On "Just for You" and "Cherokee":
Michael Dease, trombone;
Pete Reardon- Anderson, tenor;
Tom Barber, trumpet;
Adam Birnbaum, piano;
Paul Beaudry, bass;
Vincent Ector, drums------
On "Firm Roots" and "If You Could See Me Now":
Zaccai Curits, piano; David Wong, bass; Pete Van Nostrand, drums
Influences
Jazz (Early, Swing, BeBop, Hard Bop, Modal, Modern, Contemporary): Johnny Hodges, Louis Armstrong, Benny Carter, Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt, Cannonball Adderley, Jimmy Heath, John Coltrane, Hank Mobley, Sonny Rollins, James Moody, Jackie McLean, Gary Bartz, James Spaulding, Joe Henderson,Branford Marsalis, Eric Alexander, Vincent Herring, Greg Osby. Also influenced by all forms of American popular music.
Virtuoso saxophonist and Astrix World recording artist Sharel Cassity (pron. shah-relle) tours the world performing creative, straight-ahead jazz to the delight of fans, critics, and herself. "This is why I am here- to be a working jazz musician. It's the reason I get up in the morning... what more could I want?" Cassity's fervor has been internationally rewarded through the IAJE Sister's In Jazz, Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead, and the 2007 ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award.
Holding the Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from New School University and The Juilliard School respectively, Cassity draws upon the polish and discipline of her conservatory training to augment her "beautiful, highly-personal tone" (Benny Green) and informed approach. "...this altoist's flights are positively Bird-like" (Jazziz Magazine).
As a leader, Cassity has enchanted Manhattan's notoriously discriminating audiences at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, NBC's Rainbow Room, and the legendary West Village bop stop Smalls. Cassity's experience as a sideman ranges from the big bands of Jimmy Heath, DIVA, The Dizzy Gillespie All Star Big Band, Roy Hargrove and Valery Pomanarev to the small groups of Harry Whitaker, Ingrid Jensen, Mark Whitfield and John Lee. A talented woodwind specialist, Cassity is often called to perform on clarinet, flute, alto flute and piccolo as well as soprano, tenor and baritone saxophones when necessary. Her versatility has secured concerts at the Playboy Jazz Festival, Mary Lou Williams Festival, Costa Rica Jazz Festival, Avery Fischer Hall, Merkin Concert Hall and the Ureke Symphony Orchestra.
"Serious fun, approached with absolute artistic conviction and integrity-driven grooves!" says Ingrid Jensen of "Just For You" (2008) by the Sharel Cassity Sextet. Featuring veteran rhythm players Vincent Ector and Paul Beaudry alongside young lions Adam Birnbaum (Greg Osby Quintet) and Mike Dease (Slide Hampton All-Stars), Cassity's alto saxophone floats over lush arrangements that are sure to keep your head bopping and your finger on the "rewind" button.
Currently based in New York City, Sharel Cassity is originally from Yukon, Oklahoma. A committed educator, Cassity's private studio is in its eighth year; she is also a teaching artist for the NY Pops Salute to Music program.
BEST WISHES FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASONS TO ONE OF MY FAVORITE AND ONE OF THE BEST MUSICIANS ON THE PLANET!!!!! OH, AND MICHAEL TOO!!! LOL. HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!!!!
"Canción a quemarropa" world music radio show at Onda Joven, Candelaria Radio & Aitiden Radio (Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, Europe), myspace and blog: http://cancionaquemarropa. blogspot. com
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is beautiful, classy & strong and I love her. Help her live her life to the fullest.
Please promote her and help her to excel above expectations.
Help her to shine in the darkest places, love where it seems impossible to love, forgive when the hurts seems unforgivable.
Protect her at all times, lifting her up when she needs you the most. Let her know that when she walks with you; she will always be safe in your love. Please hear my prayer My Creator... Amen
You were GREAT last night at Fat Cat Sharel, as was the whole group. Looks like it may become a regular Sunday night thing for me. Best Wishes to you!!! Tony
