Newburgh Arts & Cultural Commission

presents

The Lineup

• Christopher Dean Sullivan, Bass Artisan
• Michael T.A. Thompson, Soundrhythium
• Eri Yamamoto, Piano

The Word

• "One of the strongest, if not the most eclectic, rhythm sections working today... their rhythmic intensity and discoveries reflect a broad history across a wide spectrum of styles." - Drimala
• "Pianist Eri Yamamoto is one of jazz’s most dynamic new talents."
  - All About Jazz New York
• "Center Search Quest develop new material in a style eclectic enough to combine elements of cutting-edge improvisation with R&B-tinged rhythms." - Don Heckman
• "Presenting a repertoire that's as varied as the experiences of the members of Center Search Quest" - Jazz Improv Magazine.

Chris Sullivan

Chicago, Ill born, raised in Pittsburgh, PA...Bass Artisan Christopher Dean Sullivan has developed into one of the most versatile bassist of many musical languages: Reggae, Caribbean, Indian, African, and Eurocentric perceptions, rock, country, and more. Chris is well traveled throughout the U.S., the Caribbean Islands and Europe.

He has shared the stage with other such notables as Stanley Jordan, Joe Mephee, Sonny Simmons, Pete Seeger, Charlie Persip, Yusef Lateef, Grant Green, Horace Parlan, Judi Silvano, Cecil Payne, Archie Schepp, Joe Lovano, and Roy Campbell Jr.

Chris Sullivan is heard on various records and CDs from jazz and blues to acoustic folk, funk and gospel. Chris's discography includes Live in New York (Black Saint/Soul Note), Language of Swans (Drimala), Barbara Sfraga "Under the Moon" (A440 musicgroup), Stepping with the Giant (C.I.M.P./Cadence), and Barbara Sfraga & Center Search Quest "Timelessness Frozen in Time" (SyncTimiCity).

"Chris Sullivan, a bassist whose authoritative and bluesy bendings of the notes honor his affection for legends such as Slam Stewart as well as Ray Brown." - Steve Monroe, Jazz Journalists Association

Michael T.A. Thompson

Soundrhythium Michael T.A. Thompson is an anomaly. That's why you'll find him in the company of such a wide variety of musical artists, including Joe McPhee, Oliver Lake, Kid Jordan, Alex Foster, Roy Campbell Jr., Dennis Gonzales, Matthew Shipp, Uri Caine, Henry Grimes, John Patitucci, Christopher Dean Sullivan, Marc Ribot, William Parker, The Shadow, Becket, reggae artist Owen Gray, as well as artists from classical to rap and beyond.

T.A.'s palate encompasses an abundance of sound colors. He hears everything and plays with it in a way that's ever inventive and perceptively responsive. Thompson plays as he breathes. You'll always find him in the moment, inspired as well as inspiring.

"Thompson is impressive too, both in his rhythmic affinity... and in his sensitivity to texture and tone." - Nate Chinen, JazzTimes

Eri Yamamoto

Pianist Eri Yamamoto began playing classical piano at age three in her home of Kyoto, Japan. Eri has lived and performed in New York City since 1996, graduating in 1999 from The New School of Jazz & Contemporary Music. She is currently a faculty member at The Mannes College of Music in Manhattan.

Ms. Yamamoto’s resume reflects her work with such notable musicians as Ron McClure, Ikuo Takeuchi, Michael Carvin, Andy McKee, Reggie Workman, and also notes her performances at the JVC Jazz Festival in New York, at St Peter's Church, Gracie Mansion, Riverside Church, the Salle Claude Debussy in Paris, and a number of well known New York City jazz clubs.

Eri Yamamoto has released four critically acclaimed CD’s, most recently “Cobalt Blue” on the Thirsty Ear label.

"My hat’s off to her. She’s found her own voice." - Herbie Hancock

"If you've heard the way her charmingly off kilter takes on standards and originals quiet down the denizens of this hole, you know that this has been time well spent." - Time Out Magazine