Dayton jazz saxophonist Jack Novotny returns to Columbus for an evening of live jazz and world inspired grooves at Dick’s Den Thursday night. Jack’s newest project “Project Novo”, is the result of a new music collaboration with local Columbus pianist Dean Marcellana who also leads his own group “Clave Sonic”. Taking experiences sounds, and rhythms from their diverse musical backgrounds, Dean and Jack have been energizing the central and southwest jazz community with their innovative expressions. Fans may know Jack from his regular performances as a member of the Eddie Brookshire Quintet out of Dayton.
More about Jack Novotny
Originally from Cleveland, OH where Jack began his studies of the clarinet with Albert Blazer of the Cleveland Orchestra, Jack also studied saxophone and flute under the tutelage of Don Kubec and later attended North Texas State University. He moved to Philadelphia, PA and performed with several musicians associated with pianist Cecil Taylor at Glassboro State College in New Jersey.
After a brief stint in Iowa Jack returned to Cleveland and performed as a sideman with various R&B and jazz groups such as Edwin Starr, The Manhattan’s, Jimmy Ley’s Blues Idiom, Walter Blanding Sr. Quartet, and the Chuck Braman Quartet. Jack’s association with pianist/vibes/composer Ron Smith launched his pursuit of jazz composition. Novotny’s first recording session in Beaver Falls, PA comprised of three of Jack’s original compositions and featured Tom Baker (bassist), Ron Bush (pianist/vibes), Bill Severance (drums), Jim Hughes (guitar)and Susan Schmidt (vocals). The advent of this session resulted in a lifelong pursuit of musical composition and small ensemble writing.
A 25 year business sabbatical began in 1985 wherein Jack did not perform publicly until 2003. His return to the music business was re-ignited when Jack lived in Puerto Rico and began improvising with pianist Carli Munoz @ Contemporary Café in San Juan, P.R. When Jack returned to the U.S. he was united with the venerable bassist Eddie Brookshire out of Dayton, OH. EBQ released a CD entitled “Bass Notes – The Heart Beat of Jazz” in 2006 featuring the world renowned pianist Kenny Drew Jr. Novotny composes many of the quintet’s jazz music and performs regularly at many of the regions jazz venues such as Gilly’s, (Dayton, OH.), The Redmoor, The Blue Wisp, (Cincinnati, OH.), Night Town (Cleveland, OH.), Little E’s (Pittsburgh, PA.) and the Columbus, OH. Jazz & Rib Festival. More info at: http://www.jacknovotny.com/
More About Pianist Dean Marcellana
Dean is a regular on the Columbus jazz scene performing regularly as the leader of his own band “Clave Sonic” or as a sideman with many local jazz groups. Dean has earned music degrees from the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music and the Boston Conservatory. Marcellana’s pedigree includes performances as a featured soloist with the Boston Conservatory Wind Ensemble performing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the University of the Pacific Symphony performing Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major as well as the Tulare/Visalia Symphony performing Bach’s Concerto No. 1 in d minor. He traveled (in collaboration with his wife, Jennifer Marcellana/mezzo soprano) to Lima, Peru to perform as guest soloists with La Orquesta Musica Nueva.
Mr. Marcellana has performed at various venues such as the House of Blues (Cambridge, MA), the Hi-Hat Jazz Club (Providence, RI), the Limbo Jazz Club (Boston, MA), the Providence Black Repertory Theatre (Providence, RI), the Redmoor (Cincinnati, OH), the Boston Downtown Crossing Jazz in July Concert Series (Boston, MA), the Columbus Arts Festival (Columbus, OH), the Creekside Jazz and Blues Festival (Gahanna, OH), Festival Latino (Columbus, OH), the Grandview Heights Music on the Lawn Concert Series (Grandview Heights, OH), WGBH 89.7 FM, “The Jazz Gallery,” (Boston, MA), WERS 88.9 FM, “The Jazz Oasis,” (Boston, MA) and WGBH 90.5 FM, “Jazz Sunday,” (Columbus, OH), Boston Neighborhood Network (BNN Channel 9), “El Show de Fernandito,” (Boston, MA) and COX CABLE CHANNEL 18, “Jazz Talk with Steve Williams,” (Pawtucket, RI).
“Project Novo”
Thursday, September 1st
10pm, Dick’s Den
Jack Novotny – Saxophone
Dean Marcellana – Piano
Shane Willis – Drums
Mark Subel – Bass