Ars Nova
Ars Nova is a faculty membered
contemporary jazz group that blends European classical music,
Spanish flamenco, Brazilian samba and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. This
exotic synthesis results from the diverse musical backgrounds of
each band member and gives the music a distinct West Coast sound. By
combining state of the art electronic instruments with acoustic
guitar and piano, Ars Nova creates a rich, sonorous and current
sound. Their sensitive ballads and other high energy originals
impart a sophisticated atmosphere; vital,energetic, fun and
romantic.
Steve Baker: Piano, synthesizers -
Steve is the Chair of the Music Department at Grossmont College
where he teaches piano and music theory. He has performed with
artists such as Frankie Avalon, Charles McPherson and Mundell Lowe.
He has opened concerts for Michael Franks, Little Anthony, Jack Mack
and the Heart Attack, The Platters, The Coasters and the Diamonds.
Fred
Benedetti: Guitars - Fred has performed with the San Diego
Symphony, the San Diego Opera, the Starlight Opera, the American
Ballet company, Luciano Pavarotti and with jazz artist Dave Brubeck.
Fred has studied with Celin and Pepe Romero, Christopher Parkening,
and Andrés Segovia. He is a professor of music and the head of the
guitar department at Grossmont College. In the contemporary music
field he has been an opening act for Basia, Ottmar Liebert, and
Michael Franks and has recorded with Juice Newton, Paul Overstreet,
Patty Loveless, Ronny Robbins & William Lee Golden. He also performs
in the band "Blurring the Edges" with Peter, Tripp, and Hall
Sprague..
James Morton: Drums - James teaches Drum Set and Rock and Roll
History at Grossmont College. He began his career at the age of
seventeen with a recording contract with Decca Records and has
shared the stage with The Who, Ronnie Laws and Hal Robinson. James
is the author of more than 12 books on drumming and percussion
published by Mel Bay. He is a featured columnist with Modern Drummer
magazine and is endorsed by major drum and cymbal manufacturers.
Doug Booth: Bass - A graduate of SDSU, Doug has performed
extensively throughout California. He studied jazz guitar with Jack
Conway in Palo Alto, and was elected to the Santa Clara County Honor
Jazz band, as well as the California All-State Jazz band in 1978.
Doug currently teaches guitar at Grossmont College and is a member
of the highly successful rock and roll stage show, "Rockola."
Robert Williams: Flute - Robert
was an instructor of music theory and music history at Grossmont
College until accepting a position in the Poway School District as
an instructor of woodwind instruments. Robert continues to perform
as a flute soloist and member of several noted chamber ensembles in
the San Diego and Los Angeles areas.
Want to sample some
of Ars Nova? Then click on the files below!
Wings of Martin(.mp3) |
Wings of Martin(.rm)
For more
information on Ars Nova, or obtaining recordings of the group,
please
e-mail or contact Steve Baker directly at (619) 644-7254.
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