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Members of Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble |
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 Tony
Umar
Warren |
Warren Oree –
(acoustic, upright bass), leader of Arpeggio Jazz and Music Ensemble
– has traveled extensively, performing at jazz festivals throughout
Europe, the Caribbean and South America. He has recorded and
produced several CDs, and creates and coordinates a variety of music
related community educational programs, seminars and workshops for
children and adults providing a forum and outlet for emerging
musicians, creative artists and the musically inquisitive. Umar Raheem – (tenor and soprano saxophone) - has toured and recorded with Hank Mobley, Sunny Murray, Monnette Sudler and others. His musical style transcends all genres. He has a unique approach to his instrument that stands out in a sea of cliches. In 1997, Umar produced and recorded his debut CD as leader, entitled: “Big Boy’s Honor” (RHM Records). His talents as a composer are highlighted in this CD as well as his contributions to the ARPEGGIO catalog.
Warren Oree began playing the upright bass in 1973 at age 25. In 1975 he joined the group "Weusi Mutribu" and in 1979 he started the group that he leads today – The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble. In addition to performing with Arpeggio, Warren has toured and/or recorded with: Jamaladeen Tacuma and Basso Nouveaux; Khan Jamal; Hamiette Bluiette. He has also performed with Donald Byrd, Wynton Marsalis, Odean Pope, and drummer Norman Connors. He has toured Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States.
Umar |
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When Warren isn't performing, he's busy behind the scenes composing,
producing and arranging original works. He has composed the score
for two documentaries by Harmony Image Productions entitled, "Anna
Russell Jones – Praise Song for a Pioneer Spirit," which detailed
the life and accomplishments of one of the first African-American
Interior designers; and "Moving With the Dreaming," which was an
in-depth look at the past and current struggles of the Australian
Aborigines. Warren has also composed the theme song for two seasons
of "Through the Lens," a TV program produced by Nadine Patterson for
WYBE-TV channel 35, Philadelphia. His productions include a jazz
opera entitled, "The Dream Tree," and he has written and directed a
one act play about the effects of prison life on those inside and
outside the prison walls entitled, "Living Forever, Waiting to Die."
Most recently, the wireless phone company, T-Mobile has licensed
with Warren Oree's production company to use excerpts from his
original composition "Wet Walnuts and Whipped Cream." Also, he was commissioned by the Philadelphia Museum of Art to compose music for five paintings by African American artists. The genesis of the ARPEGGIO sound was created in 1979 by bassist Warren Oree. Warren Oree & The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble have recorded seven CDs:
Warren Oree & The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble have performed throughout the world, most recently at the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival along with Pancho Sanchez, Chuck Mangione and other notable artists. ARPEGGIO’s repertoire includes original and standard compositions. Everyone in the band composes which gives the group a versatile sound that appeals to a variety of audiences. Their music is flexible, ranging from soft, contemplative melodies, to energetic, multi-rhythmic arrangements. It is not unusual for audiences to break out in dance in response to some of the pulsating beats issuing forth from the bandstand. They also have encouraged poets to share their writings and verse along with their musical accompaniment. |
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