Steve Chaggaris is an alumnus of Berklee College of Music (B.M.1992) where he studied with Ian Froman, and the New England Conservatory of Music. He studied privately with Bob Gullotti (The Fringe) for over ten years and is a former student of the late master drummer Alan Dawson (Jaki Byard, Booker Ervin). He has amassed an extensive performance resumé, with appearances throughout North America, Europe, and Japan.
After a year performing with George Russell's ensemble at NEC, Steve began performing and recording with Russell protégé Ben Schwendener. He can be heard on Schwendener's recordings Witness of the Sun (Russell calls "part of the new jazz underground") and Road Trips, both on Gravity Records.
Through the 90s, Steve was a member of Gingerbutkis, performing an eclectic mix of rock, jazz, and funk. They were billed regularly with many first-rate local acts like The Bentmen featuring Reeves Gabrels (David Bowie), and their rich performances frequently included the services of distinguished guest musicians among them pianist, composer, MacArthur Genius grant winner and double Guggenheim fellow Ran Blake, and members of The Atlantic Brass Quintet.
A consummate sideman, Steve has performed and/or recorded with a wide array of diverse artists, including jazz luminaries Danny Harrington and Paul Ahlstrand; blues greats Jeremy Lyons, Chris Stovall Brown, Amadee Castenell (Neville Brothers), Sax Gordon Beadle, and David Maxwell (Freddie King, Bonnie Raitt); folk/alternative artists Colleen Sexton, Matt Griffin, The Timbre Project, and John Haydon. Steve can be heard on John's latest CD, Phantom Heart (2008).
As a member of the Ken Clark Organ Trio, Steve can be heard on two critically acclaimed CDs on Severn Records: Eternal Funk (2003), and Mutual Respect (2005). Their original music blends jazz & blues in the style of the traditional organ trios (Jimmy Smith / Jack McDuff) with contemporary instrumental groove music (Maceo Parker / Medeski, Martin & Wood). Both recordings have sold internationally and received high marks in Jazz Times, Goldmine, and Downbeat magazines. Ken and Steve can also be heard on the CD Certified (2006) with The Soul Band.
Living in the Boston, MA area I am 41, a professional pianist/keyboardist of all styles. My daughter, Isabella (7 yrs. old) is my other pea in the pod. ********** Experienced pianist/keyboardist, studied in classical piano for 17 yrs., have worked in New Orleans-- opened for Pete Fountain, several country artists; with a cover band, appeared at past Mardi Gras Balls and Parades, the Superdome twice (end-of-marathon performance), many of the New Orleans hotels for functions; a couple Riverboat cruises on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, many clubs.... then-- moved up to Boston vicinity in late 1995, where the performing continued, primarily solo piano jobs (Boston Sheraton Hotel, Omni Parker House), Fanueil Hall, many hotels, clubs, harbor cruises, restaurants, with musicians/bands such as Elan Trotman, Ellen O'brien, Kevin Norris, Sandi Bedrosian, Bob Gay, Tony Gallo, Nicole Caramanica, David Fuller, Ray Greene, Thaddeus Hogarth, Dale Freeman, Joey Scrima, Tracy Crowne, Herman Johnson, Bruce Gertz, Thomas Hebb, Tom Stein, Jay-O Wharton, Kenwood Dennard, Steve Marvin, Mark Earley, Pat Loomis, "Alliance," "Millennium," "Flipside," "Unity," "Search Party," "Allnighters," "Urban Renewal," ... on and on... where it stops, nobody knows... (Am also piano teacher) *************** I enjoy shooting basketball, listening to many types of music, spending time with my daughter, playing piano.. enjoy hearing some fantastic music in the Boston vacinity including some of my friends listed below; working on some music on my Roland Fantom X7 synth, continually working with many musicians in
Kevin T Norris
Originally from Long Island, NY, Kevin moved to Bethlehem, PA in 1982, where he established a full-time musical career performing with various show, variety, country, and jazz bands-including 9 years with the successful regional show/Top 40 band "KIK", in venues from the resorts of the Pocono Mountains to the Jersey Shore. Kevin moved to Naples, FL in 1992, establishing a reputation as a reliable and competent sideman and frontline performer throughout Southwest Florida. In 1995, Kevin relocated to Massachusetts, where he continues to pursue his musical interests as a bassist, vocalist, and saxophonist with a wide variety of music ensembles, including a show band backing up celebrity impersonators. Over the years, Kevin has had the privilege to share the stage with, open for, or perform for such notable personalities as Burt Bacharach, Frank Foster, Bill Watrous, Tom Scott, Bill Cosby, Michael McDonald, Bernie Chiaravalle, Bob James, Nathan East, Harvey Mason, Neil Stubenhaus, Sergio Bellotti, Robben & Anne Ford, Charlie Daniels, Aztec Two-Step, Jett Williams, Peter Marsh, David Pringle, Rex Long, and many others. In addition to his musical pursuits, Kevin has established himself as a talent in the Voice Over industry. He has at least 8 audiobooks to his credit, along with numerous Music-On-Hold tracks, commercials, voice-prompt systems and volunteer studio text reading for the visually impaired. KEVIN IS AVAILABLE FOR SESSIONS, SUBS, & TOURING; HE HAS AN IN-HOUSE PROJECT STUDIO FOR RECORDING TRACKS (Pro Tools platform). PLEASE-COMPENSATED, PROFESSIONAL INQUIRIES/PROJECTS ONLY! Kevin currently lives in Northeastern
Nicole Caramanica
Descending from a strong musical family backround, Nicole began singing and entertaining audiences at an early age. A native of Brockton, Ma. Nicole, at the age of eight, was featured in her mother's church choir. Quickly recognized as a stand out, she continued her musical education in the Boston area and was chosen as "Outstanding Soloist" at the Fiesta-Val competition in Williamsburg, VA. With extensive experience from R&B/Jazz to Pop/Rock, Nicole studied Operatic and Contemporary/Theater training under the direction of Lynn Whalen- Schuller and Theresa Capachione. One of her first performances with the "Real Jazz Octet" had been well received in the Boston area and she continues to perform with many Accomplished Musicians, and at a wide variety of venues such as Clubs, Recording Sessions, Churches, and at Weddings. She has performed with many popular Boston bands including The Mark Greel Band, Boston Players, Stardust, and on the Odyssey Cruise line. Nicole's powerful soprano vocals and charismatic presence has been known to win the heart of any audience
