Neumeister has picked the right people for this gig. He called the players first and then found an available date, rather than getting a date and finding available players. “We had to move through 2 months before we found a date we could all make†. Ed wanted to showcase his compositions and playing without compromise, so the players had to come first.
Why “these guys†? “Because these are the players than can execute my music while remaining free to create in the moment. They all have vast experience in many different musical styles and venues. They can read, interpret, interact and improvise freely all at the same time! Bob Mintzer and I go back the longest as we played many gigs together in New York. I always admired Bobs playing and writing. Peter Erskine has been one of my all time favorite drummers since I first heard him in Maynard Ferguson’s band. He can do everything, but most important, he listens and contributes something special every time. I met John Beasley and Edwin Livingston when they played in my Jazz Orchestra (ENJO). All I can say is WOW!! They do it all and they can go anywhere, in-out-left-right whatever-wherever. That’s what I need in my band!! These are the CATS.â€
Ed is no stranger to putting together projects, mostly in Europe, New York and on tour. Ed will be touring with his “Suite Ellington†Ensemble (Mark Feldman, Billy Drewes, John Hollenbeck & Drew Gress) this coming December in Europe. Performing Ed’s arrangements of lesser known pieces by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, mostly from their larger Suites. This will be the third European tour for this group.
The Quintet will be playing new music composed especially for this gig, as well as music from Ed’s past two CDs “New Standards” and “Reflection” both on the ArtistShare label and one piece each by Mintzer, Erskine, Beasley and Livingston.
“With the bandstand bathed in red light, Douglas and crew took the Bowl to a dark, noirish place highlighted by a giggling, gurgling trombone solo by Ed Neumeister, whose deft work with a mute had his horn occasionally resembling Peter Frampton’s talk box.† (Chris Barton, Los Angeles Times  July 29, 2010)Â
“The trombonist is one of the finest of his generation, an underrated giant waiting to be discovered.†(Steven Loewy All Music Guide)
For more info contact:
MeisteroMusic@Mac.com, Ed Neumeister 818 859 2987
Vitello’s Reservations & Info:Â (818) 769-0905
4349 Tujunga Ave.
Studio City CA 91604
www.vitellosrestaurant.com
