Jeff Kashiwa
Encyclopedia
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
saxophonist native to Seattle who became known on the music scene in 1989 as a member of popular fusion jazz group The Rippingtons
The Rippingtons
The Rippingtons are a contemporary group mainly relating to the genres Smooth jazz, Jazz pop, and Crossover jazz. Formed in 1986 by guitarist and band leader Russ Freeman , their career has spanned two decades...
. Kashiwa joined The Rippingtons following Brandon Fields
Brandon Fields (musician)
Brandon Fields is an alto saxophonist and session musician.He toured with George Benson in 1985, and recorded with Ray Charles, appearing on the posthumously-released album Genius Loves Company.He was a member of The Rippingtons.- References :...
, exit from the group. Kashiwa prepared himself for the role by learning every song in the group's library prior to being hired, making his eventual step into Field's large shoes seemingly effortless. Kashiwa recorded his first two solo albums, ("Remember Catalina" and "Walk A Mile"), during his tenure with The Rippingtons. In 1999 Kashiwa left the group to concentrate on a solo career with his own band, Coastal Access, which included Melvin Davis (Bass), Allen Hinds (Guitar), Dave Hooper (drums) and Dave Kochanski (Keyboards/Synths). Eric Marienthal
Eric Marienthal
Eric Marienthal is a Los Angeles-based contemporary saxophonist best known for his work in the jazz, jazz fusion, smooth jazz, and pop genres....
and Paul Taylor both covered the sax player spot in The Rippingtons for a few years, but Kashiwa rejoined the group in 2007 for their 20th Anniversary Tour, and continues to appear with the group on occasion.
In 2004, Kashiwa called on some of his saxophone peers and started a new group that would feature the instrument, as well as their collective musical passion for jazz, funk and R&B. "The Sax Pack" features Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole
Steve Cole
Steve Cole is an American tenor saxophonist who has released five albums starting in the late 1990s throughout the 2000s. Most of his albums have been well-received, earning him several awards...
& Kim Waters. Along with being cohesive musically, the trio share a unique and comical camaraderie on stage. The Sax Pack released two CDs, "The Sax Pack" (2008) and "The Pack is Back" (2009) on Shanachie Records.
Kashiwa plays soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, flute and the EWI
EWI
EWI is the name of AKAI's wind controller, an electronic musical instrument invented by Nyle Steiner. The early models consisted of two parts: a wind controller and a synthesizer. The current model, EWI4000S, combines the two parts into one, placing the synthesizer in the lower section of the...
(Electronic Wind Instrument). His involvement in music encompasses composing, producing, performing and teaching.
Kashiwa attended Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. Known primarily as a school for jazz, rock and popular music, it also offers college-level courses in a wide range of contemporary and historic styles, including hip...
in 1981-83, where he developed an interest in straight-ahead jazz. Kashiwa later transferred to Cal State Long Beach and received his Bachelors Degree in Music in 1985. Kashiwa currently teaches Music Technology courses at Shoreline College, as well as private music lessons for students of all ages.
Partial Discography
- Remember Catalina (1995)
- Walk a Mile (1997)
- Another Door Opens (2000)
- Simple Truth (2002)
- Peace Of Mind (2004)
- Play (2007)
- The Sax Pack (2008)
- Back In The Day (2009)
- The Pack Is Back (2009)
External links
- Official Site
- The Sax Pack Official Site
- [ AllMusic.com Discography]