The Cecilia Coleman Big Band

Cecilia Coleman - Piano

Artistic, talented, dedicated - these are but three of the many attributes that describe pianist, composer and bandleader Cecilia Coleman. A native of Long Beach, CA and resident of New York, Coleman began to play piano at age 5 and at age 15 began to study jazz piano. From 1981-1986 she studied jazz piano with well known vibraphonist and teacher Charlie Shoemake as well as classical studies with Dr. Allan Giles. She is a potent pianist capable of performances that are both exciting and moving. She has developed into an exceptional composer whose distinctive, varied pieces reflect where jazz has been and where it is going.

Coleman has led her own group since 1990 when she formed a trio with bassist Eric Von Essen and drummer Kendall Kay. In 1993 her quintet was formed. In addition to numerous club appearances Coleman has performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Telluride Jazz Festival and the New Mexico Jazz Workshop. With the Quintet, Coleman has gone on to substantial acclaim in the Los Angeles Jazz scene and beyond.

She has five CD's out as a leader: "The Impostor","Higher Standards", "Home", "Young & Foolish" and "Words of Wisdom". She is also on three recordings of The American Jazz Institute headed by Mark Masters which feature Lee Konitz, Billy Harper, Jack Montrose, Ray Drummond, Tim Hagans and Gary Smulyan plus many more.

Jeff Wilfore-Lead Trumpet

After earning a Masters in Jazz Studies from the Eastman School of Music, Jeff decided to do some traveling. 120 countries later, he moved to New York, after playing in almost every musical setting imaginable. Since 2003, Jeff has been one of the most in demand freelance trumpet players in New York City. Some of his many Broadway show credits include Cats, Hairspray, A Chorus Line, Gypsy, Curtains, In The Heights, and The Little Mermaid. After taking his first audition since his college ensemble days, he recently earned a spot in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular orchestra. Jeff has also played on numerous national tours, including West Side Story, and Chicago. Having spent nearly 5 years on the road with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, he has a deep appreciation for big band music. In addition to the Miller band, he has played with both the Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey Orchestras, as well as the Harry James, Woody Herman, Artie Shaw, and Gene Krupa Orchestras. Some of his many Broadway show credits include Cats, Hairspray, A Chorus Line, Gypsy, Curtains, In The Heights, and The Little Mermaid" to this: "Most recently Jeff was a full time member of the Broadway pit orchestra for the critically acclaimed revival of West Side Story.  Some of his other Broadway show credits include subbing at Cats, Hairspray, A Chorus Line, Gypsy, Curtains, In The Heights, The Little Mermaid, La Cage aux Folles, and Spiderman" When not playing on Broadway, Jeff can be found playing in a variety of settings, including jingles, record dates, jazz and big-band hits, and all types of concerts, from Orchestral concerts and Operas, to Rock and R&B gigs.

Stephan Kammerer-Alto Sax

Born and raised in Denmark, saxophonist Stephan Kammerer has made his career in the states. A scholarship to Berklee College of Music brought him to Boston, MA in 1993. After graduating with honors in 1997, he stayed in Boston performing with local bands. In 2001 after moving to New York City he toured with Maynard Ferguson. Stephan has performed with David “Fathead” Newman, John Hendrix, Benny Green, Antonio Sanchez, Lionel Loueke, Ingrid Jensen, Jon Cowherd and others. Recently he toured with the Artie Shaw Orchestra.

Kerry MacKillop-Trumpet

Jazz trumpeter KERRY MacKILLOP is a native of Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating with honors from the New England Conservatory of Music, he spent the next several years touring extensively worldwide as featured soloist with The Artie Shaw Orchestra and The Woody Herman Band. This invaluable experience afforded him the honor of performing with such luminaries as Dizzy Gillespie, Tony Bennett, Buddy DeFranco, Dick Johnson, Billy Eckstine, Rosemary Clooney, Joe Lovano, Frank Sinatra Jr., Helen Forrest, Margaret Whiting, and Helen O'Connell to name just a few. Eventually settling in Manhattan, Kerry maintains an active schedule as a free-lance performer and teacher. In addition to fronting his own groups, he appears frequently with such notables as The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, The John Fedchock New York Big Band, The Howard Williams Orchestra, and The Harry James Band among others. He also currently serves as road manager for the Artie Shaw Orchestra.

Geoff Vidal-Tenor Sax

Since first arriving on the New York scene as a New Orleans transplant in 2006, Geoff's fraternal demeanor and musical boisterousness have been conspicuous traits on the local jazz-scape. Contrasting the tightly-polished conservatorialism that dominates the New York jazz community—a culture that makes it easy to forget the adventurousness that gave rise to this art form—unbridled adventure was clearly something the newcomer has been bountifully endowed with.

Geoff’s professional career took flight at age fifteen with his recruitment into the Stage Door Canteen, a noted Cape Cod big band, and later the prestigious sax studio of Lynn Klock at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Geoff’s collegiate honors included early induction into Grammy winner Jeff Holmes’s UMASS Jazz Ensemble and multiple mentions in the Down Beat Student Music Awards, including “Best Collegiate Soloist.”In New York Geoff’s career has been no less auspicious. After several years touring and performing out of New Orleans, he arrived in NYC to quickly become a tenor-of-choice for a host of notable bandleaders and appear in some of the city’s most prominent clubs.

While Vidal’s sound is easily comparable to the breathy warmth of Coleman Hawkins or Sonny Rollins’s colossal purr, the years leading up to his first headlining release, "She Likes That," have seen the total ripening of Geoff’s unique musical character. At once insatiably unique and deliciously accessible, his unharnessed energy has effloresced into a performance both playful and deliberate, liberated yet totally in control.


Sam Burtis-Trombone

Sam Burtis has been a freelance tenor and bass trombonist, tubist, lower brass player, arranger/composer, music director and educator in New York City since the late 1960s. Among literally thousands of engagements and recordings, he has played with and/or written extensively for such groups as the Tito Puente Orchestra, the Lee Konitz Nonet, the Mambo Legends, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, the Charles Mingus Big Band (as the original music director/arranger of the group) and the Chico O'Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra. His books The American Trombone and Time, Balance and Connections-A Universal Theory Of Brass Relativity have influenced a generation of brass players worldwide. He can be reached at or through his websites, and .

Matt McDonald-Trombone(lead)

Trombonist Matthew McDonald has performed at numerous jazz festivals and conferences, including the Spoleto Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Montreaux Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz Festival, Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and IAJE. Since moving to New York in 2003, he has performed with many different ensembles including the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Wynton Marsalis, The Max Weinberg Big Band, Smoke Big Band, Birdland Big Band, Fat Cat Big Band, and Ken Peplowski’s Kingdom of Swing. In 2007, he was invited to perform with his own quartet in Manizales and Medellin, Colombia as one of the “Promising Artists of the 21st Century.” He received his Bachelor of music at DePaul University in Chicago, his Masters of Music from the Manhattan School of Music, as well as receiving his Artist Diploma from the Juilliard School, studying with Wycliffe Gordon. He maintains a busy schedule as a sideman for many of New York’s finest bands and ensembles.

David Coss-Vocals

Born in Southern California, David discovered his penchant for a tune at the young age of eleven playing acoustic guitar in a youth folk group. His formal introduction to jazz came from his well respected high school jazz teacher, pianist, composer and arranger, Jack Kunz in the suburbs of Seattle. Of those initial introductions, David says “I’ve been very blessed being surrounded by some of the most talented people and this was true of Jack. He was tough, demanding and taught me how to swing. I did listen to all the great Motown, disco and a lot of cool 80’s bands, but found that the rhythm of a swing tune, the sensitive lyrics of a ballad and the colorful harmonies found in jazz really spoke to me.” David’s continued enthusiasm led him to Cornish College of the Arts where he met internationally renowned vocalist Jay Clayton and others who encouraged him to nurture his natural gifts.David has been performing every Sunday for nearly fourteen years and doing the jazz booking for the past eight years  at the Garage Restaurant and Cafe (www.garagejazz.com) which is a busy Village spot that has more scheduled jazz than any club/restaurant in the world!  In that time he has done more than 700 shows in front of over 125,00 people from all over the world. He also works in the tri- state area with his own band that has been together for the past five years.

Frank Basile-Baritone Sax

Frank Basile is quickly becoming one of New York’s busiest and most in-demand baritone saxophonists. Since moving to New York in 2001, Basile has been heard with The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, The Dizzy Gillespie All Star Big Band, The Jimmy Heath Big Band, The Dave Holland Big Band, The Joe Lovano Nonet, Michael Bublé, The Christian McBride Big Band, Pablo Mayor’s Folklore Urbano, The Richie Vitale Quintet, The Chris Byars Octet, The Bob Mintzer Big Band, The Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra, Dennis Mackrell's Manhattan Symphony Jazz Orchestra, and The Jason Lindner Ensemble, among others. 

Born in Illinois in 1978 and raised in Nebraska, Frank Basile began his musical studies in grade school. After four years on clarinet and alto saxophone, he made a permanent switch to the baritone saxophone. Once in high school, Basile’s interest in jazz began to grow and, with the help and encouragement of his parents, he sought out further instruction on the ins and outs of this great music. Basile was soon playing in numerous big bands and combos throughout the Omaha area. His senior year in high school, he won the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra’s first annual Young Artist Competition. 

Basile decided to continue studying music in college, and he enrolled at the University of North Texas. While at UNT, Basile played in the world-renowned One O’clock Lab Band for six consecutive semesters. In the 1999-2000 school year, Basile was named UNT’s Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Jazz Studies. Basile was also a recipient of a Downbeat Student Music Award in 2001 in the Jazz Instrumentalist category.

After graduating with honors and a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from UNT, Basile moved to New York in the summer of 2001 as a selected member of the first Jazz Studies program at the Juilliard School.

When not appearing as a sideman, Basile can be heard with his quintet, which performs regularly throughout the city.

Peter Brainin-Soprano Sax

PETER BRAININ saxophonist and drummer, was born in the Bronx and has distinguished himself over the past 15 years as a member of many important bands, and also as a composer and leader of his own adventurous projects. His work as a sideman includes 10 years with pianist Hilton Ruiz with whom he performed at the Blue Note, Village Gate, and Carnegie Hall, recorded 2 CDs, and appeared at major jazz festivals and concert venues in Europe and the Caribbean. He toured the States and Europe in 1992 with Mongo Santamaria and since 1995 has been a member of the Chico O'Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra.

Stan Killian-Tenor Sax

Based in New York City, tenor saxophonist Stan Killian performs original music drawing inspiration from Wayne Shorter, Woody Shaw, McCoy Tyner, and Joe Henderson. Reviewers have described his playing as “virtuosic,” “muscular,” and “mellifluous.” Peter Westbrook from Jazz Review writes, “Killian is by no means another Coltrane clone. He has a voice of his own with an almost classical sonority at times.” His new quartet features the outstanding Venezuelan pianist/composer Benito Gonzalez, whose fierce energy and free harmonic approach ignites the band’s exclusively original repertoire. Always swinging, bassist Corcoran Holt and drummer Mac Hunter, who both originally hail from Washington, D.C., have an almost telepathic connection that enables the music to take unexpected twists and turns. Killian’s debut album, Unified, features his quartet with special guest stars Roy Hargrove, David Binney, and Jeremy Pelt performing his compositions and is scheduled to be released in fall 2010.

Killian has performed and recorded with major jazz artists such as Scott Colley, Ben Monder, Antonio Sanchez, Jeremy Pelt, David Binney, John Hebert, Eric Revis, Chris Maresh, Mike Moreno, Bruce Saunders, Sheryl Bailey, Hans Glawischnig, Roy Hargrove, Eric Harland, Dan Weiss, Thomas Morgan, Luisito Qunitero, Ernie Watts, Tim Collins, Bill Watrous, the Temptations, the Supremes, and Clyde Adams.

Jeff Brillinger-Drums

                Drummer Jeff Brillinger has toured and recorded with many jazz greats including the Woody Herman Orchestra, Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Horace Silver, Chris Connor, Jackie Cain and Roy Kral, and Jack McDuff, appearing at major clubs and festivals in the U.S.., Europe and Japan. He studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston where he appeared in jazz clubs with Clark Terry, Zoot Simms, Bob Brookmeyer, Mel Torme and Mose Allison  among others.                 Jeff currently lives in New York City where he  is active on the jazz scene, performing and recording with many of the city's best known musicians, including Ken Peplowski, Tom Harrell, Ron McClure, Andy Laverne, Jed Levy, Roger Rosenberg, Hod O’Brien and Joel Wieskopf.

Tim Givens-Bass

Originally from California, bassist Tim Givens moved to New york City in 1988 and has played with Lou Donaldson, Herman Foster, Ray Bryant, Curtis Fuller, Arnie Lawrence, The Vanguard Orchestra, Richie Cole, and Jesse Davis among others. He is featured on recent recordings from New York Electric Piano (Blues in Full Moon), the Cecilia Coleman Quintet(Images), the Cecilia Coleman Trio(Pearl), and Tina May(Sings the Ray Bryant Songbook).

Mike Fahn- Trombone

started on drums, like my dad, and I went to a lot of his jobs, so I heard live music early on. I also played Trumpet and Baritone Horn. In the late 70s, My family moved to L.A. I stayed for 15 years, and went to junior college there, and soon after I met up with, recorded, and/or and played with Jay Anderson, John Patitucci, Charlie Haden, Scott Colley, Andy Simpkins, Frank Strazzeri, Billy Childs, Diana Krall, Terry Trotter, Terry Gibbs, Bob Cooper, Don Menza, Jack Sheldon, Al Hirt, Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard Ferguson, Shorty Rogers, Conte Condoli, Chet Baker, Freddie Hubbard, Louis Bellson, Albert Tootie Heath, Billy Higgins, Dick Berk, Peter Erskine, Peter Donald, Nick Ceroli, David Hocker, Bill Watrous, Bill Reichanbach Larry Koonse, Frank Gambale, and other great musicians who lived there.

In 1987, I received an award in honor of the late drummer, Shelly Manne, called the New Talent Award, given by the L.A. Jazz Society. Others who received the award are Cecelia Coleman, Eric Reed, Scott Colley, Gerald Clayton, and Larry Koonse. I loved playing with the older guys, many of which have passed on.They played so melodically and influenced how I approach soloing. Again, I must thank my dad who listened and played so much great music. Those great musicians will always be an inspiration for me.

Bobby Porcelli-Lead Alto

New York native Bobby Porcelli is one of Latin and Afro-Cuban jazz¥s most accomplished flautists and alto saxophonists. An exciting soloist influenced heavily by Charlie Parker and Sonny Stitt, Porcelli's alto has soared gracefully above the legendary percussive ensembles of Machito (65-66), Mongo Santamaria (87-90), and Tito Puente (66-00). Since the early '80s, Porcelli has toured Europe as a single, playing with local rhythm sections across the continent and performing at many festivals. An original member of T.S. Monks sextet as well as the Monk on Monk Tentet, Porcelli has demonstrated his ability to creatively interpret the idiosyncratic pianists quirky compositions.

“...a longtime Latin jazzman who has worked with Tito Puente and others in that world, yet he can turn around and play first rate unhyphenated jazz.”
Leonard Feather

John Eckert-Trumpet

American trumpet and flugelhorn player, he was member of the American Brass Quintett from 1965 to 1970 . Also Lee Konitz Nonet And Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band

"Swift, boppish trumpet passages ushered in Toshiko’s solo, which continued that groove. Solos by alto saxist Jim Snidero and trumpeter John Eckert set up a tenor conversation between Wess and Tabackin, which climaxed with a stop-time, each man-for-himself duet."

Born in NYC and studied at Eastman School of Music and North Texas State. Played with Stan Kenton Band 1963, Maynard Ferguson 1965-67. Also played with Gerry Mulligan, Benny Goodman, Lee Konitz nonet, Woody Herman, Sam Rivers, Sam Jones, Joe Henderson, and Toshiko Akiyoshi.

Joe Randazzo-Bass Trombone

Attended North Texas State Univ.starting from 1961. Became very active in the music scene in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Joined Stan Kenton Orch. in 1968 Did one tour (USA) . Moved to LA . Joined Ray Charles Orch. 1969. Did 2 world tours . Stayed with the band for 2 years. That band included Johnny Coles, Blue Mitchell, and Fathead Newman. Came to New York in 1971. Did the Broadway scene , recording scene and every other kind of music scene there was. Bands he has worked with include: Gerry Mulligan Billy Watrous Woody Herman Buddy Rich National Jazz Ensemble

Hardin Butcher-Trumpet

HARDIN BUTCHER Mr. Butcher is an accomplished trumpet player and tours on a regular basis with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. He is accomplished in jazz, classical and operatic music on trumpet. In addition to trumpet his conducting has included a world premier work at the opening of the rebuilt library in Alexandria Egypt, and numerous 20th century pieces for orchestra as well as orchestra and voice.