Justin Robinson Quartet
Sat, Nov 7, 11:55 PM EST
Smalls Jazz Club · 183 West 10th Street, New York, NY, 10014
Alto saxophonist Justin Robinson was born August 14, 1968, in Manhattan. He first picked up a horn at the age of 13, and honed his sound while attending the High School of Music and Arts (LaGuardia High School) in New York. <br>Robinson developed a passion for the alto sax and, from the influences of Charlie Parker and Jackie McLean, crafted his own distinctive sound. Robinson has collaborated with eminent artists such as the Harper Brothers, Cecil Brooks III, Abbey Lincoln, Diana Ross, Little Jimmy Scott, and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, The Dizzy Gillespie All Star Band, and most recently, The Roy Hargrove Big Band in addition to the Roy Hargrove Quintet. <br>Justin Robinson wields a hefty portfolio: joined Harper Brothers at 18, debuted on Verve at 22, a decade's-worth of star sideman gigs. All of that hang-time paid off with his 1998 recording The Challenge on Arabesque Records. Penning six of the compositions, selecting an inspired posse of young ringers (Ron Blake, tenor sax; Stephen Scott, piano; Dwayne Burno, bass; Dion Parsons, drums), Robinson also produced the whole shebang. <br>Robinson also released as a solo artist Justin Time in 1991 with Verve Music Group label. It was produced by Bobby Watson, who also appears on the recording, in additon to Gary Bartz, on alto saxophones, and includes more young ringers of that time: Eddie Henderson - trumpet; Kenny Barron, Stephen Scott - pianos; Peter Washington - bass; Lewis Nash - drums. <br>Justin Robinson lives in New Jersey and is currently touring with trumpeter Roy Hargrove. <br /><br />Born and raised in the lively streets of Caracas, Venezuela, Silvano Monasterios stands as a true virtuoso, having ascended to become one of the most sought-after jazz pianists of his generation. Over the course of an illustrious career spanning more than three decades, Monasterios has enraptured audiences worldwide with a captivating blend of awe-inspiring technique, soulful improvisations, and a remarkable compositional gift that sets him apart. As Jazzweek eloquently described, "Silvano brings deeply intricate and thought-provoking mastery to his compositions. Perfectly balanced with compositional and improvisational concepts." Such praise speaks to the profound impact of his musical artistry and serves as a testament to his exceptional talent. <br><br>From the very start, he exhibited a prodigious talent for music, honing his skills in classical piano before diving headfirst into the enchanting realm of jazz. Drawing inspiration from legendary pianists like Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock, Silvano has carved a distinct voice, blending harmonic sophistication with fiery Latin rhythms, creating an amalgamation of sounds that captivate listeners on a profound level. Throughout his remarkable journey, he has shared the stage with an impressive mix of artists, including Larry Coryell, Dave Valentin, Nestor Torres, Paquito D’Rivera, Mark Egan, Paul Wertico, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Ira Sullivan, Don Byron, Troy Roberts, Todd Marcus, Juan Pablo Torres, Luisito Quintero, Sammy Figueroa, Candido Camero, Terumasa Hino & the World Jazz All-Stars, Marc Johnson, Othello Molineaux, Melton Mustafa, Nathen Page, Claudio Roditi, David Lee Roth, Shakira, Louie Vega, Arturo Sandoval, Bobby Watson, Akira Jimbo, Bobby Sanabria, Mambo Legends Orchestra, and many others. <br><br>Over the years, Monasterios has garnered widespread acclaim for his solo projects, with each of his albums showcasing his boundless creativity and innate musicality. His last project, entitled "The River", a suite composed for a nine piece ensemble, was commissioned by Chamber Music America and The Doris Duke Foundation through their New Jazz Works Program. “The River”, was released on April 2025, reaching the top-10 lists of Jazz albums ans Latin jazz albums in the nation. This summer, his first solo piano album and seventh production s a soloist, "Solo In Paris", will be released. The album is a collection of 14 piano pieces that exhibit a different perspective on his prolific work as a composer. <br /><br />Bassist, composer, educator and producer Danton Boller has been residing in New York City since the late 90s. He was mentored in Los Angeles by legendary bassist “Senator” Eugene J. Wright of the Dave Brubeck Quartet. He has toured internationally and recorded with top jazz artists of his generation as a member of the Roy Hargrove Quintet, Seamus Blake Quartet, Anthony Wilson Nonet and Ari Hoenig's “Punk Bop.” Danton’s versatility and appreciation for all genres of music has propelled him to the stage and studio with an eclectic array of influential artists: Alvin Queen, Bridget Everett, Justin Robinson, Run the Jewels, Ernie Andrews, Elvis Costello, Elysian Fields, Taylor Mac, Fela! on Broadway featuring Patti Labelle, Taran Killam, Bennie Wallace, Seun Kuti, Robert Glasper, and Jon Fishman (of Phish), to name a few. Currently, Danton can be seen performing in the HBO documentary film Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music, and is seen perfroming in the film Can You Ever Forgive Me? (starring Melissa McCarthy) performing with Justin Vivian Bond. Danton music directed and performed on Austin City Limits with Kat Edmonson and co-produced Edmonson’s highly lauded release on Sony records, Way Down Low, with Al Schmidt (Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney, Henry Mancini, etc.). Danton’s 2023 release Space (released on the ONBO Records label) showcases his original compositions and features fellow Roy Hargrove alumni Justin Robinson, Willie Jones III, and Tadataka Unno. Danton is currently the adjunct professor of Applied Jazz Bass at Western Connecticut State University and teaches private lessons in NYC. For more information visit dantonboller.com or email dantonbollermusic@gmail.com. <br /><br />With the release of his debut album, The Journey, Chris Beck is making a name for himself on the New York scene as a hard-swinging, powerhouse drummer and composer. Beck’s refreshing and soulful vision as an artist is on full display, as is his unique ability to pay homage to the classic straight-ahead style of jazz while infusing elements of his African roots and Gospel upbringing. <br><br>Born into a musical family, Chris Beck, a native of Philadelphia, PA has been exposed to music from a young age. Deciding to make music a career, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Temple University in 2004. In 2006, Beck moved to New York City to establish himself on the jazz scene. After settling in New York, he began studying with highly esteemed master drum teacher, Michael Carvin. In 2010, Beck graduated with a Master’s Degree in Music from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he studied with Victor Lewis. <br><br>Chris Beck currently performs with talented musicians such as Cyrus Chestnut, Oliver Lake, and Grammy nominated Rufus Reid. He has also been blessed to share the stage with renowned musicians such as McCoy Tyner, legendary Motown recording artist Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, James “Blood” Ulmer, The Mingus Big Band, David Murray, Billy Harper, Curtis Fuller, James Spaulding, Harold Mabern, Charles Fambrough, Mulgrew Miller, Wynton Marsalis, Terell Stafford, Tim Warfield Jr., Nicholas Payton, Roy Hargrove, Wycliffe Gordon, Orrin Evans, Bruce Barth, Nicole Henry, Jennifer Holliday, Macy Gray, Mark Whitfield, Derrick Hodge, Ralph Bowen, Joanna Pascale, Joe Locke, Duane Eubanks, Eric Lewis, and many others around the world.
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