Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, pianist / composer Laszlo Gardony has been noted for his “fluid pianism” by The New York Times, and the legendary Dave Brubeck called him “a great pianist.” Two of his albums made DownBeat Magazine’s “Best of the Year” list as well as the Boston Globe’s “Best Jazz Albums of the Year” list. “A formidable improviser who lives in the moment” (JazzTimes), Laszlo has performed in 27 countries and released 14 albums on the Sunnyside, Antilles and Avenue labels. He is a professor of piano at Berklee College of Music in Boston and on the faculty at Harvard University’s “Jazz Combo Initiative” program. Laszlo is a voting member of the Recording Academy/GRAMMYs. Gardony has performed and/or recorded with artists such as Dave Holland, Miroslav Vitous, Eddie Gomez, David “Fathead” Newman, Randy Brecker and Dave Liebman.
His music is filled with the improvisational magic of jazz, the power of rock, and sophistication of classical music.
Gardony continues to divide his time between composing, recording, concerts, and teaching, and he remains, above all, committed to living an inspired, truthful and productive life in music.
Don Braden is a world-class tenor saxophonist, flutist, composer, and educator recognized globally for his dynamic jazz solos, prolific compositions, and dedicated teaching. With a history of performing alongside greats like Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard, and Roy Haynes, Braden possesses comprehensive expertise in all facets of jazz performance. “Don Braden creates accessible music built atop the pillars of wit, honesty, swing, and heart, and delivers music that alternately cooks, calms, struts, and soars,” as stated by Dan Bilawsky of All About Jazz. Braden’s collaboration with Laszlo is prominently showcased on the Laszlo Gardony Sextet’s “Boston Globe’s Best Albums of the Year, 2015” selection, “Life In Real Time” (Sunnyside Records). Their vibrant musical dialog has resonated in renowned venues such as Birdland, Mechanics Hall, the Paul Brown Concert Series in Hartford, the Spire Center, and the Cambridge River Festival.
Drummer Yoron Israel stands as one of the most sought-after musicians of his generation. In addition to leading his own projects, Yoron’s exceptional musicality, intensity, and versatility are celebrated globally. Through consistent performances at prestigious concerts, notable festivals, and prominent clubs, he has contributed to over 200 recordings as an accompanist with luminaries like Sonny Rollins, Abbey Lincoln, Ahmad Jamal, and Horace Silver. He has been a member of the Laszlo Gardony Trio for over 20 years, and Laszlo is featured on three of Yoron’s albums as well.
Yoron holds the position of Chair and Professor of Percussion at Berklee College of Music.
Bassist John Lockwood has earned an esteemed international reputation throughout his career, performing alongside legends such as Joe Henderson, Dizzy Gillespie, Pat Metheny, and Freddie Hubbard, to name a few. He is widely regarded as a premier bassist in the New England region and is recognized for his regular collaborations with The Fringe, Laszlo Gardony, George Garzone, Joe Maneri, Billy Pierce, and others. John also serves as an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music.
