If you haven’t heard of SuperCollider, you are missing out. SuperCollider is a music collective that crosses the boundaries of traditional classifications. The music is difficult to define by genre alone; however, it includes the sounds of jazz, blues, funk and rock. The core band line-up consists of some of Denver’s finest musicians. Recently, I spoke with Jon Gray (trumpet, keys, vocals) about his own personal passion for music, as well as what Supercollider has to offer Denver.
Jon started to play the trumpet at the age of 10. He grew up in Texas and told me that the music education there was above par, and he was exposed to some amazing musicians, including the talented band directors in school. When asked whom his earliest influences include, he said, “There are so many people I’ve learned from.” Jon had some amazing things to say about local musicians Art Lande and Ron Miles. Needless to say, he has learned a lot from some of the most talented musicians around.
This talented musician stays very busy, as he is a big part of the Denver music scene. He has gigs in both Denver and Boulder, and has several projects that he is involved in. He is also a part of a soul band called “The New Classics.” As far as the local music scene, he said, “There is a thick line-up of musicians in Denver and there are a lot of top notch acts. Denver is a smaller pond, but you would never know it.”
I asked Jon how SuperCollider came about, and he told me that it was the brainchild between himself and Jon Stewart.Stewart and he have been friends for a long time, and over the years they have learned to follow each other musically very well. Of this project, he said, “The music differs tune from tune and the band ‘The Crusaders’ is definitely an influence, which is foreign driven funk rock.” The musicians involved in Supercollider are extremely talented and can play anything. There is a core of seven musicians in the project, with another ten who can sit in.
SuperCollider will be performing at Dazzle on September 23rd and October 21st. If you are looking for something to do on Friday nights, Dazzle is the place to be. Not only are different musicians featured, but also there are so many fun things to take part in, such as board games and a live food display. Also, there is midnight bingo, and the prize is a paid bar tab. For more information, check out their website at www.dazzlejazz.com. Jon said, “Dazzle is the greatest thing ever, and they will never stop booking musicians. It’s always a good time.”
You can see Jon perform in Fort Collins at Everyday Joes’ on September 16th at 8 p.m., with Lesley Kernochan. For more information about Jon:
For more information about SuperCollider: http://www.supercollidermusic.com/, http://www.facebook.com/SuperColliderMusic and http://www.reverbnation.com/supercolliderband
The core line-up of SuperCollider is: Jon Gray (trumpet, keys, vocals), Jon Stewart (saxophone), Greg Harris (vibraphone, keys), Mark Donovan (guitar), Dan Schwindt (guitar), Garrett Sayers (bass), and Zack Littlefield (drums).
Comments