Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

November 20, 1959 in Trenton, NJ

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Drew Gress is a renowned American jazz bassist and composer, known for his unique style and innovative approach to music. Born on August 20, 1959, in Trenton, New Jersey, Gress grew up in a musical family and started playing the piano at a young age. However, it was not until he discovered the bass guitar in his teenage years that he found his true calling. Gress began his formal music education at the University of Colorado, where he studied classical music and jazz. He later moved to New York City to pursue a career in music and quickly became a sought-after bassist in the jazz scene. He played with many notable musicians, including Tim Berne, John Zorn, and Don Byron, among others. In 1992, Gress released his debut album, "Heyday," which received critical acclaim and established him as a rising star in the jazz world. He went on to release several more albums as a bandleader, including "Spin & Drift" (1999), "7 Black Butterflies" (2005), and "The Sky Inside" (2008), all of which showcased his unique style and musical vision. Gress has also collaborated with many other musicians and bands, including the Dave Douglas Quintet, the Uri Caine Ensemble, and the Fred Hersch Trio, among others. He has performed at major jazz festivals around the world, including the Newport Jazz Festival, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and the North Sea Jazz Festival. In addition to his work as a performer, Gress is also a respected composer and educator. He has written music for films, television, and theater productions, and has taught at several prestigious music schools, including the New England Conservatory of Music and the Manhattan School of Music. Throughout his career, Gress has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the jazz world. In 2001, he was named "Bassist of the Year" by the Jazz Journalists Association, and in 2016, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship for his work as a composer. Despite his many achievements, Gress remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to push the boundaries of jazz music and inspire new generations of musicians with his innovative approach and unwavering passion for music.

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