Voted the “People’s Choice” in the 2010 Jazzmobile Vocal Competition, Native New Yorker Cynthia Soriano is a performer that truly captivates her audience. Most recently, Cynthia appeared as an invited guest in the 2013 Pittsburgh Jazz Live International Festival. Locally, she has graced the stages of premier Jazz venues such as Smoke, Smalls, Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club, Lenox Lounge, Zinc Bar and other music rooms in the metropolitan area.
It is no surprise that she is a favorite on the New York Jazz scene. Her rich tone and impeccable phrasing echo with the influences of Carmen McRae, Abbey Lincoln, Shirley Horn and Billie Holiday.
Born in Racine, Wisconsin, Gerald Cannon's initial inspiration was his father Benjamin, a guitarist. At age 12, he began playing bass with his father's group "The Gospel Expressions". Gerald attended the University of Wisconsin where he met jazz legend Milt Hinton, who profoundly influenced his life. At age 28, Gerald came to New York City and immediately began to play professionally there with some of the most prestegious names in jazz such as: Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers, The Cedar Walton Trio, Dexter Gordon. Gerald was also a longtime member of The Roy Hargrove group and toured the world with that band. He also held the bass chair with the legendary Elvin Jones and his group. Gerald has appeared on numerous recordings as leader and sideman, and most recently toured the world with McCoy Tyner.
Originally from Philadelphia, Ben Paterson spent his younger years studying both classical and jazz music. Starting in 2005, Ben was honored to work as pianist for NEA jazz master Von Freeman, performing with him regularly until Von’s passing in August 2012. In addition to regular club dates around town, Ben’s work with Von included performances at the Chicago Jazz Fest, Symphony Center, Millenium Park, The Jazz Showcase, and The Green Mill. Under his own name, Ben has performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival as both a solo pianist and with his Organ Quartet. Other notable performances with his own groups include headline appearances at the Green Mill and Andy’s Jazz Club, as well as multiple shows at the Chicago Cultural Center and Hyde Park Jazz Festival. Since moving to New York in April of 2013, Ben has already performed at premier Jazz venues including Smoke Jazz Club, Zinc Bar, Showmans, and Fat Cat to name a few, working with the likes of Brianna Thomas, Jason Marshall, Milton Suggs, Marianne Solivan, Patience Higgens, Myron Waldon, Adam Rongo, and many others. Other notable collaborations include performances with Red Holloway, Guy King, Eldee Young, Henry Johnson, Corey Wilkes, Dave Specter, Ernest Dawkins, Kimberley Gordon, The Chicago Jazz Orchestra, Sabertooth Organ Quartet, and Isaiah Spencer. Ben has also performed at the 2010 Montreal Jazz Fest, the 2006, 2009, and 2013 Chicago Jazz Fests, the 2007, 2008, and 2011 Chicago Blues Fests, as well as shows in France, China, Switzerland, Mexico, Sweden, and Taiwan. Ben currently has 2 piano discs out, Breathing Space and Blues For Oscar, and is scheduled to release a 3rd on the MAXJAZZ label this fall. Also keep an eye out for his debut Organ cd scheduled for release in Spring of 2014. www.BenPaterson.com
Native New Yorker Charles Goold began playing the drums at the age of 8 years old with just a snare drum, a hi hat cymbal and a pair of brushes playing along to his father’s old jazz records. After studying with the great Leroy Williams, drummer for pianists Thelonious Monk and Barry Harris, Goold went on to start playing professionally with his father Ned Goold, saxophonist and musical director for Harry Connick Jr., at age 14 in one of New York City’s premier jazz clubs, “Smalls”. From here he began to play with different artists around New York City before attending Berklee College of Music in 2009. Since moving back to New York City, Goold has started to make a name for himself amongst his generation for his melodic style, strong sense of groove and ability to swing. He currently plays with his father Ned Goold and with pianist Johnny O’Neal.
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| gerald_cannon_by_michael_kaye.jpg | 2.9 MB |
| ben_paterson.jpg | 1.41 MB |
| charles_goold_by_michael_kaye.jpg | 1.59 MB |
