Duncan Hardy, Sax; Chris Claxton, Trumpet; Peter Herman, Guitar; RJ Miller, Drums; Scott Kiefner, Bass + Surprise Guest
The Late Drummer-Composer-Educator- Whose life and work this performance celebrates- was, arguably, one of a handful of native-born creative artists whose imprint on the cultural landscape of Maine will be felt, we believe, for generations to come.
As teacher and mentor Steve Grover inspired, over a 3 decade career, a cadre of developing young musicians, from Robert Stillman and Chris Van Voorst Van Beest to Duncan Hardy, R.J. Miller, Liz Kosack and Devin Gray, many of whom are carrying on to this day his legacy of excellence and deep commitment to craft, in jazz and beyond.
The ensemble Assembled for this (13th) Steve Grover Birthday Bash are exemplars of that legacy; Students, mentees, frequent collaborators and special guests (Including legendary saxophonist & Steve’s great friend George Garzone) all remembering and honoring Steve Grover’s impact on their lives, both musical and personal, and, by extension, on all of ours.
Performer Bios
Chris Klaxton
New England native, Chris Klaxton, has developed a reputation as a gifted multi-instrumentalist, an imaginative composer, and an effective educator. With degrees in both classical and jazz trumpet, Klaxton has received a rich and varied education, studying with: Brian Lynch, Terence Blanchard, Jason Carder, Dr. Robert Stibler, Stephen Guerra, Whit Sidener, and Gary Lindsay.
Perhaps the most significant musical relationship of Klaxton’s career is that with famed trumpeter, Clark Terry. Years of study, several years as valet / travel manager, and more than a decade of friendship with Clark, has left Chris saturated with lessons and anecdotes (musical and otherwise). Chris is proud to pass on a repertoire unique to Clark, a system of phrasing and rhythmic pronunciation, and a means of conveyance handed down directly from one of the founding fathers of the music.
Duncan Hardy
Saxophonist Duncan Hardy is an active performer in the greater New England music scene. In 2010 he received his B.A. in Jazz Saxophone Performance from S.U.N.Y Purchase College. While at Purchase Duncan was awarded the prestigious James Moody Scholarship award and had the privilege of working with James Moody, Hank Jones, Jon Faddis, Steve Wilson, Eric Alexander, Jon Gordon, Hal Galper, Antonio Hart, Maria Schneider and Randy Brecker.
Peter Herman
Peter Herman is a guitarist from central Maine. Peter has studied and performed with local jazz greats such as Steve Grover, toured Europe with Brad Terry and Joachim Mencel, and continues to perform/record in local groups of various genres such as Cilla Bonnie. Peter resides in Wayne, Maine and teaches music at Maine Arts Academy, and the University of Maine at Augusta.
RJ Miller
Long a fixture on the NYC and European jazz/experimental music scene, RJ Miller has performed and recorded with artists like George Garzone, Jorge Rossy, Ben Street, Bill McHenry, Eric Revis, Hugo Rasmussen, Mark Turner, Chris Cheek, Meshell N’degeocello, Larry Grenadier, Jakob Bro, Aaron Parks and Paula Cole to name a few.
RJ’s education has been primarily through private instruction from masters like Ornette Coleman, Frank Wess, Lee Konitz, Masabumi Kikuchi, Juini Booth, and Reggie Workman.
He is best known for his work on albums like “Ben Entrada La Nit,” “Alive in Japan,” “Ronald’s Rhythm,” “Plainville,” “Memories of Days Gone By,” “Intuition,” “Sinker,” “Dreams in Apartments,” and “Horses.”
Scott Kiefner
Scott Kiefner is a bassist and educator living in Portland, ME. After studying at McGill University, he returned to New England and began a career as a versatile sideman and bandleader. He performs regularly as a member of the Soggy Po Boys, Sojoy, OURBIGBAND, Dharma Down, and many other ensembles throughout New England and beyond.
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