About the Clef Dwellers:
Back in `85 a few of us assembled in Dean`s basement to play what we called "polite jazz". Some things were written, others were "head" arrangements. Known in Whitesboro as well-respected, nationally recognized jazz musicians, summer gigs came our way easily. In `95 the Clef Dwellers were invited to play an exchange tour in Taiwan, which was most respectfully received. Our repertoire increased to the point of being hired to play German Oktoberfests, and St. Patrick Day concerts, along with Mardi Gras gigs. The response to our live traditional jazz music is evidenced by an enthusiastic standing ovation in a full house at the REMSEN PERFORMING AND VISUAL ART CENTER.
DON CANTWELL [leader, clarinet] Don`s clarinet playing goes back to the 40`s when he studied with Robert Willaman, principal clarinet with J.P. Sousa, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He has a B.A. and M.M. {clarinet] from Syracuse University. In 2008 he received the JOHN LAPORTA JAZZ EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR Award, in Toronto from the INTERNATIONAL ASSOCATION FOR JAZZ EDUCATORS [IAJE] and BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC for his outstanding groups at Whitesboro N.Y. Dave, Cos, and Dean go back to the late 60`s! A cartoonist, his book SOUND ANALYSIS, reflects his satire with his axiom, "Beware of man who speak, with twinkled eye and tongue in cheek!”
DR. DAVID BLASK [trumpet] Dave goes back to the Whitesboro class of `65, having started thinking "jazz", after attending the STAN KENTON CLINICS at Michigan State University in the summer of `62, with fellow classmates Dave Hurd, and Sammy Mancuso. Dave has been recognized by such jazz greats as Bobby Shew and Phil Woods having performed with them. Dave`s alter international accomplishments are at the Tulane University School of Medicine, PHD, MD, head, Department of structural and cellular biology; laboratory of chrono-neuroendoctrine oncology [by day] and playing jazz [by night...his great solos on our CD are testimony to that!] Dave`s tongue-in-cheek wit acknowledges our axiom “Music and Humor are weapons of mass instruction.”
T K HOWARD [vocals] One of the finest of jazz singers. His interpretations are tops! Catch him on the ballad Unforgettable, pop-jazz Kansas City, and
swingin` Bill Bailey. He has been with us since `95, when Don hired him outright upon hearing and seeing his outstanding performance in the WIZ
THAT WAS, an original musical by Cassandra Harris Lockwood at the STANLEY THEATER. T K is a grad of New York`s High School of Performing Arts.
DANA JERRARD [tuba] Mr. Tuba personified! Some jazz combos use a Bass Viol player, but Dana`s also a Vile Bass player who plays tuba! He`s a Cornell alumnus, where he played trombone in the marching band and met his wife, Kathy, who was the DRUM MAJOR.
DEAN BLASK [drums] Upon his retirement as Pres of his automobile dealership, he is now at ease sailing on Oneida Lake or working at Turning Stone with Vinnie, in an "in demand" pop/jazz Duo. Dean philosophizes that "as the days go by, each day gets better and better." Is there a University looking to
hire a Professor of Philosophy? Whatever way you look at it, his time is as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar.
PAUL BUELL [trombone] A graduate of the Crane School of Music, Potsdam SUNY, Paul is Director of Music at Sackets Harbor, N.Y. Paul is a multi-talented instrumentalist-vocalist in that he is a professional on trumpet, clarinet, bass, as well as on vocals. A resident of Governeur, he is a leader of jazz groups in the North Country.
ROB HUNT [keyboard] An Ithaca College alumnus, who majored in trumpet, and with graduate studies at Berklee College of Music. [piano, arranging, composition]. Rob has toured internationally as pianist-arranger with several jazz/pop groups. He has been house pianist at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown. Presently Rob is a staff member at Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta.
COS CASTELLANO [guitar/banjo] A Whitesboro `70 grad who played concert band tuba and jazz band guitar. Cos was selected to play in the first NY all-state jazz ensemble under the direction of Mr. Leon Breedon, of North Texas State University. While in the Whitesboro Jazz Ensemble he worked with soloists, drummer Ed Shaughnessy, and trumpeter Bob McCoy, playing their music from Doc.
Our album is dedicated to the memory of Mr. Richard Robinson, former Whitesboro Senior High School Principal, and later Superintendent of Schools in the Whitesboro District. Dick was an avid supporter of Music and the Arts. He`ll be listening to our "polite jazz."
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