Teal Creek Music

About New Third Stream Quartet

Rick VanMatre is one of the most exploratory saxophonists in the world of jazz and classical music and has presented solo recitals and jazz club performances in the US, Europe, Israel, Brazil, and Asia. He is widely recognized for bringing a unique, identifiable voice to a variety of genres. In addition to leading his own ensembles with original music, his collaborations have included commissions and premieres of unique crossover works featuring art installation, aleatoric computer music, organ, vocal ensemble, Indian music, drama, and multimedia presentations entitled “Earthkind-Humankind” showcasing poetry and dance. He has performed with such diverse ensembles as the Duke Ellington Orchestra led by Mercer Ellington, the Woody Herman Orchestra led by Frank Tiberi, Roland Vazquez’s contemporary Latin groups, and artists like John McNeil, Tim Hagans, and Gene Bertoncini. Recordings as featured jazz soloist include the PsychoAcoustic Orchestra, the Kim Pensyl Ensemble, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Manhattan Transfer and John Pizzarelli.

“VanMatre’s art is without comparison; his technique exact, yet smooth, his expression poignant and personal…and that VanMatre cadenza at the end, what a triumphant finish.” – Chicago Star

As a classical saxophonist, he has recorded interactive drama/music videos with composer/bassist Frank Proto, has appeared with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic, concert:nova, and James Conlon’s Linton Series, and has been a concerto soloist with the New York Repertory Orchestra, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Sichuan Symphony Orchestra (China), Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, Middletown Symphony, and Illinois Philharmonic. He holds the soprano chair in the New Third Stream Saxophone Quartet, an innovative ensemble combining jazz and classical elements.

The Chicago Star has written that “VanMatre’s art is without comparison; his technique exact, yet smooth, his expression poignant and personal,” and the Cincinnati Enquirer has stated that his “artistry was seamless, technically superb and musically inventive…His musicianship was so effortless.” VanMatre is also active as a conductor and has directed programs on American Jazz Radio Festival, NPR, and for artists like Kenny Garrett, Slide Hampton, Joe Henderson, Ahmad Jamal, David Liebman, Jim McNeely, Joshua Redman, Kenny Werner, and Kenny Wheeler. In the field of broadcasting, he served as the on-air host and interviewer for the nationally syndicated radio series “Jazz – Live From the Hyatt” featuring artists like Joe Lovano and John Clayton.

Mr. VanMatre is Adjunct Professor of Saxophone and Professor Emeritus of Jazz Studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Formerly as the conservatory’s Director of Jazz Studies, he was responsible for expanding the BM in Jazz, creating the MM in Jazz Studies and the DMA in Saxophone, and establishing the Jazz Recording Studio. He also headed the CCM Visiting Artist Series, one of the most extensive in the nation, including over 150 important jazz performers and composers such as Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Maria Schneider, George Duke, and Eddie Daniels. As conductor of the CCM Jazz Ensemble, he produced four CD recordings for Sea Breeze Records.Serenade in Blue received a first round Grammy nomination and was described by Cadence magazine as a “necessary part of any big-band enthusiast’s library” and Jazz News praised Carnival of Life as being “performed with conspicuous elegance and precision.”

“VanMatre’s artistry was seamless, technically superb and musically inventive…His musicianship was so effortless, it was hard to know whether he was improvising or playing a riff written out by the composer.” – Cincinnati Enquirer

He has presented performances and lectures for the International Association for Jazz Education, Music Educators National Conference, North American Saxophone Alliance, World Saxophone Congress, Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Clinics, International Summer Jazz Academy in Warsaw, Poland, and for universities and conferences in Europe, China, Thailand, and Brazil. He has written for Saxophone Journal, has served as Executive Board Member and Jazz Coordinator for NASA, was President of the Ohio Unit of the National Association of Jazz Educators, and was on the Editorial Advisory Board for the Saxophone Symposium. He has been named “Best Jazz Musician” by Cincinnati Magazine, a “reed titan” by Midwest Jazz magazine, “technically superb and musically inventive” by the Cincinnati Enquirer, Ohio Jazz Educator of the Year by NAJE, and the “Ernest N. Glover Outstanding Teacher” by CCM students. His undergraduate studies were at the College-Conservatory of Music and Berklee College of Music, and he received his MM (Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media) from the Eastman School of Music. Many of his former students are active performers throughout the nation and others hold teaching positions at universities. Mr. VanMatre is an endorsing artist for Selmer Saxophones.

A native of Colorado, Dr. James Bunte has earned degrees from the University of Colorado at Boulder (BM, BME), and CCM (MM, DMA). As a concert saxophonist, James Bunte is an active recitalist, giving recitals and master classes throughout the United States, France, Thailand, Scotland, Japan, and Taiwan.

Dr. Bunte is the regular saxophonist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and has recorded eight compact discs with the Cincinnati Symphony and Cincinnati Pops. Bunte has performed with the Lyrique en Mer Orchestra (France), Dayton Philharmonic, Lexington Philharmonic, Louisville Symphony Orchestra, 

Eugene Symphony, Charleston Symphony, Richmond Symphony (IN), Kentucky Symphony, Springfield Symphony (OH) and the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra.

Dr. Bunte is also an experienced jazz musician, having toured with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines; and having performed with Ray Charles, Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices, Dick Hyman, Byron Stripling, John Pizzarelli, Stefan Carlsson, Cook, Dixon and Young, and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Bunte has been on the faculty at the University of Oregon, Miami University (OH) and Northern Kentucky University, but he also has public school experience at a Kentucky high school. James Bunte is a Yamaha and Vandoren Endorsing Artist.

Since establishing himself among the Denver area’s elite jazz musicians, Peter Sommer has contributed his energetic tenor playing and creative spirit to a wide variety of musical projects ranging from mainstream bebop to avant garde and beyond at venues across the nation and around the world.  Although rooted in the great jazz tradition of his heroes Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane, he continues to search for the mystery in music making and takes great joy in sharing the present moment with the listener.

Peter has released three albums as a leader – Sioux County (2006) on Tapestry Records, featuring his original compositions in duo with jazz piano legend Art lande, Crossroads (2008) on Capri Records, featuring a two-tenor frontline with the great NYC saxophonist Rich Perry, and Tremolo Canteen (2010) on Dazzle Recordings.  

From a May 2009 Saxophone Journal review of Crossroads, “(Sommer) is the possessor of a dark, gritty sound, clean, fast technique, melodic ideas and a true understanding of the post-bebop style.  In addition, he is fearless, thus the inclusion of one of the most original voices of the tenor saxophone in jazz as a guest artist, Rich Perry. . . . Together the two tenor players complement each other perfectly. . . . After hearing this CD, the name Peter Sommer will certainly jump out at you in a big way; this guy delivers.”  Peter is also featured on Terra Firma (Synergy Music) by the Ken Walker Sextet, Unfailing Kindness (Capri Records) by Chie Imaizumi, and the debut release from Ninth and Lincoln (Dazzle Records).  He is also a soloist on the Colorado Symphony Orchestra’s recording of Too Hot to Handel with Marin Alsop conducting.

Peter is a regular member of the Ken Walker Sextet, Ninth and Lincoln (modern big band under the direction of Tyler Gilmore), the Wil Swindler Elevenet, the Fred Hess Big Band, the Colorado Jazz Orchestra, the New Third Stream Saxophone Quartet and is an honorary member of the Russian Dragon Band.  He also performs often as a soloist, in duo with Art Lande, and as a leader of his own quartet – Tremolo Canteen.

Peter has performed with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra, and has been a featured jazz soloist at North American Saxophone Alliance Regional and Biennial Conferences.  He has also performed at IAJE International Conferences in Anaheim and Toronto, Canada, and has performed at World Saxophone Congresses in Valencia, Spain, Bangkok, Thailand and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Peter Sommer is Associate Professor of Jazz Studies and Saxophone at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins. At CSU, Mr. Sommer directs Jazz Ensemble I and coordinates the Jazz Studies area.

Active regionally, nationally, and internationally as a soloist, chamber musician, recitalist, clinician, and jazz/commercial performer, James Romain embraces diverse genres of music.  He actively contributes to the growing body of compositions and pedagogical literature for the instrument through his pursuit of commissions, recording projects, and published articles. 

Dr. Romain has been invited to present premiere performances at every World Saxophone Congress since 2003 (Minneapolis, Slovenia, Thailand, and Scotland).  In addition, he regularly performs as invited soloist at regional and national biennial conferences of the North American Saxophone Alliance, and at festivals and symposia throughout the United States and abroad.  He has firmly established a national and international reputation as a committed advocate for new music, with 22 commissions, co-commissions, and dedications written, performed, and recorded as a direct result of his efforts.  

Saxophone Symposium 2012:  "Romain has produced a recording of genuine artistic merit and musical interest.”  (Howl Reviewed by Tom Liley)

Saxophone Journal Vol. 34/No 3 (Jan/Feb 2010):  "James Romain is a superb performer on saxophone with a bright, clear, and resonant sound that is not often heard. His interpretive skills are the equal of his saxophone technique, giving the listener a rare treat of a consummate performer.  Every aspect of his playing is to be greatly applauded."  (In Friendship Reviewed by Paul Wagner)

Saxophone Symposium 2009:  "In Friendship is a terrifically played collection of some of the saxophones most important compositions and a must-have for classical saxophonists." (Reviewed by Steve Stusek)

American Record Guide, Nov/Dec 2008:  "Both performers are excellent, winding their way through very difficult repertoire with great ease.  Romain appears to be in complete control; his sound is beautifully sculpted and his technique is effortless. (In Friendship reviewed by Patrick Hanudel)