Album Notes

The core membership of Novak & Haar is made up of guitarist Jon Novak and bassist Mark Haar. Novak & Haar has been performing together as a jazz duo since 1998. Prior to forming Novak & Haar, Jon and Mark had player together in various small jazz combos, large big bands, musical theater ensembles, Blue House with the Rent to Own Horns, and other bands in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, metro areas. When Novak & Haar performs as a trio they add Carlos C. Figueroa on the drum set. In the Spring of 2005, Novak & Haar was added to the Nebraska Arts Council’s Nebraska Touring Program roster.

“This up and coming trio Novak & Haar bring a passion for music to the table from a variety of genres. This can be heard in the music they compose. Although their primary voices are in a jazz setting, one can hear a touch of blues and the air of theater and a sprinkling of classics in the material”, said music impresario Paul Collins. “In jazz, sometimes it is refreshing to hear variations of the norm performed and enjoy a brief explanation of why or how the music was inspired. As music teachers and performers, Novak & Haar do just that by adding more value and meaning to their compositions through their “thoughts about the tracks”. “If you love guitar and equally enjoy the bass and drums, you will enjoy these tracks.”