
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.
Tony
“Stickman” Wyatt, Drums
…Tony Wyatt has been a leader and educator for more then thirty
years. He has established himself as one of the top rated drummers
in Philadelphia and tri-state area. Tony has played for Hank
Mobley, James Moody, Bootsie Barns, and a host of others. As a
leader he has commanded the, Freedom Express (Jazz & Soul),
Sound of Freedom and Tony’s Universe. In the past he was
involved with the productions of Ambassador Satch, (story of
Louis Armstrong), It Ain’t Nothin But the Blues (Origin and
history of the blues) and the cabaret version of Me & Misses
Jones. Currently Tony is teaching at the Philadelphia Clef Club
of Jazz and the Performing Arts and performing with Georgie
Bond’s Blues Band, Carl Grubbs Airwaves and Monet Sudler.
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
|
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."
Since 1990, Warren has been lecturing and presenting workshops on
jazz, music composition, and other aspects of music and its business
at libraries, public and private schools, and universities. Most
recently Warren co-produced and was Artistic Director for the 2003
Philadelphia Jazz and Poetry Festival.
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:
-
"LifeLine" - Silk Skin,
2002
-
"The Po/Jazz Connection:
Live from Brave New World"
– Silk Skin, 1999
-
"Slo/Burn" - Silk Skin,
1999
-
"Moving With the Dreaming"
- Harmony Image, 1997
-
"Zanzibar Blue" - Sosa,
1995
-
"Behind the Mountain Wall"
- Silk Skin, 1992
-
"Le-Le" - Silk Skin, 1987
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. |