Please join us as we welcome a stellar group to the BOP STOP for an exciting performance of original, new material. This quartet features:

• Bobby Selvaggio, Sax
• Theron Brown, Piano
• Paul Thompson, Bass
• James Johnson III, Drums

Bobby Selvaggio:

Bobby Selvaggio is one of the leading alto saxophone voices on today's jazz scene. In the words of pianist Kenny Werner, “Bobby is among the best of players out there,” and legendary saxophonist Joe Lovano praises Bobby by calling him “one of the few young saxophonists on the scene today that captures you with his strong presence, focus, and sound.”

Bobby, who grew up in the Cleveland area, earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from Kent State University. He eventually moved to New York City and earned a Masters degree in Jazz Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. While in New York, Bobby studied with Joe Lovano, Bobby Watson, Dick Oatts, and Maria Schneider.

After living in New York City and gigging around town at places like the Vanguard, Smalls, and Birdland for four years, Bobby decided to move back to Cleveland with his family. He has dedicated himself to keeping jazz alive in Cleveland and his passion for jazz education has led him to serve as Director of Jazz Studies at Kent State University.

In addition to his work in jazz education, Bobby continues to expand his discography. His most recent recording isShort Stories (Origin Records, 2014) featuring Aaron Goldberg on the piano, which follows Way Of Being(Arabesque Records, 2013), Grass Roots Movement (Arabesque Records, 2011) and Modern Times (Arabesque Records, 2009). Modern Times featured Kenny Werner on piano and Sean Jones on trumpet. Bobby’s Unspoken Dialogue (Playscape Recordings, 2007), also featured Kenny Werner, as well as Jamey Haddad on drums, Ben Street on bass, and Paul Tynan on trumpet.

http://www.bobbyselvaggio.com/

Theron Brown:

Theron has played with musicians such as Dan Wilson, Sean Jones, The Huntertones (formerly DW6), The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Bad Plus Band, Chris Coles, The Sam Blakeslee Large Ensemble, Javon Jackson, Snarky Puppy, Donny McCasslin, and Peter White.

Theron came across an amazing opportunity, when he was encouraged by family and friends; he auditioned for and was cast as young Herbie Hancock in the soon to be released film, Miles Ahead,directed by and starring Don Cheadle. This biopic movie is an intimate look into the life of jazz artist, Miles Davis and is scheduled for release in 2015. Working with Don Cheadle inspired Theron to give more consideration to acting; he someday aspires to share the silver screen with actor Samuel L. Jackson and Morgan Freeman.

Theron currently resides in Akron, Ohio, where he is immensely involved in promoting jazz and classical music.

Paul Thompson:

As a professional jazz bassist for the last ten plus years, Paul has been fortunate enough to have shared the stage with some of music's greatest artists including:

Milt Jackson, George Benson, Jon Faddis, Rick Margitza, James Moody, Mark Murphy, Curtis Fuller, Rebecca Parris, Gary Burton, Richie Cole, Kenia, Warren Vache, Mark Whitfield, Joe Harris, Gary Bartz, Slide Hampton, James Williams, Grover Washington Jr, Kei Akagi, Roger Humphries, Kenny Drew Jr, Clark Terry, Kenny Blake, Joe McBride, Johnny Griffin, Mark Elf, Grady Tate, Jimmy Ponder, Dave Stryker, Ronnie Cuber, Joe Negri, Steve Slagle, Billy Price, Dianne Schuur, Marlena Shaw, Monty Alexander, David "Fathead" Newman, and many others.

Paul also had the privilege of touring the world with trumpeter Maynard Ferguson as musical director ('97-'99), as well as playing in the late, great saxophonist Stanley Turrentine's last touring group.

http://www.paulthompson.us/home.html

James Johnson:

James Johnson III began playing the drums at the age of five in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. James Johnson III’s early music experiences were centered around family life and shaped by the music of the church. His father, Dr. James Johnson Jr., a nationally known pianist and educator, sparked his passion for music. Johnson attended CAPA -- Pittsburgh’s high school for the creative and performing arts. It was here he came under the mentorship of the drummer Roger Humphries.

In 1999 James was invited to tour with jazz legend Ahmad Jamal for many years. With Ahmad, James has performed all over the world, appearing in major jazz venues and festivals. As a member of the Ahmad Jamal trio, James has performed in some places such as the Cully jazz festival in Switzerland, the North Sea jazz festival in South Africa and the Dublin jazz festival and many others. Mr. Johnson has performed with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. James has played with jazz greats such as George Coleman, James Moody, Kenny Garrett, Benny Golson, Mulgrew Miller, Russell Ferrante, Bob Mintzer and Kenny Werner. James released his first solo album in 2014 entitled Between. James is presently working as head of the drum department at the AfroAmerican-Music-Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is also serves as artist in residence at Pitt University’s music department working with various jazz ensembles under the direction of Geri Allen. James also spends a great deal of time producing music for national and local artists.