Jazz Pianist Todd Hunter Releases "Have a Nice Trip"

Todd Hunter's latest recording project, aptly titled "Have a Nice Trip," ensures that listeners will do just that--and then some. James Janisse, program host at KKJZ, says this project has been "put together with some of the most talented players on either coast (and all points in between)."

Trumpeters Oscar Brashear and Ron Stout, saxophonist Chuck Manning, trombonist Jacques Voyamont, guitarist Phil Upchurch, bassists Henry "The Skipper" Franklin and Kevin O'Neal, drummers Raymond Pounds and Aaron Serfaty and percussionist Cassio Duarte all combine in different groupings under pianist Todd Hunter's leadership, as James Janisse explains, "to express as a single unit the sounds of jazz."

Todd's first and strongest influence is his father Bill, a brilliant jazz pianist. While growing up in San Diego, Todd was introduced to many of the top local jazz musicians. His parents' house became a gathering spot for late night jam sessions and a starting point in the development of his sound.

As a student of San Diego State University, Todd decided to become a permanent part of jazz culture. At the age of twenty, he packed his bags and moved to New York, hoping to immerse himself in the city's legendary jazz scene.

Greenwich Village became Todd's new school, the Village Vanguard his classroom, with Ahmad Jamal, Joe Henderson, Mel Lewis and Tommy Flannigan among his many great professors. After that solid tutorial, Todd chose Los Angeles as the stage from which to launch his career.

Los Angeles, with its rich and diverse music scene, provided Todd with the opportunity to try different sounds and styles - Salsa, Brazilian, South African and R & B. His ten years as resident keyboardist for O.C. Smith's City Of Angels church has also added gospel to his musical influences.

Hunter considers himself an experienced "road warrior," having toured both nationally and internationally. His tour with the Brian Setzer Orchestra opened the House of Blues in Hollywood and made an appearance on the David Letterman show. He traveled extensively with chart topping jazz saxophonist, Paul Taylor. Currently, he is performing across the globe with legendary pop vocalist Dionne Warwick.

Todd has also shared the stage with Billy Higgins, Kenny Burrell, Buddy Collette, Les McCann, Nancy Wilson, Diane Shuur, Diane Reeves, Gerald Albright, Ronny Laws and Billy Preston.

"Since having first heard him play piano, I thought of him a creative genius. After listening to his latest CD, "Dig It," I know that he is." O.C. Smith

"Strong playing, good compositions and powerful arrangements...a promising new talent." Neil Gorov / Groov Marketing

Todd Hunter's latest Dexterity Records release "Have a Nice Trip," is now available on the web at: www.toddsounds.com.

For more information contact Todd by clicking HERE