Jack Schantz Quartet
Listen
Samples from the Jack Schantz Quartet recording
"I Love To Tell The Story"
Samples are available for download.
On the album:
Jack Schantz- trumpet, flugelhorn
Rock Werhmann- piano, keyboards
Dave Morgan- bass
Mark Gonder- drumset
Arrangements by Schantz, Werhmann, Morgan
"I Love To Tell The Story"
Samples are available for download.
On the album:
Jack Schantz- trumpet, flugelhorn
Rock Werhmann- piano, keyboards
Dave Morgan- bass
Mark Gonder- drumset
Arrangements by Schantz, Werhmann, Morgan
Meet the quartet
Jack Schantz
(from Azica.com)
When you first meet Jack Schantz (born 12 September 1954) his manner is so quiet and unassuming that you would never imagine that here is a man who has been trumpet soloist with the Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw and Woody Herman Orchestras. Then he steps onto the stage and a complete metamorphosis occurs! The musician before you is now a commanding presence, able to meld power and sensitivity into a perfect blend of taste and style. Originally inspired by Conte Candoli, Kenny Dorham and Donald Byrd, Schantz has devised a relaxed, intelligent approach of his own. His improvisations are gracefully bouncy and filled with gems of spontaneous melody. His time sense is impeccable. His swing is subtle, yet unrelenting. He has obviously mastered his instrument and the improvisatory skills of modern jazz. But more importantly, he's managed to convey positive feelings through impromptu music. After a performance, his listeners leave the club smiling, and his musicians always feel as though they have made music that means something.
Rock Wehrmann
Rock Wehrmann is in much demand in the Midwest as an arranger, producer, soloist and accompanist. He has appeared as a featured soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, and performed at the presentation of the Pulitzer Prizes. His background includes a degree in pipe organ from Kent State University, the position of Artist-in-Residence for Moog Music, and appearances on recordings by prominent jazz artists such as Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock. His company, Sudden Realizations, produces music and sound design for films and broadcast.
Mike Forfia
Mike is in the Honors College at the University of Akron, currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies. The past few summers Mike has traveled all over the Baltic and Mediterranean regions of Europe as an employee of Royal Caribbean International; an opportunity made available through his bass instructor at the University of Akron, Tim Powell. Locally, Mike performs with various groups and regularly attends the Northside Jazz Workshop run by University of Akron faculty Dean Newton and Mark Gonder. At the university, Mike performs with the Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, Charles Mingus Combo and Jazz Trombone Ensemble. He is the bassist on the UA Jazz Ensemble's 2010 studio recording "Reactions," and has recently completed a summer tour with the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Mark Gonder
(from Clevelandjazz.org)
Mark is an Adjunct Professor with the Jazz Studies Program at the University of Akron where he received his degree. Following his studies at U. of A., Mark began touring with the Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey Orchestras. After spending time in New York City, he returned to Akron and joined the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra in 1990. Mark has also performed with the Akron Symphony, the Jazz Unit and the Beaver Valley Philharmonic. His recording credits include “Traditions” with the CJO, “Pacific” with Pat Pace, “I Love To Tell The Story” with the Jack Schantz Quartet to name a few. Mark maintains a busy private teaching schedule and has been an adjudicator-clinician throughout NE Ohio.
Currently on tour:
Theron Brown
Theron Brown began playing organ and piano at his father's church in his hometown of Zanesville, Ohio. After high school, Theron continued his studies at the University of Akron under the direction of Rock Wehrmann and Jack Schantz. Theron has performed for the Cleveland Cavaliers band, and with various groups in Cleveland, Chicago, NYC and San Francisco. Recently, Theron has been performing with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra led by Sean Jones, the Mojo Generations Big Band, and the hip hop group Poetic Republic. Theron is currently on tour with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and will be traveling with them to Japan for a month of performances throughout November and part of December.
(from Azica.com)
When you first meet Jack Schantz (born 12 September 1954) his manner is so quiet and unassuming that you would never imagine that here is a man who has been trumpet soloist with the Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw and Woody Herman Orchestras. Then he steps onto the stage and a complete metamorphosis occurs! The musician before you is now a commanding presence, able to meld power and sensitivity into a perfect blend of taste and style. Originally inspired by Conte Candoli, Kenny Dorham and Donald Byrd, Schantz has devised a relaxed, intelligent approach of his own. His improvisations are gracefully bouncy and filled with gems of spontaneous melody. His time sense is impeccable. His swing is subtle, yet unrelenting. He has obviously mastered his instrument and the improvisatory skills of modern jazz. But more importantly, he's managed to convey positive feelings through impromptu music. After a performance, his listeners leave the club smiling, and his musicians always feel as though they have made music that means something.
Rock Wehrmann
Rock Wehrmann is in much demand in the Midwest as an arranger, producer, soloist and accompanist. He has appeared as a featured soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, and performed at the presentation of the Pulitzer Prizes. His background includes a degree in pipe organ from Kent State University, the position of Artist-in-Residence for Moog Music, and appearances on recordings by prominent jazz artists such as Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock. His company, Sudden Realizations, produces music and sound design for films and broadcast.
Mike Forfia
Mike is in the Honors College at the University of Akron, currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies. The past few summers Mike has traveled all over the Baltic and Mediterranean regions of Europe as an employee of Royal Caribbean International; an opportunity made available through his bass instructor at the University of Akron, Tim Powell. Locally, Mike performs with various groups and regularly attends the Northside Jazz Workshop run by University of Akron faculty Dean Newton and Mark Gonder. At the university, Mike performs with the Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, Charles Mingus Combo and Jazz Trombone Ensemble. He is the bassist on the UA Jazz Ensemble's 2010 studio recording "Reactions," and has recently completed a summer tour with the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Mark Gonder
(from Clevelandjazz.org)
Mark is an Adjunct Professor with the Jazz Studies Program at the University of Akron where he received his degree. Following his studies at U. of A., Mark began touring with the Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey Orchestras. After spending time in New York City, he returned to Akron and joined the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra in 1990. Mark has also performed with the Akron Symphony, the Jazz Unit and the Beaver Valley Philharmonic. His recording credits include “Traditions” with the CJO, “Pacific” with Pat Pace, “I Love To Tell The Story” with the Jack Schantz Quartet to name a few. Mark maintains a busy private teaching schedule and has been an adjudicator-clinician throughout NE Ohio.
Currently on tour:
Theron Brown
Theron Brown began playing organ and piano at his father's church in his hometown of Zanesville, Ohio. After high school, Theron continued his studies at the University of Akron under the direction of Rock Wehrmann and Jack Schantz. Theron has performed for the Cleveland Cavaliers band, and with various groups in Cleveland, Chicago, NYC and San Francisco. Recently, Theron has been performing with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra led by Sean Jones, the Mojo Generations Big Band, and the hip hop group Poetic Republic. Theron is currently on tour with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and will be traveling with them to Japan for a month of performances throughout November and part of December.
Reviews
...from the Pews
The Jack Schantz Quartet has performed as part
of the Sunday Morning services at churches in the Northeast Ohio
worshiping community for over 10 years. The group is also available for
concerts
and clinics/masterclasses. Hear what people are saying about us:
"Jack Schantz and his band
are an extraordinary treasure. They are not only fabulous musicians; they also beautifully convey the spirit of the music they play. They have played at our church many times, and always leave us filled with delight." -Hamilton Coe Throckmorton, Federated Church, Chagrin Falls, OH
"Jack Schantz and his band
are an extraordinary treasure. They are not only fabulous musicians; they also beautifully convey the spirit of the music they play. They have played at our church many times, and always leave us filled with delight." -Hamilton Coe Throckmorton, Federated Church, Chagrin Falls, OH
"The Jack Schantz Quartet
has been a part of our Festival Arts program at Lakewood Congregational Church in Lakewood, Ohio twice within the last calendar year, and they have been absolutely outstanding! The congregation loves their arrangements of prepared music and improvisations on the hymns and other music in the service. All the players in the group are very talented and the whole experience has been wonderful and will be repeated whenever we can arrange to have these fine musicians return for another concert or service. I cannot say enough good things about this wonderful jazz ensemble." -Lloyd Max Bunker; Music Director, Lakewood Congregational Church
"If you're looking for something a little different
in your worship service music, I recommend the Jack Schantz quartet. These talented instrumentalists bring a unique jazz sound with a gospel twist. They provided for us some special music selections, as well as supplementing the praise music and hymn selections that are a part of our normal routine. You'll find them an easy group with which to work. I recommend them to you." -Rev. Jeff Gindlesberger, Lakemore United Methodist Church, Akron, OH
from the liner notes to "I Love To Tell The Story"
has been a part of our Festival Arts program at Lakewood Congregational Church in Lakewood, Ohio twice within the last calendar year, and they have been absolutely outstanding! The congregation loves their arrangements of prepared music and improvisations on the hymns and other music in the service. All the players in the group are very talented and the whole experience has been wonderful and will be repeated whenever we can arrange to have these fine musicians return for another concert or service. I cannot say enough good things about this wonderful jazz ensemble." -Lloyd Max Bunker; Music Director, Lakewood Congregational Church
"If you're looking for something a little different
in your worship service music, I recommend the Jack Schantz quartet. These talented instrumentalists bring a unique jazz sound with a gospel twist. They provided for us some special music selections, as well as supplementing the praise music and hymn selections that are a part of our normal routine. You'll find them an easy group with which to work. I recommend them to you." -Rev. Jeff Gindlesberger, Lakemore United Methodist Church, Akron, OH
from the liner notes to "I Love To Tell The Story"
There's nothing new about jazz musicians borrowing
from the great tradition of hymns, spirituals, and gospel tunes for
their inspiration. These tunes had a message - they had a story to tell.
I like to think of jazz musicians as modern-day storytellers. Jesus was
the greatest of all storytellers through stories and parables. I
believe the language of music is very similar to the language of
parables. I love to tell these stories. -Jack Schantz
Schedule
The Jack Schantz Quartet is now accepting bookings. Email Mike Forfia at schantzquartet@gmail.com or contact us through our "Contact" tab for more information.
Order CD
Coming soon!
The second printing of the Jack Schantz Quartet studio album "I Love To Tell The Story" will soon be available on CDbaby, Amazon and iTunes.
If you would like to receive an email when copies are available, send us a message using the "Contact" tab on the left side of your browser. Be sure to leave your email address and state in your message that you wish to be contacted regarding the CD.
If you would like to receive an email when copies are available, send us a message using the "Contact" tab on the left side of your browser. Be sure to leave your email address and state in your message that you wish to be contacted regarding the CD.
