jason steele [ensemble]

Formed in September of 2004, The Jason Steele Ensemble showcases the original compositions of guitarist/composer Jason Steele as well as the talents of other jazz musicians in the Chicago area. Shortly after the groups' inception they recorded their debut album with special guests Ron Miles on cornet, saxophonist Josh Sclar, and keyboardist Keith Johnson. Steele's influences range from the personable, open composition style of jazz icon Bill Frisell to alternative rock bands such as Radiohead and Indie stalwarts' Elliot Smith, Sufjan Stevens, and Sam Prekop. Jason has always been a positive and encouraging source of inspiration in my life. His music is a reflection of his spirit - uplifting, organic, humble, and most importantly, genuine. - Tim Sullivan
Jason Steele - Guitarist and Composer
	Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jason received his B.M. in Jazz Composition from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Prior to arriving in Chicago, he attended Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas. During this time, Jason was selected as the guitar player for the International Association of Jazz Educators' All-Star Community College Big Band and performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival as well as the New Orleans, Reno, and Witchita Jazz Fests. Jason can also be seen playing with a number of different groups in the Chicagoland area including Remington 2+2, the Gentle Giant's Quintet, and the Charles Rumback Trio.
Ron Miles - Cornet
	Denver trumpeter Ron Miles' resume includes time with Bill Frisell, Don Byron, the Ellington Orchestra, and Fred Hess' Boulder Creative Music Ensemble. In addition to being solicited all over the world for his unique sound, Ron is a staple of the Denver jazz scene. His recent releases as a bandleader show off his skills as a composer and arranger as well as a "phenomenally gifted trumpeter" (Bill Milkowski). Ron cruised through the 1990s with a series of well-received solo releases on Gramavision (My Cruel Heart, Woman's Day) and Capri (Witness, Ron Miles Trio). In 2002 Ron slowed down for the quiet, intimate recording Heaven with friend and master jazz guitarist Bill Frisell. According to Frisell, "What is so exciting about Ron is that he really has his own voice. It seems like everything that is going on right now is either very conservative or it rejects everything. Ron has found a way to include everything and not reject things, and still be his own person."
Thad Franklin - Trumpet and Flugelhorn
	Thaddus Jacob Franklin began formal music studies at the age of 10. In 2001, Thad earned his Bachelor of Science in Classical Music from Illinois State University. Later that year, he enrolled in the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University where he earned his Masters in Jazz Trumpet Performance in 2003. Thad currently plays in several groups including the Latin band Son Trinidad, the Matt Ulery Quintet, and the funk/rock group Fly Williams. Thad has performed at such Chicago venues as The Jazz Showcase, The Green Mill, Hot House, Katerina's, Old Town School of Folk Music, n, The Note, Martyrs', Elbo Room, and Wise Fool's Pub. In his spare time, he teaches private trumpet and jazz improvisation lessons in his home studio and at the Bloom School of Jazz.
Keith Johnson - Keyboard
	Keith Johnson is from Kansas City, Kansas where he specializes in all things art - architecture, photography, and computer animation. In addition to keys and piano, Keith plays guitar as well as all kinds of "computer/synthesizer" instruments. Though his degree is in Civil Engineering, Keith studied music at the University of Kansas where he taught jazz improvisation and led multiple ensembles. As of late, Keith has been working primarily in the areas of graphic design and animation for commercial television agencies in Kansas City.
Charles Rumback - Drums
	Charles Rumback got started in the fields of Kansas. He plays the drums sometimes and writes music too. He has had the good fortune of playing with the likes of Tyler Beach, Michael Schaumann, Bill Mackay and the Sounds of Now, Lord of the Yum Yum, Matthew Gagnon, Vix Brownford, Chris Shaw, The Lonesome Organist, and The Villain Thought. He is currently working on a record with the Leaves and can be found, occasionally, making music in Chicago.
Joshua Sclar - Tenor Sax
	Saxophonist Joshua Sclar hails from Kansas City, where he returns regularly to perform with local jazz luminaries in the Westport Art Ensemble. Joshua studied music at the University of Miami, where he co-founded NCM East Records, a record label dedicated to new concepts in music. He can be heard on several of the label's releases, as well as performing live in New York City, where he now lives.
Tim Sullivan - Tenor Sax and Bass Clarinet
	Tim Sullivan has been actively playing in Chicago since he moved from his hometown of Eau Claire, Wisc. in 2002. As a versatile teacher and professional woodwind player, Tim has been extremely fortunate to play with jazz and improvised music legends such as Dave Liebman, Maria Schneider, George Lewis, Wynton Marsalis, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Curtis Fuller, and Clark Terry. He also has been featured in productions such as the Blues Brothers' Revival Show and the 2005 DVD release of Umphrey's McGee: Live at the Riviera Theatre, New Year's Eve 2004. Tim recently completed his Bachelor's in Jazz Performance at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and will begin a Masters in the Fall of 2006. Regardless of whom he is working with, it is always Tim's aspiration to bring a "uniquely soulful and heartfelt passion to the music."
Matt Ulery - Bass
	Matthew Scott Ulery is a Chicago-born bassist and composer. Moving to Rockford, Ill. at an early age, he soon began playing bass and started performing by the age of 14. Matt has played many styles of music including the entire spectrum of jazz, rock, pop, gospel, theatre, and folk - specifically American, South American, Balkan, and other European folk styles. Matt returned to Chicago to earn his Bachelors in Music Composition at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. He freelances nightly throughout the Chicagoland area, tours with various bands, and leads his own group, The Matt Ulery Quintet, for which he composes the entire repertoire. Matt has appeared at such venues as The Green Mill, Velvet Lounge, Jazz Showcase, HotHouse, Katerina's, Andy's, House of Blues, Martyrs', Pete Miller's, and Park West.
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