a trad/jazz fusion
Combining the improvisational style, swing 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 Ed Butler on drums.
About the Band Members:
David DiGiuseppe
David has been performing professionally since 1978 as a soloist and with numerous bands. He is known for his fiery and emotive playing, and is equally at home performing Irish tunes in a pub, French musettes in a cabaret, contra or Cajun music for a dance, or in the intimate setting of a concert hall. As a singer and storyteller, DiGiuseppe also presents solo concerts to schools and family audiences.
DiGiuseppe has released three recordings showcasing his playing of music from the Celtic, Parisian and American traditions. He has also published two written collections of traditional fiddle tunes arranged for accordion through Mel Bay Publications.
www.daviddg.com
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Rodney Marsh
Rodney
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
Bernie
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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Diane Petteway
Growing up in eastern North Carolina, Diane 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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Ed Butler
Ed Butler has performed in an assortment of venues both across the United States and throughout Europe and Northern Africa. Since his North Carolina arrival in 1982, he has become an integral part of the artistic community there.
Besides working with Contrazz, Ed performs with The Bernie Petteway Trio, a modern jazz group featuring Bernie Petteway on guitar and Robbie Link on bass. His most recent project is ELM Collective (Ecco La Musica), a fusion of jazz and world timbres and rhythms with Arabic and Mediterranean overtones. ELM is a collective of composers and musicians from around the world dedicated to the performance of new and original music.
Ed has also performed with The North Carolina Symphony, The North Carolina Ballet, The Red Clay Ramblers, Michelle Shocked, Pop Staples, and many others, as well as appearing on “A Prairie Home Companion”. He has composed and performed music for Chapel Hill’s Playmakers Repertory Company and Jelly Educational Theatre.
