Tia Fuller Quartet, Friday, May 18
Tia Fuller Quartet
Friday, May 18
Kuumbwa Jazz
“… sheer improvisational prowess.” – The Chicago Tribune
When Tia Fuller isn’t leading her own quartet, you may have heard the gifted alto saxophonist/flutist with a variety of performers in the jazz and pop world. Her dynamic sound, inspired by Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane, has been featured with Nancy Wilson, Jon Faddis, Sean Jones, and pop diva Beyonce. Elements of bop, gospel, Brazilian, and funk are infused throughout her energetic music. Fuller has three recordings out under her own name, the latest being the critically praised Decisive Steps (Mack Avenue Recordings). Most recently, she was named Musical Director for Esperanza Spalding’s eagerly awaited Radio Music Society tour.
Tia Fuller grew up in Aurora, Colorado. Her parents were educator/administrators in the Denver public school system and also musicians. Playing music was a regular part of her early life. At age 3, she was already trying to imitate her older sister, Shamie, at the piano. By age 9, she started taking flute lessons. In high school, she focused on saxophone and her burgeoning interest in playing jazz. Academically inclined, Fuller has a Bachelor of Arts in music from Spelman College in Atlanta and a Masters in Jazz Pedagogy and Performance from the University of Colorado in Boulder. Fuller relocated to New Jersey in 2001, plunging into the jazz scene, and going all out to become established as a working musician. Gigs with big bands led by Charli Persip, Don Byron, and Jon Faddis helped make Fuller a talent worth hearing. In 2006, Fuller was selected to be part of pop diva Beyonce’s Experience World Tour.
Fuller’s association with Beyonce gave her high exposure on an international level, something rarely accorded a jazz artist. Yet, Fuller continued to nurture her solo career, working with her quartet on recordings and concert appearances. To date, she has three CDs under her own name, and received kudos from all corners of the jazz world. She also maintains a busy schedule as a music clinician, preparing the next generation of jazz musicians, and spreading the word on the therapeutic, as well as the artistic, aspects of music. Idealism and music go together for Fuller. She strongly believes in the ability of music to uplift and inspire people in their daily life. Her energetic performances, where she never gives less than 100%, bear this out. When not leading her own group, Fuller plays regularly in a number of stellar groups, including the Rufus Reid Septet, Sean Jones Quintet, and T.S. Monk’s septet. This inventive straight-ahead player has been described by one critic as “among the top tier of current saxophone players.” Definitely, one to watch!
CALENDAR INFO
Tia Fuller Quartet
DATE: Friday, May 18, 2012
PLACE: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
ADDRESS: 320 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
TIME: 7:30 PM
PRICE: $22/Adv $25/Door
TICKETS: Logos Books & Records, 1117 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz (831) 427-5100 and online at: http://www.kuumbwajazz.org
MORE INFO: http://www.kuumbwajazz.org or 831-427-2227
Media contact:
Jordy Freed
jordy@dlmediamusic.com
610-667-0501
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