Spa Creek jazz Band
JAZZ MIX FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE
Spa Creek Swing Band and the Annapolis Jazztet were merged in August 2023 to become Spa Creek Jazz Band. The Spa Creek Swing Band was founded in 1989 and has been performing in the Annapolis, DC, and Baltimore area ever since. The band is sizable from a quartet to a septet. Normally, Spa Creek is a septet including a vocalist. Spa Creek plays all the great jazz charts attributed to big bands, combos, and traditional dixieland bands.
Jim tavener, general manager, Trumpet, Flugelhorn, trombone
Jim has been playing trumpet and trombone; and leading bands since the 70’s. He started playing with the Spa Creek Band in 1990 and has led the band since 2014. He founded, performs with, and leads the Annapolis Junction Big Band. He plays lead trumpet with the Dr. Phil Butts Big Band and lead trombone with the Goldenaires Big Band. He routinely performs with various classical brass, German band, and traditional jazz groups. He has backed up B. J. Thomas on trombone.
spa creek PERSONNEL
paul morawski, PIANO, arranger
Paul Morawski has been a constant presence in the Washington jazz and big band scene since his days as a student at American University in the 1970’s. His classical piano teachers include Susanne Baker and Thomas Pandolfi, and his jazz studies were with John Phillips, Ron Elliston, Mike Crotty, Hank Levy and Asher Zlotnik. Most of his current work is with big bands, and he loves accompanying singers.
David vermettE, electric bass, STRING BASS, composer, vocals
From a musical family, David Vermette started playing bass at age 12, played his first professional gig at age 13, and recorded his first studio session at age 14. He holds a Masters degree in Contemporary Improvisation from the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) in Boston, where he studied with Grammy Award winning jazz bassist Cecil McBee and with MacArthur Grant recipient Ran Blake. At NEC David was a teaching assistant in the Department of Music History and Musicology. He was also a student at two sessions of Robert Fripp's Guitar Craft seminars.
David has performed in every venue from Jordan Hall to a biker bar, including such Boston area jazz venues as the Acton Jazz Club, Ryles, the Beehive, and Scullers as well as Rock clubs like the Middle East and D.C.'s Black Cat. He has been heard at universities such as Brandeis and Tufts as well as on college radio. He has performed with such acts as Slant Six, the Live Wire Band, the Leah Langfeld Project, Steve Thomas & the Co-Conspirators (with Gary Fieldman and Rich Greenblatt), John Funkhouser, and Claire Ritter, as well as with his own post-rock quintet, Playhouse Republic. Most recently, David has performed with Brazilian jazz outfit Rio Garage and with lounge act Tony Anthony and the Malvivants.
mike morris,drums
Mike is originally from Alabama where he played with the great blues singer and guitarist, Johnny Shines. He plays with small groups as well as big bands in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas. Since leaving Alabama, Mike has played drums in over half of the United States and 15 countries.
Brian Priebe, trombone, vocals
Brian is a gifted music director, singer and world-class instrumentalist playing both Trombone, Swiss Alphorn and Norwegian Lur player. He is a former member of the Utah Chamber Orchestra performing with Ballet West. Brian has also appeared on Trombone with Connie Francis, Doc Severinson, Franki Vali, Della Reece, Carole Channing, Louis Bellson, Clark Terry, and The Moody Blues. The sound of his horn can also be heard on numerous movie and TV soundtracks and commercials. Competing on the Swiss Alphorn in 2010 his duo with Tony Brazelton placed second in the International Alphorn Competition in Nendaz, Switzerland. In 2007 he took 2nd place in the solo division at the Alphorn Competition in Nendaz, Switzerland. His 2008 CD, Land of the Midnight Son: Norwegian Christmas in America with Linda Priebe and Ola Gjeilo is available from Arrivi Artist Marketing in Washington, DC
alan Caldwell, Tenor SAXOPHONE, Clarinet
Alan’s musical career began in elementary school with the clarinet, and he started on saxophone in junior high. He continued playing while at the University of Montana where he received a degree in Music Education. Throughout his 33-year public school music teaching career, he played with such artists as Tony Bennett, Mel Tormé, Maureen McGovern, Johnny Mathis, and Rosemary Clooney, and in numerous groups including the Baltimore Symphony for their Super Pops Concerts. After retiring from teaching he toured for eight years with “In the Mood Live,” performing in every state with the exception of Alaska. Currently he plays in a number of large and small jazz ensembles.
paul walton, guitar, vocals
Paul has been studying guitar since the age of eleven....a long time! His education has come from Morehead State University and North Texas State University, He has traveled the country with various groups, playing pop, rock, country, disco and jazz. He has performed with many notable entertainers such as Sunny Days Revue, The Diamonds (16 Gold Records), Katie Brooks, Jimmy Heath, Clark Terry, Pepper Adams and Boots Randolph. He plays consistently in the Baltimore and surrounding area with a vast array of very talented musicians.