THE ARPEGGIO JAZZ ENSEMBLE

 The genesis of the ARPEGGIO sound, “UNDEFEATED JAZZ” was created in 1979 by bassist Warren Oree.  The group has become a permanent segment in the infinite collage of Jazz music.

 ARPEGGIO’S repertoire includes original and standard compositions.  Everyone in the band composes which gives the group a versatile sound that appeals to a variety of audiences.  Their music is flexible, ranging from soft, contemplative melodies , to energetic, multi-rhythmic arrangements.  It is not unusual for audiences to break out in dance in response to some of the pulsating beats issuing forth from the bandstand.  

The nucleus of ARPEGGIO is: Warren Oree – leader, acoustic bass; Tracy Smith – drums;  Doug “Pablow” Edwards – congas and percussion; Frank Butrey – guitar; Ron Bass - saxophone and Michael Clay - saxophone. Depending on the type of performance ARPEGGIO may supplement with additional musicians and vocalist Sherry Wilson Butler. ARPEGGIO will customize the music to fit the occasion.

ARPEGGIO has shared their creative energy at jazz festivals and concerts in Brazil, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean.  They are also involved in a number of community educational programs and workshops, which include topics on the history of jazz and some of it’s great innovators.  These programs are designed for children and adults, musicians and non-musicians.

ARPEGGIO has released nine recordings, which includes: “MAN BITES DOG”, “LIFELINE”, “SLO-BURN”, “MOVING WITH THE DREAMING”, “TOUCHING BASS”, “LE-LE” and others. For the last 12 years, from September to June, they have been the house band of the Friday Night Jazz series at The Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill, PA They are also the core  of the UNDEFEATED JAZZ ORCHESTRA” created by Warren Oree.

Although ARPEGGIO’s musicians are comfortable in the studio, their true essence is revealed in their live performances.  “The Drumbeat Is the Heartbeat”…that’s the ARPEGGIO motto….the heart is life…like the drum!