful stylings. Matsu is a regular in the New York and Philly scene and is a player to be witnessed.
Tony Oblaney is the man at the bass for the Friday Night Latin Jazz at Don Pedro's with the Jazz Experience. His dedication and professionalism are second only to his ability to play! Tony has been a regular in the jazz world of NYC. Enjoying a Summer regular as part of Jamaica Alliance's Summer Concert Series, he is also performing regularly on any given night. A true worker, Tony has made himself a valuable member of this growing lineup!
Gerald Matthew Thomas is a great bassist, who walks lines like fire! He is currently teaching at the Bergen Academy of Music and Arts. He has a BFA from C.C.N.Y. on jazz saxophone. He is an alumni of the YCJW, and is also has his own bands, GMT_EXPRESS, Latin Garage Band (Rhumba style), and his own gigging band. His playing also reaches many other instruments and is a killer all around player. When you come down, you'll see.
Yoichi Uzeki is the pianist featured for Don Pedro's Friday night Latin jazz. Yoichi finished his Masters of Performance at Queens College, and is now faculty at York College. Yoichi is easily one the finest piano players in both the NYC and Philadelphia circuits. His style is not only amazing, but educational!
Sean N. White is currently also a featured artist in many jazz programs throughout New York City. Sean has been performing for the better part of 2 decades and shows no signs of stopping His influences are Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, Dizzy, and John Coltrane, just to name a few. Sean is the player that makes every member in the band sound better each time. His sound is unique and unforgettable.
Paul Wilson is also a key player in the YCBN and YCJW, as well as other jazz ensembles in NYC. He has a clever style all his own, and has been under the study of Yoichi Uzeki, as well as other world famous pianists. Paul has a classical background of appreciation of such great names as Chopin, Bach, Mozart, Zlabinger, and others. Currently still in high school, Paul has already made a name for himself, and continues to fortify his place as a standout jazz pianist.
The Jazz Experience also has a great pleasure in often featuring many talented regulars weekly. Many thanks to everyone who supports!!!! Follow the example; come down and play!
Cinque Kemp has also been a strong asset to the YCJW and YCBN. Always performing throughout the NYC circuit, Cinque brings a wonderful blend of passion and power to any set he sits in on. Listening to everything from Max Roach to Mastadon, Cinque can use his influences to make any standard seem brand new. A technical wizard, he makes it seem effortless as he makes you say "Hot Damn!". We look forward to having Cinque on drums, innovating and bringing out the best.
Greg Guillaume has a classical background in his training and is also a music teacher. Greg plays in the YCJW and also does several shows per season with us. Greg has an appreciation for jazz in the worlds of Monk, Mingus, and Ellington, and more. His classical influences include Chopin, Beethoven, and Bach.
Larry Salzano was there in the beginning. Larry has been an avid supporter of the group and has played upright with us on several occassions. Larry has heavy influence in the Rockabilly scene and is influenced by The Ramones, Metallica, Rancid, The Misfits, and Gears of War. He is always a welcome player and well received performer in any gig he plays on. His unique style of slap and upright monster playing will bring life to any song, and will put things where they belong.
Fred Trumpy is a student of the Aaron Copland School of Music in Queens College, and man he can hit it! Fred is a welcome addition to any set with his fantastic pocket and excellent attitude. Fred is a refreshing drummer to listen to, as he lets his playing do the talking. Little known drummer fact: Drummers can read music, he proved it!
Jeanette Velsmid is a bassist that hails from Nassau county and has been a welcome player in the group. Jeanette had played bass and laid down great lines for us to play over for many shows. A former member, and always a welcome addition, Jeanette has classical influences as well as jazz influences. Also, she is into bands like Dave Matthews Band and Dream Theater. Jeanette is a great player and you should check her out whenever you can.
