Album Notes

What do Friends, ER, The West Wing, Girlfriends and Eve have in common? They have all been graced by the sweet sounds of the Cross Hart Jazz Experience. Along with these noted television appearances, this dynamic young ensemble has just been selected to perform at the 2006 Playboy Jazz Festival at The Rose Bowl on May 28th at 3:00p.m.

Cross Hart Jazz Experience is a powerful trio expanded to include some of the hottest jazz vocalists and instrumentalists in the world. The group is led by bassist/composer Ryan Cross and drummer Lorca Hart (son of legendary drummer Billy Hart). Josh Nelson is the resident piano player of the group.

After being the backbone of many bands in Los Angeles such as Larry Nash Jazz Symphonics, Phil Ranelin Tribe Renaissance, and Ralph Moore Quartet, Ryan and Lorca decided to create a group with a fresh approach to jazz music. Cross Hart began to take jazz standards and create high-energy arrangements with swing, hip-hop, Latin, and hybrid grooves. The group utilizes the writing skills of Ryan Cross who composed a score for Crossover, a Showtime movie executive produced by Magic Johnson and Penny Marshall. He has also written and arranged for Greg Porée’s new album Vertical Motion.

Cross Hart performs at The Bel Age Hotel in West Hollywood every Monday night. Over the last year and a half, they have featured some of the most legendary singers and instrumentalists including performances by Stevie Wonder, Billy Childs, Bobby Brown, Spanky Wilson, Wycliffe Gordon, Herman Riley, Maurice Brown and many more.

The Cross Hart Jazz Experience has just finished their first self-titled album with jazz standards and Ryan Cross originals. The CD features two amazing saxophonists: latin jazz legend Justo Almario and fiery Zane Musa. On piano, there are three rising stars: Danny Grissett, Donald Vega and Josh Nelson. The vocalists, Patrice Quinn, Cynthia Felton and Toni Peete, bring a special magic to the album that is sublime.

We invite you to experience the band that James Janise (Program host, KKJZ) says “has created a mood that is all their own.”
For more information visit www.crossgrooves.com