Jazz at the Mosesian, featuring Berklee faculty musicians: The "Be-Bop" Guitars

         The “Be-Bop” Guitars is an all-faculty band from Berklee College Of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.  Berklee is known worldwide as the epicenter of contemporary guitar education.  This unique group features 5 of Berklee’s time honored guitar faculty performing specialized arrangements that show the diversity of the instrument and of the performers.  The remainder of the band: trumpet/flute, vibes, bass & drums are also from the esteemed Berklee faculty.  The 9 members of the band have a combined total of over 200 years of Berklee Jazz educator experience, and an equal number of years in which the individuals have performed in numerous musical settings throughout the world.

         Directed by Professor John Baboian, the group began in 1990 by performing arrangements from “Supersax” and other similar ensembles.  Later, the group expanded their repertoire by adding to the “book” by writing new arrangements and compositions.  Although rooted in the “Bop” tradition, the band plays a variety of materials that reflect the long history of Jazz music.  Over the years, the ensemble has garnered a steady following of fans that enjoy guitar-oriented Jazz.

         The band has released two CD’s under their own label.  The “Be-Bop” Guitars…..& More! released in 2000 and “Freshly Painted Blues” released in 2007.  Web address:  www.bebopguitars.com

With: John Baboian, Jon Damian, John Marasco, Jon Wheatley, Mark White on guitars.

Jerry Seeco-trumpet/flute, Rich Greenblatt-vibes, Bruce Gertz-bass, Larry Finn-drums

  “Solid arrangements, top notch playing” – Ed Symkus, The Tab

“It’s proof that many of those who teach can also play, and play very well!” – D. Oscar Groomes, O’s Place Jazz Newsletter

“The arrangements and guitar playing are something to marvel at.”

Brandon Bernstien, Jazz Improv Magazine  

“The individual statements are both fluid and harmonious.” “Filled with fine playing and a sunny disposition.” – Jay Collins, Cadence Magazine