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Recent reviews for Zack Ferris

Zack Ferris
EMAIL: funktofugue@sbcglobal.net
myspace.com/zackferris
myspace,com/rouxtrio NEW TRACKS from BELL BOY studios July 2008

LATEST NEWS:
Currently in negotiations with Epiphyte Records...

LOOKING FOR FILM SCORE WORK:

I am a East Coast transplant who has taught at several schools ranging from college level to working with children. I am a freelance composer looking for film scoring work.. I’m currently teaching Music Theory I, Logic Intensive Courses, and upper division Styles of Music Composition at Cogswell College and have been recently asked to teach filmscoring courses at Cogswell with the agreement that I need to be actively scoring films.


You can contact me at 415-750-1466. If you know any opportunities please send them my way. Thank you.


FILM REEL:


b) BALANCE: (clay animated)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz0ZioDmY2s

c) THEATRE of Magic (remake of Yan Hammers original)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FQWf_Wbitg


INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS/ LIVE performances:


A) Learn to Dance on the Keys (teaching improv series):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak09cu42KC0

B) FACULTY piano recital
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9uzABLOBBY



A little look at Ferris’ extended musical history will shed some light on just how much talent is on fire inside of this Latin- and jazz-based maestro. “I started piano at the ripe age of five and have continued to this day, pursuing my love of playing the keyboard,” says Ferris. “I have composed pieces ranging from twelve-tone rows to four-part contrapuntal fugues, from TV jingles to brass fanfares, from big band charts to pop singles.” The scope of Ferris’ personal musical canon alone should be a big clue that this is a songwriting powerhouse.

Each Note Counts

This Berklee College of Music-educated musician believes in attention to detail in order to bring about a cohesive and attractive whole. “My theory is that each note counts.” Ferris’ songwriting process involves him getting himself in tune – in total symbiosis – with his music. He believes that music is a extension of the person. “One’s fingers are your extension to your voice,” he said of piano playing. “The piano can feel like a laughing cliff but if you breathe with it, it brings you into a beautiful world, the world of music.” He looks at himself not as a musician but as a vessel through which the music flows.

Teacher

Ferris is not only a performer and composer but also a teacher. He taught improvisation at the Blue Bear School of American Music and instructed students about theory as well as upper division composing in a particular style. Ferris ran Emagic (Apple) Logic Intensives at Cogswell College. He shared his knowledge of music theory teaching at Pyramid in San Francisco and educated others in piano improv at New Mozart School and the Palo Alto School of the Performing Arts. Currently, he is teaching all ages at Vibomusic and will be a private educator at Oakland Public Conservatory. In addition, he is known for his skills in MIDI consultation. He is on the tech support team with obedia.com. He recently started a Yambu Productions with Marcus Lopez- former bass player of Eddie Palmieri. Plus he is behind the masterful video series, “Learn to Dance on the Keys.” According to Zach, “I was put on this earth to teach music and to share my gift with the world.”

The Artist at Work

Ferris landed a deal with Music in the Vines, an indie label based out of Hawai. He made a guest appearance with new jazz album “Chasing the Cheetah” on KCSM and is hard at work on his next two releases, “1,2,3” – made up mostly of solo jazz piano – and an album offering tribute to Afro-Cuban flavors. Ferris is also co-writing a Vegas-style show with Brie Kaanoi, to be directed by Vernon Black. He is also part of the 70s cover band Remix with Marcus Smith, formerly a keyboardist for the Whispers. And the educator is being educated as he studies with Coto Pincheira (who was mentored by Chuch Valdes and Gonzalo Rubalcaba). You can catch him with the Roux Trio every Friday at Enricos (SF,CA). Ferris has collaborated with Baba Tunde Leah, Carl Perazzo (percussion for Santana), Naim Satya, Ledisi, Josh Jones, Curtis Ohison, Bobby Bryant, Stymie and the PJLO, La Gran Orquestra, Mingo Lewis (who has worked with many of the jazz greats), Josh Jones, Latin Safari Orquestra and Ziggy Modeliste. Ferris is currently working with A&R Select, the leading A&R firm in Hollywood, CA.

“Zack Ferris is an astonishing artist whose work is nothing short of enlightening.” – A&R Select

“Zack provides a unique musical landscape. Fusing the elements of his diverse background Zack comes up with music that consistantly grooves. I have the privilege of listening to literally hundreds of jazz artists and albums. Zack’s project stands out!!”- Clifford Brown Jr. KCSM FM 91.1

"Zack grabs the spirit by the tail & goes for a ride” -Karl Perazzo (former Prince drummer/ current Santana’s percussionist)

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