Third Thursday Jazz ft. Will Gorman & Eric Zolan

Will Gorman, organ

“A prodigious talent that was unmistakable – Irwin Hall, Grammy nominated saxophonist

Will Gorman is a pianist, organist, singer and composer from Syracuse, NY. Starting classical lessons at a young age, he was dragged to jazz band in high school and never turned back. He attended William Paterson University, working with Bill Charlap and Harold Mabern, among others, and completed his B.M. in piano in 2019 and M.M. in Composition and Arranging in 2020. Throughout this time, he’s performed extensively with jazz notables such as Vincent Herring, Claudio Roditi, Winard Harper, and Sheila Jordan among others. An up and coming arranger, contributing two arrangements for big band to be featured on veteran organist Radam Schwartz’s next release. Most recently, he has been playing with Grammy nominated saxophonist Irwin Hall and his new organ trio, featuring Jerome Jennings on drums, with an album to be released in 2020.

At age 19, he joined the band of Grammy award-winning blues master Joe Louis Walker, balancing time on the road and school. He’s played extensively with rising blues stars “King” Solomon Hicks and Vanessa Collier, including work on Collier’s last two albums.

Will has performed at clubs and festivals all over the U.S., Europe, South America and Asia, including Jazz in Marciac, Blue Note Beijing, Jazz Madrid, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Smoke Jazz and Supper Club, The Black Cat and many more. In 2018, Will was a fellow in the Program for Jazz at Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute, studying composition with Rufus Reid and Billy Childs.

Growing up in Syracuse, he had the opportunity to serve as musical director at Southern Baptist Church, playing organ and directing the choir, as well as tour extensively with the Stella Award winning gospel group, Charles Cannon and the Bells of Harmony.

Eric Zolan, guitar

Intoxicated by the music of John Coltrane, James Brown, and Miles Davis, Eric Zolan strives to express his passion for the music of his predecessors while embarking on the tireless journey of finding his own voice. Using standards as well as his own compositions as platforms for improvisation, Zolan delivers melodic sermons that evoke joy and lift the spirits of his listeners.

Zolan graduated from William Paterson University (‘16) where he studied with the likes of Mulgew Miller, Harold Mabern, Bill Charlap, Gene Bertoncini, and Steve La Spina. Upon graduation, Eric moved to NYC and has had the opportunity to collaborate with many gifted and renowned musicians such as Winard Harper, Brian Charette, and Lucy Yeghiazaryan.

Matt Niedbalski, drums

Matt Niedbalski is a drummer known for bringing musicality and energy to the bandstand. Born and raised in New York’s Capital District, Matt was exposed to music at a very early age. While in high school he took private drum lessons with drummer/author Ted Mackenzie and participated in the Empire State Youth Orchestra as well as the Skidmore Summer Jazz Institute. Before graduating high school Matt played with many local musicians, performing at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, the Final Stretch Music Festival and the Lake George Jazz Festival where he opened for Rudresh Manthappa and Bunky Green.

In 2012, Matt was accepted into the jazz studies program at William Paterson University under the direction of Mulgrew Miller. While at William Paterson he studied privately with Bill Goodwin, Kevin Norton and Steve LaSpina. Matt participated in ensembles directed by Mulgrew Miller, Bill Charlap, Christian McBride and others. Matt performed as a member of the university ensembles at the William Paterson Jazz Room Series and Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola.

Since graduating William Paterson in 2016 Matt has performed at numerous festivals including the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival and Musikfest in Bethlehem PA. Matt has been featured on multiple recordings including “People and Places” by the Sam Javitch Quartet featuring Rich Perry, “What We Learn From the Trees” by the Giroux Brothers and “Tales” by Charles Cornell. “People and Places” release was celebrated with performances in New York City at Joe’s Pub and the Blue Note and received favorable reviews in publications such as the New York City Jazz Record, Textura and UK Vibe. “Tales” by Charles Cornell was released in 2019 and the albums lead single “Rise“ has over 50,000 views on Youtube. In addition to performing Matt also produces recordings. He has production credits on “Your Choice” and “Tales” by Charles Cornell and “What We Learn From the Tree’s” by the Giroux Brothers. Matt self released “Brothers“ a duo recording featuring himself and alto saxophonist Joel Cotton. The album was released on an independent label he founded named “2198 Records”. Matt is a fixture in the Albany jazz scene and can often be seen performing at Speakeasy 518, freelancing with various groups and leading his own ensembles. In 2021 his co-lead trio “GNP” with Tyler Giroux and Dylan Perrillo released their debut album “Codes” on ears&eyes Records. Matt endorses Vater drumsticks.

Doors: 7pm | Showtime: 7:30pm

Tickets

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