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Upcoming ZZAJ Performances:
ZZAJ Plays Monthly at
Jazz at College Center - Claremont
For scheduling details click HERE
Read about ZZAJ and Jack Jones . . . From a fan's blog
ZZAJ
ZZAJ is a contemporary music group offering a blend of Jazz, R & B and Latin styles.
The group was originally formed in 1992 by guitarist Rich Sumner and drummer
Roger Gillespie and was soon joined by bassist Tom Barnett and vocalist DiAne Gillespie.
1996 marked the release of the group's first album Passing Glance. The title song was a
nod to the passing of the late, great Joe Pass.
This album included the guest artistry of upright
bassist Ernie Nuñez, keyboardist Mark Kinney and Latin percussionist
Adrian "Chico" Hernandez.
Soon after this release Joel Paat joined the group on keyboards as a permanent member.
With the addition of Joel, the current sound of ZZAJ began to take form. All the members
of the group contribute to the writing and arranging of the music.
2003 saw the release of their second album In a Lifetime. The title song is dedicated to the great jazz
drummer Tony Williams and his band Lifetime. This album can be heard at CDBaby.
For booking info, please send an email to: rsumner@charter.net
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ZZAJ Personnel
Rich Sumner graduated from the Guitar Institute of Technology, where he studied with Joe Diorio,
Ron Eschete and Joe Pass. Since 1989, he has been the guitar instructor at Victor Valley Community
College. Additionally, Rich has a full performance schedule and runs his own piano tuning business,
Accutune Piano Service.
Joel Paat received his B.M. from Cal State Fullerton in 1990. He has studied privately with Tom Ranier,
Billy Childs and Steve Dancz. Joel teaches Jazz Piano and the Jazz Combos at Riverside Community
College. He also teaches at Claremont Community School of Music. He maintains a busy performance
schedule and is actively working on his own CD project. Email: jpjazzproject@earthlink.net
Tom Barnett has played all styles of music for 30 years and mostly jazz fusion for the last 15. He
played Shenzhen, China for 3 months in 2002. He studied with Ric Fierabracci who plays with
Frank Gimbale and Chick Corea, and contributed to Emmy award winning composer Mike Licari.
For the last decade, Tom has maintained a full teaching schedule of 40 students weekly. In addition
to bass, he plays classicial and fingerstyle guitar.
Roger Gillespie has been a professional drummer for almost 30 years. He has many recording and
live credits. Roger is a highly sought-after drum instructor who maintains a busy performing schedule.
Email: roger@rogeragillespie.com
DiAne Gillespie has performed professionally for more than 25 years in studio and live dates. She is in
demand as a vocal instructor and choir director. DiAne is also a highly talented artist (see the drawing
above). She has contributed her artwork to the covers of both ZZAJ albums.
Email: desertwindsong16@aol.com
Webmaster: hsleff1@mac.com
