Christian Howes (violin/viola/Octave Geige)
A former Associate Professor at the Berklee College of Music, Christian Howes is widely regarded as one of the premiere young jazz violinists in the world. Having worked with such wide ranging artists as Les Paul, Bill Evans, Greg Osby, Dafnis Prieto, and many more, his classical training and wide range as an improvisor prepares him to meet the needs of producers in a wide array of genres from classical, jazz, hip hop, pop, “world music”, and more.
The 2009 Downbeat Critics Poll ranked Howes at #2 under “Rising Stars/Violin”. This was his sixth time ranking in the poll. Said the Minneapolis Tribune, “Howes is arguably the most intriguing young violinist in Jazz”, and All About Jazz said, “As a jazz violinist, he has no peer”.
Christian tours with his own ensembles as well as co-led projects throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia.
Christopher Marion (violin/viola)
Christopher Marion received intense study in classical, folk, and jazz violin since the age of 5. After attending the Berklee College of Music, he was recognized by his teacher, Christian Howes, as an exemplary student with exceptional skill level and work ethic.
Says Howes, “Christopher has the full package. Not only does he possess all the qualities as a player and musician, i.e., as an exceptional arranger, technician, improviser, who is well-versed in many styles. He is also very skilled in technical aspects of production. I trust Christopher with all aspects of production because I know he has the skill, maturity, and musicianship, and the deep commitment to excellence that we must maintain to serve our clients.”
Yoed Nir (cello)
Yoed Nir is a 2005 graduate of the Jerusalem Music Academy. He has won numerous competitions and scholarships, including the First Prize at the 2002 International String Competition in Jihlava (Czech Republic).
What sets Yoed apart from his peers and has earned him a distinguished reputation outside the world of classical music, is his ability to cross over into the genres of rock, jazz, and pop music.
His collaborations with renowned Israeli, European, and American recording artists—most notably Judy Collins, Paul Banks (Interpol) Regina Spektor, Rufus Wainwright, Diane Birch, Sonya Kitchell and Yael Naim—have resulted in over 300 records.
Special Guest: Dana Leong (cello)
Electro-Jazz Cellist, trombonist, composer, & producer Dana Leong fuses hip-hop, jazz and electronics to create a signature boundless sound. Often referred to as a “hi-def Yo-Yo Ma,” Dana’s pioneering fusion of electronic music and ethereal jazz sensuality has garnered critical acclaim and wowed audiences worldwide.
Getting his start in San Francisco playing in studio and stage orchestras for chart-topping artists including Barry White, Whitney Houston, Bjork, Ray Charles, Earth Wind & Fire and many more, Leong decided to relocate to New York City in search of something bigger.
Over a decade later, Leong has been involved as a performer, arranger, and composer/producer for dozens of top records and TV/film scores, and additionally owns and operates the popular New York Recording Studio, LIFE AFTER DARK STUDIOS, and has worked with Wynton Marsalis, Kanye West, Lil Kim, Yoko Ono, DJ Spooky, Beyonce, Paquito D’Rivera, Lila Downs, Christian McBride, and winners of American Idol.