Eddie Parente: Violin/Viola
John Keyser: Guitar/ Harmonica
Craig Snazelle: Contrabass
Kurt Deutscher: Drums

Eddie Parente

Originally from Jersey City New Jersey, Eddie has lived in Boston Massachusetts where he played in a Mexican Mariachi Band, while studying Classical Indian Music with Tabla master Shashi Nayak, attending Irish Traditional Music sessions, and playing in an International folk dance band.

Since moving to the Portland area he continues to play and record with a wide variety of musical groups, covering many styles. Some of his past and present associations include Portland State University Symphony Orchestra where he studied Violin with Artist in Residence Carol Sindell, Cascade Symphony Orchestra as Principal Violinist, Everything’s Jake Swing band with 2 CDs of Original music, "Cul An Ti" (Celtic), Raven, a Celtic music group with 2 CDs of traditional and contemporary original music, the "Trail Band" best described as an 8 piece folk orchestra with 5 CDs out, produced by Marv Ross (Quarterflash); The "Full House" Country band, David Valdez’s "Septeto Latino", to name a few. However, Jazz has always been his primary focus. He sites Saxophonist, composer and arranger Clif Waits, with whom he studied at Portland Community College as his primary mentor. Parente has also studied and played with pianist / composer Gordon Lee of the Mel Brown Quintet, Darren Clendenin, Saxophonist / Arranger Bob Newman and Bassist / Violinist Rob Thomas. Skip’s main influences: jazz violinists - Rob Thomas, Stuff Smith, Joe Venuti, Stephane Grappelli, Johnny Frigo and Svend Asmussen. But it was over 20 years ago, upon hearing trumpeter Donald Byrd for the first time, the composition "Ghana", from the "Byrd in Flight" Blue Note recording, that the true beauty and awesome force of Jazz irreversibly changed his life.

John Keyser

A jazz guitarist currently living in Portland who is available for solo and ensemble playing and teaching who loves to accompany singers. Also, a jazz upright bassist. Has played hundreds of gigs on both instruments in NY, Tokyo, and in Oregon with Portland's best musicians.

1943 NW Irving Street #104
Portland OR 97209
503 227 5918
johnmkeyser@yahoo.com

Craig Snazelle

Kurt Deutscher