JAZZ AND STRINGS
An inspired blend of jazz and classical sounds
Welcome to the official website of Jazz and Strings
The mission of Jazz and Strings is to perform jazz music originally recorded by major artists incorporating string instruments usually associated with classical music and to present new compositions and arrangements for similar ensembles.
About Jazz and Strings
History
Jazz and Strings initial concert, sponsored by a grant from Lincoln Financial, was conceived and directed by Gene Bozzi. Owen McNally describes Gene in the Hartford Courant as "a professional musician who has dual citizenship in both the jazz and classical worlds". The concert was held At Immanuel Church in Hartford in March of 2009. The performance was a celebration of the landmark Charlie Parker album from 1959, “Charlie Parker with Strings". The audience response was so positive that it led to research of hundreds of other jazz with strings albums recorded by major jazz artists over the...
Upcoming Concerts
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Charlie Parker with Strings Concert
the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz
Time TBD
Saturday, June 17, 2023
4:00 PM
Location: Quarry Walk Green
300 Oxford Road
Oxford, CT 06478
Jazz & Strings jazz Quartet with Waterbury Symphony Orchestra
The Jazz & Strings jazz quartet has been hired by the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra (WSO) to perform a Billie Holiday tribute concert. They will be accompanied by the WSO’s principal trumpet and string section. The performance will feature guest artist and Broadway vocalist—Rosena Hill-Jackson. The quartet features: John Mastroianni, alto sax; Walter Gwardyak, piano; Rick Rozie, bass; and Gene Bozzi, drum set. They’ll be playing all of Billie’s favorites including Them There Eyes, Good Morning Heartache, God Bless the Child and 'Tain't Nobody's Business If I Do, and many more.
Too Darn Hot
Audience Reviews
- I wanted to comment on the fabulous program last evening "A Tribute To John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman". This was our second program that we have attended of Jazz and Strings and I cannot tell you how spectacular these programs are. I just love how the strings with the jazz musicians complement each other so very well.
We couldn't have enjoyed this program anymore than we did. It was just out of this world! We look forward to many more such as this and Giacomo Gates was a great asset. I personally like having a vocalist in the program.—Jill Price
- I became aware of the HSO Jazz with Strings series last week and had the good fortune of seeing the concert last Friday.
In a word—WONDERFUL!
In fact, not only did I enjoy the jazz ‘part’ of the concert, the strings reminded me that the 30 year absence from the symphony is an error that I need to rectify very soon.
Thank you very much for keeping this music alive.—Phillip Montgomery