The Phoenix Jazz Project

About

Tom Glovier, pianist/composer/arranger

Tom started his piano training at age 9. While earning a B.A. degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he studied classical performance, composition, and jazz theory. Having graduated from IUP, Tom moved on to Florida State University where he earned an M.A. in Performance; Jazz Studies. While at FSU he earned a teaching assistantship directing the Late Night Jazz Ensemble and assisting with other Jazz courses as needed. After graduating with honors from FSU, Tom returned to Pittsburgh to play with many local artists. Tom's influences include Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, McCoy Tyner, Joey Calderazzo, and Russell Ferrante.

Jessie Glovier, vocals

Jessie began her musical career singing in the church choir from age 7. Having recognized her ability to sing, the choir director began to feature her as a soloist on Sundays. While continuing to sing, she began her early training on flute in the school band. Jessie also became interested in the stage. She appeared in two high school musicals, Pippin and George M, the latter of which she had the leading lady role. As she continued to search for a career in music she joined a local band playing gigs in and around the Pittsburgh area. One of her proud accomplishments was winning the competition to sing the Star Spangled Banner as the Pittsburgh Pirate's Star for the Day in June of 2003. Her current influences include Tierney Sutton, Dianne Reeves, Ella Fitzgerald, and Kim Nazarian.

Curtis Johnson, saxophones

An associate professor of music at West Virginia University, Curtis Johnson has been on the WVU faculty for 19 years. His education credentials include a bachelors degree in music from West Liberty State College and a masters in music from WVU. Curtis has performed with a long roster of artists including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Isaac Hayes, James Brown, Patti LeBelle, Wynton Marsalis, and the Temptations, and Chicago. Curtis' musical influences include Cannonball Adderley, Charlie Parker, and Grover Washington. Curtis is a performing artist/clinician for the Yamaha Corporation.

Jason Birch, drums

Jason has been playing drum set for seven years and percussion for ten years. He has studied at Youngstown State University, West Virginia University, and is currently at West Liberty State College. While attending YSU, he studied perscussion and drum set with Dr. Glenn Schaft. At WVU, he has studied with Al Wrublesky, a specialist in drum set. Jason has performed with various groups such as Jr. Pezz, Real Silk Band, Steel Casa, Johnny Tillotson, and The Crystals. Some of Jason's influences include Philly Joe Jones, Elvin Jones, Roy Haynes, Buddy Rich, Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, Horacio El Negro Hernandez, Antonio Sanchez, and Allison Miller.


Robert Insko, bass

Robert is a freelance performer on the acoustic and electric basses, as well as trombone. He performs in the Pittsburgh area with Walt Harper, the John Wilson Big Band, Catch 22, Chuck Spatafore's Little Big Band, the Burgh Big Band, occasionally with The Three Rivers Jazz Orchestra, Dr. Zoot. Robert has also performed locally with nationally-acclaimed jazz artists, Harry Connick, Jr., Rob McConnell, and Phil Woods, to name a few. Before pursuing a career in teaching, he traveled and performed professionally from 1984 - 1991 with The Four Kinsmen, The Brooks Paxton Show, The Temptations and The Four Tops. Robert holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Morehead State University, and is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree from Duquesne University.

Personnel

Tom Glovier: pianist/composer/arranger
Curtis Johnson: Saxophones
Jessie Glovier: Vocals
Bob Insko: Bass
Jason Birch: Drums

Performance Schedule

Past Booked Dates:

10-16-2008 — Russia Tour
09-28-2008 — Pittsburgh Jazz Society
08-16-2008 — Sassy Marie's - Pittsburgh
07-25-2008 — Sweetwater Center for the Arts - Wolcott Park
07-11-2008 — Gullifty's - Squirrel Hill
07-08-2008 — USX Tower Plaza Lunchtime Concert Series
06-25-2008 — Wheeling Waterfront - WV Heritage Port Amphitheater
06-20-2008 — private party

Available for Your

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