Winter Jazz at The Bird Bios

CRAIG LARSON - Craig is one of Salt Lake City's finest jazz musicians. He will soon be releasing his third CD. His jazz quartet is a local favorite. Craig himself has performed in Los Angeles and Chicago and has often been seen in the company of some of the country's finest jazz artists. Matt Larson, who holds down the bass chair in this outstanding group, has been recognized as one of the most promising young jazz artists in the country.

LARRY JACKSTIEN Larry has been a prominent jazz voice in the region since the late 1950's. He has performed with numerous nationally prominent artists including Milt Jackson, Clark Terry, Kenny Burrell, Roy Hargrove, Stanley Turrentine, and many others. His CD of a few years ago entitled "Cuban Fire" received outstanding reviews and has become a local favorite. Larry can also be found performing in clubs in the Los Angeles area when time permits. Jill Jackstien, vocalist with this outstanding group, is recognized as one of the areaÕs best known young jazz performers.

JILL JACKSTIEN Jill is one of the great young jazz vocalists in the region. She continues to perform regularly in the area. Her clear unaffected sound has become well known in the area.

JACK WOOD One of the most well known jazz vocalists in the Los Angeles area, Jack is a regular performer at Snowbird during the winter season. His two CD's receive excellent air play on southern California jazz stations and his appearances in clubs throughout southern California are always filled to capacity. Jack has performed with nearly every outstanding jazz musician in Los Angeles and continues a busy schedule as both a concert promoter and artist.

JOAN OTTLEY - Originally from southern California, Joan was a regular performer in Los Angeles jazz clubs until she moved to Salt Lake City a few years ago. Her style is reminiscent of the great jazz vocalists. With a personality that lights up the night, Ms. Ottley is a performer with pizzazz.

DAN WALDIS Dan is recognized as one of the area's most sought after jazz pianists, teachers and arrangers. His creative ideas and stellar technical facility place him at the top of the list among local jazz artists. Whether performing with his trio or accompanying Salt Lake's finest vocalists, Dan is the man.

KEVIN JOHANSEN Kevin remains the jazz guitarist of choice in the area. He is a professor of jazz guitar at the University of Utah and continues a rigorous performance schedule in region. Kevin has played with many national artists including Stanley Turrentine, Roy Hargrove, Clark Terry, and many others. His group also features the area's hottest saxophonist, Herschel Bullen, who recently came out of retirement after several years in musical seclusion. This is a group not to be missed.

JERRY FLOOR The founder of Jazz Arts of the Mountain West, Jerry has long been recognized as a major voice on saxes and clarinet in the mountain west. He leads the fabulous Jerry Floor Orchestra, a sixteen piece ensemble that has the privilege of backing nearly every major jazz artist who performs in Salt Lake. Jerry is a dynamic personality who always fronts a top line small jazz group as well.

JUSTIN ALLISON Everyone who lives or goes to Vail, Colorado knows Justin Allison. Justin's smooth jazz vocal and guitar styling appeals to all from the most passionate jazz aficionado to the casual listener. January's performance marks Justin's first appearance at Snowbird and the only one this season. Don't miss this great jazz attraction from our neighboring ski area to the west.

DAVID HALLIDAY David is one of the young giants on the Salt Lake Jazz Scene. He received many accolades while a principal performer with the Brigham Young University Jazz Ensemble, including national recognition as best jazz soloist in the United States. His young group plays a variety of jazz standards and new material that is sure to please every jazz aficionado and casual listener.

JAY LAWRENCE Jay Lawrence came to Utah several years ago after playing extensively in Reno, Nevada for virtually every major artist who appeared there. He is recognized as one of the outstanding drummers in the western U.S. Equally comfortable in all type of jazz and Latin music, Jay assembles the areas finest musicians as part of his own groups. In between numerous studio recording sessions and teaching at three of the areas leading universities, Jay performs with many of Salt Lake's notable jazz ensembles.

BRIAN BOOTH - Brian has been one of the areas leading saxophonists for many years and has now assembled his own quartet that has earned the reputation of one of the tastiest jazz groups in the Salt Lake City area. His mainstream style is sure to please all who appreciate great jazz performances.