New Artists-Jazz
Austin McMahon
Austin McMahon is an american jazz drummer/accompanist and composer of the highest caliber. His sensitivity combined with his constant pursuit of artistry, have led him to wide recognition amongst musicians and audiences alike both stateside as well as internationally.
Over the years, Austin has accompanied countless notable names in the jazz world including saxophonists: Joe Lovano, Jerry Bergonzi, David Liebman & George Garzone. He is a mainstay in Warner Brothers Jazz vocalist/recording artist Lea Delaria’s quartet and has performed with the Joe Davidian trio as an opening act for Grammy award-winning vocalist Dianne Reeves and Jane Monheit.
On tour, Austin has performed at Carnegie Hall, Bar Harbor Jazz Festival, Aspen Music Festival, Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, and FoNT (Festival of New Trumpeters). Internationally, he has appeared at Casa de Teatro Jazz Festival -held in the Dominican Republic- Young Jazz in Town Festival -held in Foligno, Italy- and Ballydehob Jazz festival in Ireland as well as performances in Germany, Finland, and France.
Along side of his growing career performing with established jazz artists, Austin has made great efforts to collaborate with like-minded musicians and pursue projects that artistically and musically reflect our current times.
Misz
Producer. Composer. Arranger. Drummer. Keyboardist. Vocalist. Misz has had a love for music most of her life. Her music career began at the age of five.
The first of formal music lessons were on the piano. "Piano Saturday's" is how Misz refers to those days, which began at the age of nine. Piano lessons didn't last long. Misz didn't like spending Saturday mornings taking piano lessons over watching cartoons and playing with friends. Misz is a keyboardist and self-taught drummer.
Misz was influenced by many artists and musical styles. From Motown ,70's Rock, Soul, Funk and 70's and early 80's Contemporary Jazz and Jazz Fusion.
These are the musical elements you will hear in the compositions and arrangements from Misz.
This great music was and still is a great influence in the musical comprehension,composition and arrangements by Misz. She enjoys blending musical styles,
therefore creating unique, musical sounds.
Misz loves the great jazz artists of the past. "They are the originators and innovators of this great American music. You must know your past in order to understand you present and hope to make an impact on tomorrow. I hope that I can do that with my music. I hope it will be around for a long time and have a great impact on the listener."
The first jazz influence for Misz was hearing Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters. "Wow!" When she heard 'Chameleon', she knew she wanted to play music like that. A few years later, her brother introduced her to the sounds of Bob James.
After hearing Bob James, that was it. There was no turning back. "The way that he was able to combine jazz and classical music was unbelievable. I fell in love with that sound. Contemporary Jazz has always connected with my heart. My emotions."
Misz has many musical influences. Although her biggest influences for wanting to play the piano are greatly because of artists such as Herbie Hancock, Bob James, Joe Sample, Patrice Rushen and George Duke. Drum influences are Harvey Mason, Billy Cobham, Steve Gadd, Stix Hooper, David Garibaldi, Buddy Miles and Lenny White. Producing influences are Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Maurice White, Wayne Henderson and Creed Taylor.
Misz is a former member of the University of Washington Husky Marching Band. She graduated with a Bachelors Degree in English and Speech Communications from the University of Washington. Misz is a former schoolmate of Kenny G. A few nicknames that her band members, family and friends call her are "Baby Q", "The Missy Elliott of Smooth Jazz", "Lavender" and other names.
Misz has produced music featuring some of her favorite artists, such as Patrice Rushen and Ernie Watts. According to Misz, "A dream come true. I'd like to produce an entire cd with all of my musical influences. It would be groovin' from start to finish. No doubt."