REJS Entertainment at
Tavern on the Lake
Review for Trenton 365 by Ritu Mukherjee
In a series of intimate
concerts REJS Entertainment and
partner Trenton 365 have showcased
the talents of a new generation of jazz artists. Local jazz lovers and the larger community
have whole-heartedly embraced young musicians, including jazz bassist Gregg
August, saxophonist Nick Biello, pianist Steven Feifke, and percussionist
Thomas Galliano.
Tradition
and innovation are key to all REJS
artists. In addition to playing live,
August, Biello, Feifke, and Galliano maintain tradition through original
arrangements of old standards thereby introducing classical pieces and artists
to a new generation of jazz lovers. Youth
aside, the sophisticated and elegant styles of these artists exude maturity
well beyond their years. While their
purpose may be uniform, REJS musicians
speak to jazz lovers of selective and varying tastes, bringing their unique and
individual talents to the stage. For
example, August’s seductive bass playing, reminiscent of a film noir score, was
followed by Feike’s celebratory big band sound.
Often
playing alongside these young artists are their mentors. Recently, legendary
jazz bassist and musical visionary, John “Jellybean” Benitez, played as part of
the The Nick Biello Quartet. In
an interview with Trenton 365’s Jacque Howard, Benitez humbly defined his success
as achieving “a connection with the people” each time he takes the
bandstand. While Biello, on playing with his mentor and teacher, Phil
Markowitz, stated: “I’m never
satisfied…Phil [Markowitz] introduced me to a whole new musical language…showed
me a level of excellence…and showed me where the bar was set.”
International
musicians have also been introduced to American audiences via REJS Entertainment. In
2011 Jazz Percussionist and Composer, Galliano, a native of France, relocated
to New York City in order to refine his musical skills by immersing himself in America’s
historic jazz roots. Speaking to Howard, Galliano stated that he had made it a
point to encourage his fellow European Jazz musicians to follow suit.
The
international and intergenerational set of musicians and concertgoers attests
to the fact that the world has indeed grown smaller and more personal through
musicianship, live performances and the exchange of ideas rather than social
media. REJS
also works to bring music and education to teens and adolescents via their Youth
Spotlight program.
On Friday December 5,
2014 REJS Entertainment will proudly
host Violinist and Composer Sonya Robinson at Tavern On The Lake in Hightstown,
New Jersey.
