Meet the Group

Rich's musical talents began to flourish at an early age. As a young man growing up in Philadelphia, his group played for school functions, private parties, weddings, and family functions of all sorts. He was selected to appear on Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour and despite a performance that brought enthusiastic audience response, he came in first runner-up in that competition. However, it was a young Barbra Streisand who won that night. Placing second to a performing legend such as her seems acceptable.

Rich's passion for playing the drums continued to grow as he became a young adult. His formal instruction was with Joe Morello of Dave Brubeck Quartet fame. Joe introduced Rich to the New York City jazz scene where he was afforded the unique experience of learning from the great drummers of our generation. In addition to his musical training, Rich holds a Bachelor's Degree from Villanova University and a Master's Degree from Fordham University.

Rich has performed in Philadelphia, Atlantic City and has been fortunate to play with many of the great musicians in the Dallas area.

Bruce is a refugee from the folk era where he played professionally in this country and abroad. After a break from music to study law, Bruce returned to the music scene in Dallas, playing both upright and electric bass. He is also a member of the Delicious Bass Band.

Contemporary jazz pianist Scott Bucklin is an one of the finest keyboardists in the area. He was born in Tulsa, OK, where at age five he first announced his desire to compose and conduct music; three years later he sat at a piano and improvised his first song, and throughout his teens played in his high school jazz band.

After studying music at the University of North Texas, Bucklin moved to New York City, where he became a protege of the jazz pianist Kenny Werner. He soon became a fixture of the city's club circuit, remaining in the Big Apple for seven years. A brief tenure with the Dallas-based band Random Axis followed before Bucklin accepted a residency with the local restaurant Sipango. There he recorded his 1996 debut Scott Bucklin and Friends -- Live at Sipango. In 1998, he and backing band Cuvee resurfaced with Love and Happiness, followed later that year by The Spirit of Christmas.

Saxophonist, Shelley Carrol hails from family of gospel singers and musicians in Houston, Texas. While attending the University of North Texas, Shelley earned a spot in the Grammy Nominated One O’clock Lab Band. There he recorded two critically acclaimed CD’s in 1990- 91. During the same period, Mr. Carrol was invited to join the Duke Ellington Orchestra by trumpeter Barry Lee Hall. Since joining the band, he has toured the U.S. and over 30 foreign countries. He has also recorded and or performed with Maureen McGovern, Tony Bennet, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams and a host of others.

Shelley evolved to record as a leader in 1997. He was able to feature members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra on his debut CD for Leaning House Records. His second CD, A Distant Star was released in the fall of 2001. Shelley also feels a need to share his musical gift with today’s youth. He currently teaches part-time at West Mesquite H. S. and gives clinics whenever he can. He even has plans to develop a Summer Jazz Workshop in Dallas. He says"...music has to be shared to truly be enjoyed." Anyone who listens to his Tenor saxophone would have to agree

Jennifer Martin began performing the moment she was born. She produced shows for every family gathering and appeared in every school program from kindergarten through high school. Influenced by the music of Ian and Sylvia, Bob Dylan and John Stewart, she formed a folk duo in college. After moving to New York City to continue her education at Columbia University, it was there that she began her professional musical career at the famous Gerde’s Folk City in Greenwich Village and was recruited by the Bitter End College Coffee House Circuit to perform at Colleges and Universities throughout the US. Later, Jennifer moved to Toronto and established a successful band, Jennifer Martin and High Gear. They were the opening act at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern for such greats as Kitty Wells, Bill Anderson and Ian Tyson. When Jennifer returned to the States,she began performing jazz, standards, country and pop at piano bars in hotels and clubs . Jennifer took a few years off to work in the corporate world. Now she is back performing her first love, Jazz!

Mike is an accomplished Pianist/Composer who has been based in Dallas since 1998. A native of the San Francisco Bay area, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from the University of California and has played professionally for over 20 years.

Mike is a recognized talent within the music industry and has been the featured pianist with many groups, playing such local venues as Sambuca, Sipango, the Balcony Club and Soho Jazz Cafe. He also played regularly at the Adams Mark Hotel and is featured pianist at Nordstrom's. Prior to moving to Dallas, Mike was an active participant in the New Orleans and Nashville music communities. Mike also spent three years on staff at RCA Records in Nashville.

Chris is a graduate of Drury College in Springfield, Missouri with a major in music with emphasis on the trumpet. His musical talents also extend to the upright bass and flute. The diverse sound he brings to the group is a treat for audiences. In Chris' early years as a professional, he performed with the Norman Lee "Eddie Howard" Orchestra. He also appeared regularly in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area with many bands and orchestras.

In 1984, Chris moved to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and is consistently sought after to perform with many jazz and latin groups. The list of groups he has played with is long and include Latin Express, B.B. Band, Johnny Case Trio, Al Malacara Trio, Jazz Cafe House Band, Jubilee Theatre, Rachela Park Jazz Group, Sam Walker Trio, Brian Sharp Jazz Group, and many others.

Chris is on the faculty of Ft. Worth ISD as Band, Orchestra & Mariachi Director and teacher.