PureVolume

I am primarily a jazz composer. A wide range of influences are found in my music including jazz, tango, blues, samba, fusion, new music, and back to American roots music. My work is often described as "Serious music that is fun".

My exploration of the jazz family tree does not stop at New Orleans. I've gone further back to old fiddle styles -- especially, Appalachian -- as an early branch in the evolution of the music. For me, looking back to roots music and looking ahead to new music are equally creative.

I am also deeply attracted to nuevo tango and to Astor Piazzolla's music. My tangos are written in a personal style. They draw upon jazz and, at times, have a touch of contemporary classical. In a curious way, a number of musician friends have told me that they hear a Frank Zappa influence in some of my tangos. I suspect it's the quirky humor that runs through much of my music.

As you listen to my music, if there are pieces that you especially like please let me know and I'll send copies of the music. I'm looking for more musicians and ensembles to discover and perform this music.

Listed in International Who's Who in Music.

Independent artist. A selection of my music is licensed through PARMA Recordings.

The following musicians are on my recordings:

Amy Leonard, violin
Jason Shapiro, saxophones
Jeff Knoettner, keyboards
E. Shawn Qaissaunee, guitar
Peter McCarthy or Brian Howell, bass
Skip Rohrich, drums

NEW TANGO NO. 5 and DONUT MUSIC
Keith Calmes, guitar

SOUTH MOUNTAIN SUNRISE
Bret Shane Sinclair, guitar & keyboards

BUZZARDS IN LOVE (for wind ensemble)
The MP3 file was generated by Silibelius software and is a rough approximation of how the piece sounds with a real band.

More of my music can be heard at: http://www.reverbnation.com/rogeraldridge