Mike Noonan
Vibraphonist and trombonist Mike Noonan hails from Silver Spring, Maryland. He holds degrees in jazz studies and composition from Berklee School of Music (B.Mus.) in Boston and the University of North Texas (M.M.). His spectacular four-mallet vibes technique along with his traditional slide trombone makes Noonan one of the most interesting doublers you are liable to hear. His writing is inspired by the great American song composers such as Cole Porter and George Gershwin, although classical 12-tone techniques, hip hop, and dixieland might find their way into many of his compositions. Mr. Noonan, an Innovative Percussion Mallets artist, has shared the stage with jazz greats Gary Peacock, Sam Rivers, Buster Williams, and Bob Moses.
John Pineda
John Pineda has been a professional bassist since his high school days in LaMarque, Texas. After studying at San Jacinto College in Houston, and the University of North Texas, he moved north-east to the jazz mecca of Boston. His solid, in-the-pocket style of playing gained him a far-reaching reputation. Within two years he recorded three C.D.'s, including one with legendary drummer Joe Hunt. Influenced by virtuosi Charlie Haden, Scott LaFaro and Dave Holland, Mr. Pineda was a welcome addition to the Unified Jazz Ensemble in 1994. His sensitivity combined with a distinctive earthy groove make him a sought-after player wherever he goes. Recording artists Eddie Daniels and Steve Davis are among the many who have enlisted his talents in the past.
Mike Pavone
Guitarist Michael Pavone, a Connecticut native, has been performing as a professional musician for over 25 years. Educated at Berklee College of music in the early 1980's, he went on to develop his career on the East coast and built a reputation for being a soulful, inventive, and exciting interpreter of all types of music. "Michael plays with the authority and honesty only 20 journeyman years can give you" (Bill Shoemaker,"Jazz Times"). Greatly influenced by his father, bassist/composer Mario Pavone, Mr. Pavone developed a compositional style all his own fusing mainstream jazz with the more angular flavor of the avant-garde. Pavone has shared the stage with the likes of Dewey Redman, Bobby McFerin and many more.
Dominic Smith
Maryland raised drummer Dominic Smith has been a fixture on the local jazz scene for the past 15 years. His hard swinging style, use of dynamics and rhythmic subtleties have been used by many jazz notables such as Eric Alexander, Harold Mabern, James Williams, and Phil Woods to name a few. He's also recorded with dozens of fine local musicians. Dominic has a Bachelor of Science in Jazz Perfomance from Towson University and has studied privately in New york City with Kenny Washington, Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Ralph Peterson, Frank Malabe, Duduka Da Fonseca, Mike Clark, and Kim Plainfield. His local guru was the late great drum genius Mike Smith.
