Album Notes

Reed Gratz has played with George Russell, Herb Alpert, Bruce Hornsby, John Patitucci, Barbara Morrison, Alex Acuña, and many others. Reed is a Professor of Music at the University of La Verne. He has taught at Washington State University, University of Miami, University of Innsbruck, Utrecht Conservatory and Leiden University in the Netherlands, and is a visiting professor of music in the history department at Claremont McKenna College. He is on the Advisory Board of the American Jazz Institute along with Mort Sahl and Lee Konitz. Reed has been awarded a jazz composition grant from the NEA; a research grant in African-American music by the NEH; two Senior Fulbright Lectureships, one at the University of Innsbruck, the other, the Walt Whitman Distinguished Chair of American Culture Studies at the Leiden University; and the Excellence in Teaching Award for undergraduate faculty at the University of La Verne. He has composed music for a dozen plays. Four of his recent CDs are Below Sealevel and Piano, View From the South and The Reed Gratz Band featuring Michael O'Neil. Professor Gratz has received three Who's Who Among American Teachers awards since 2002.
Michael O'Neill has been the mainstay guitarist behind George Benson for over a decade. He's well known for his great work with Natalie Cole, Freddie Ravel, Ricki Lee Jones, and his own group. Michael is one of LA's baddest guitarists.
Andrew Ford toured for 10 years with Al Jarreau and now with David Crosby's band. He's played with Gladys Knight, Whitney Houston, Michael McDonald, and most recently toured with Robben Ford.
Steve Biondo was a member of Monkee Meat for a decade and since joining the staff at the University of La Verne, has been teaching their West African Drum Ensemble.
Mike Bennett is one of the young monsters from LA. He's playing with everyone, has about a dozen endorsements, and is burning up the town with his percussive gymnastics.