Combining the improvisational style and solos
of a jazz band with a repertoire of traditional Celtic, Quebecois and American
old–time music, Contrazz is a high-energy ensemble known for its driving
rhythms and hot music.
A band with a serious groove, this ensemble of highly skilled players
includes David DiGiuseppe on accordion, Rodney Marsh on saxophone and
flute, Bernie Petteway on guitar, Diane Petteway on piano and Sara Romweber on percussion.
The Band Members:
David DiGiuseppe is a nationally recognized accordionist,
know for his fiery style and unique approach to the instrument. He has
released three solo recordings and has published two extensive tune collections
for accordion through Mel Bay Publishing. David has been playing professionally
as a soloist and with numerous bands since 1978. www.daviddg.com
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Rodney Marsh has been a performing musician since 1972. As a saxophonist
and flutist, he has played with numerous jazz bands, including regular
stints with the Greg Gelb Swing Band, the North Carolina Jazz Repertoire
Band and the North Carolina Theater.
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Bernie Petteway is one of North Carolina's critically acclaimed guitarists. His diverse background
includes appearances with a variety of jazz, rock, traditional, and rhythm
and blues ensembles. He has recorded and appeared in concert with nationally
known artists Pat Benatar, Erich Kunzel (conductor St. Louis Symphony), Neil
Sedaka, Bee Gees, Tito Puente, and many others.
Bernie is frequently a guest soloist with the NC Symphony and has provided
guitar accompaniment for many North Carolina theater companies and national
touring theater productions. He has composed music for television programs
nationally syndicated by PBS.
In addition to Contrazz, Bernie performs with jazz trio Blue Combo and the
acoustic ensemble Stringfellows. Bernie was one of the founding members of
the legendary jazz-fusion group 3PM which EER-MUSIC.com's tribute page calls
"one of the most underrated jazz rock fusion bands to have ever existed".
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Growing up in eastern North Carolina, Diane Petteway was raised on
traditional music. In addition to playing with Contrazz, she is a musical
director and performer with Raleigh Little Theater, Theater in the Park
and other acting companies. She also teaches music to elementary school children.
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Drummer and percussionist Sara Romweber has recently joined Contrazz. Her celebrated musical career includes being a founding member of Let's Active, a band that between 1983 and 1988, released some of the finest Southern power-pop/jangle-pop of the decade. She then went on to perform with the acclaimed rock band Snatches of Pink. Sara now performs with her bother Dexter as The Dex Romweber Duo.
