Projects
As is the case in our modern world, freelancing dominates any performer's schedule. However, I've tried to remain committed to certain groups and projects throughout my professional career that I feel are unique in their scope. Listed here are ensembles that I play a dedicated role as a performer or arranger.
Contact Joe for bookings and/or any additional information.
Jeru
Modeled after the Gerry Mulligan Quartet of the 1950s, Jeru is a chamber-jazz, pianoless quartet that pays homage to Mulligan's music and focuses on new compositions and arrangements for its unique instrumentation.
Petra's Recession Seven
The Recession Seven is a Chicago-style traditional jazz band that performs Depression-era music for the current recession.
Mulligan Mosaics Nonet
An off-shoot of Jeru and the Mulligan Mosaics Big Band, this "Birth of the Cool" ensemble performs and preserves classic third-stream works and commissions new music.
Rose Colella Trio/Quartet
Sweet, swinging, and undeniably hip, Rose Colella delivers fresh and unique arrangements of jazz and standards in an intimate trio of voice/guitar/ bass or a quartet setting that adds saxophone or drums.
Mulligan Mosaics Big Band
Aided by Franca Mulligan, the Gerry and Franca Mulligan Foundation, and Mulligan Publishing, the MMBB is a 13-piece big band that performs the music of the Gerry Mulligan's Concert Jazz Band and original music specifically crafted for the ensemble.
Paul Marinaro
With an unerring sense of swing and phrasing, this plush baritone-voiced vocalist brings new life to the Great American Songbook, incorporates forgotten gems and intelligently-selected pop songs, and presents it all in an engaging, tightly-arranged format.
Chris Madsen Trio
An acoustic ensemble comprised of saxophone/guitar/bass, the trio focuses on early jazz, swing, and the Great American songbook.
Jeff Hedberg and C11
Jeff Hedberg & C11 is a 12-piece jazz ensemble dedicated to preserving Marty Paich's masterful "Dek-tette" arrangements popularized by artists such as Mel Torme and Art Pepper.