An inspired blend of jazz and classical sounds
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.
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...
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.
—Jill Price
—Phillip Montgomery