Barrows Featured Artist of July: Portrait In Jazz

Since its inception in 1993, Portrait In Jazz has grown from a modest trio consisting of guitar, bass, and trumpet to a full-fledged sextet, showcasing a blend of original jazz compositions and standards. Brad Ellenberg, a Westwood resident, guitarist and the band’s founder, reflected on their journey over the past three decades.

While receiving his Masters of Music degree in Jazz Composition at New England Conservatory, Brad’s original vision was to create a niche for jazz music across intimate settings such as restaurants and private events.

“Thankfully, once we started getting work, the demand for a bigger sound grew, leading us to expand the band,” he shared.

Portrait In Jazz boasts a lineup of accomplished musicians:

• Brad Ellenberg: guitar, composer
• Gary Bohan: trumpet, flugelhorn, composer
• Chris Hildebrand: tenor sax, woodwinds
• Bob Abruzese: bass
• Grant Smith: drums
• Deirdre Pederson: vocals
• Cara Campanelli: vocals
• Ashley Kamal:vocals

“We’ve been really fortunate to maintain longevity with such a talented group of musicians. Though we are a local band, collectively, the members of this group have performed widely throughout the US and internationally including Europe, Russia and Australia.”

Their talent has graced stages such as Carnegie Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, Jordan Hall, The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, The Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Symphony Hall, among others.

Gary, Grant and Bob have been involved for more than ten years, followed by Chris at eight years. The addition of a regular vocalist was a significant milestone for the band, allowing for greater diversity in performances. Brad, a music teacher at Waltham High School, heard Ashley Kamal, one of his students, singing jazz with the phrasing, maturity and style he had been seeking. She accepted his offer to come rehearse with the band and ended up becoming a regular vocalist with PIJ for five years. Although Ashley has recently stepped back, the band now features two other very creative and accomplished vocalists, Deirdre Pederson and Cara Campanelli.

The collaborative spirit of Portrait In Jazz is one of its defining features.

“We have a democratic approach. Everyone has a voice to chime in, offer opinions and make suggestions,” Brad explained.

The band’s repertoire includes roughly 60 original compositions as well as hundreds of jazz standards. In 2009, they recorded their first CD, Rendezvous, followed by Return Engagement in 2013 and Metamorphosis in 2017. All recordings took place at PBS Studios – Peter Kontrimas’ home recording studio in Westwood.

The band’s name holds a special significance. If you Google “Portrait In Jazz,” an album composed by Bill Evans, a famed jazz pianist, will come up. The album, a classic in the jazz genre, not only influenced the band’s name but also encapsulates the essence of what Brad wanted to achieve — a harmonious dynamic in which individual talents are seamlessly blended into one cohesive sound.

Portrait In Jazz performs across New England, participating in public concerts, festivals and at clubs including multiple performances at The Fallout Shelter in Norwood and The Sanctuary in Maynard with private events including weddings, corporate functions, and retirement communities. Upcoming public performances include The Norwood Summer Concert Series on August 4 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM, Hale Education Steam Kettle Festival on September 28 at 12:00 PM, The Fallout Shelter in Norwood on October 10 at 7:00 PM, and The Sanctuary in Maynard on October 24 from 7:30 – 9:30 PM.

While they often perform as a full sextet, it’s not uncommon to hear them as a trio or quartet as well. Brad, approaching retirement from his teaching career, envisions expanding the band’s reach.

“My goal is to get us into more festivals and possibly do a little touring over the next couple of years,” he revealed. “We are in the process of recording our fourth CD as we have at least 20 originals that have yet to be released.”

To find out more information on Portrait In Jazz or to inquire about booking, please visit their website at www.portrait-in-jazz.com

In essence, Portrait In Jazz is a hometown band that has evolved over three decades through dedication, collaboration, and a deep love for music. If you haven’t yet heard them play, you’re seriously missing out.

Congratulations Portrait In Jazz for being our July Featured Artist! If you’d like to nominate an artist of any sort to be featured – music, acting, painting, drawing, sculpture, etc. – please email dbezdedeanu@bestversionmedia.com