iskar electronic press kit

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here are some musical samples from our current CD; for more samples please visit our Music page

Iskar is a musical group that channels elements of jazz, Balkan music, electronica, and progressive rock into a modern free jazz jam band format, making for a dynamic and accessible musical experience. This group features original compositions by each of its members (Jerry Sabatini, trumpet, Phil Sargent, guitar, Greg Loughman, bass, and Mike Connors, drums). Iskar regularly performs in venues across New England ranging from nightclubs to concert halls, and has garnered both critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.

Guitarist Phil Sargent made his professional debut at age 14 and has since worked with a number of prominent musicians including John Lockwood, Matt Wilson, Youske Inoue, Thomson Kneeland, and others. He studied jazz at the University of New Hampshire and has studied with critically acclaimed guitarists Ben Monder and Brad Shepik. Phil leads his own group, and his album "For Carl" has received critical acclaim. He co-leads the group Industrious Noise, and in addition, he performs as a sideman in groups such as the Sonic Explorers, Zumbao Trio, among others.

Trumpeter Jerry Sabatini has been playing trumpet since age nine and was composing and arranging jazz while still in high school. He studied jazz theory and improvisation at SUNY Buffalo with Sam Falzone and Louie Marino, and in Boston with Jerry Bergonzi. Jerry has since become one of the top composer/trumpeters in New England. Currently, he leads the jazz septet the Sonic Explorers and co-leads with Kakalla with Thompson Kneeland. In addition to the numerous recordings by these groups, he can also be heard on recordings by Combustible Edison ("Schizophrenic!" and "The Impossible World" on Sub Pop Records), and independent releases by Molly Flannery and Mark Marquis. He also teaches jazz ensembles, music theory, composition and arranging, and trumpet at The Joy Of Music Program in Worcester, MA and at his home studio.

Bassist Greg Loughman started playing electric bass at age fifteen in the small town of Zanesville, OH. He obtained a Bachelor of Music in the field of jazz studies at Capital University, where he studied electric and upright bass with Doug Richeson (bassist for a number of years with Tony Bennet), Jeff Ciampa, and Lou Fisher. While in college, he worked his way into the Columbus, OH jazz scene. After spending a year in Montana, Greg moved to Boston, where he continues to pursue an active schedule of performing and recording. He has performed with musicians including Curtis Fuller, JoAnne Brackeen, Kenwood Dennard, Judi Silvano, Bob Moses, Grammy-nominated pianist Phillip Aaberg, guitarist Mimi Fox, Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Carlos Malta, singer Patti Page, actor/singer James Naughton, and the Jimmy Dorsey Big Band, among many others. His musical career has taken him on tours of Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the Czech Republic, and Japan. Greg is also a faculty member at the University of Maine in Augusta, where he teaches private bass lessons.

Drummer Mike Connors has toured internationally with Combustible Edison, the 1999 Lillith Fair, Lisa Loeb, the Andre Rice Sextet, and two Broadway shows. Mike has also performed music for or on television shows such as “Dateline NBC”, “Regis and Kathie Lee”, “Felicity”, and ads for Cinemax, PBS, Microsoft, NPR, and more. He has played on the soundtracks for the films “Inspector Gadget”, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”, “Gas, Food, Lodging”, and “Four Rooms.” He currently maintains a busy schedule of teaching and performing with numerous groups in New England.

A little bit of everything

Jazz has always been an incredibly malleable art form, able to absorb other genres from Latin to pop. Iskar continues that tradition, encompassing free-form jamming, progressive rock, and Balkan music to create a sound that is undeniably jazz. The quartet, with trumpet, guitar, bass, and drums, is more challenging, and more satisfying, than many of the overly smooth easy-listening bands in the mainstream.

Nick A. Zaino III, Boston Globe Sidekick 8.27.07

“Iskar is a quartet that plays sophisticated, multi-meter music with a skill and grace that is most impressive. When I first heard them, Dave Holland's quartet came to mind, yet Iskar has forged its own unique voice with emphasis on elegant melodic lines and superb musical communication. Their original music is not to be missed!”

"The musicians in Iskar presented a concert and workshop that were true highlights of our academic year. Our students were captivated by the mystery of their odd-time-signature repertoire and explaining it. Their concert was simultaneously entertaining and at the highest artistic level."

“I found the Master Class presented at UMA by Greg Loughman and his ensemble, Iskar, to be superb. The focus was odd meter masterly. Each member explained their own personal approach to performing odd meter tunes and gave exquisite examples. They also answered questions clearly and succinctly and made seemingly difficult topics easy to understand.

The attendees of the master class received copies of the music that was being performed and discussed as well as other music ideas and explanations. This was most helpful.

The students and visiting musicians (and faculty) attending the master class were obviously inspired and impressed. I have heard UMA music students talking about the master class for days. My student ensemble asked to incorporate an odd meter tune into the upcoming concert. Additionally, students have asked great questions in various classes regarding ideas presented in the master class. Our faculty have explored and discussed these questions and used them as teaching tools.

The Master Class was truly enjoyable, inspiring and educational experience. Iskar has been added to my 'A' list.”

tAC electrical power is to be provided by the venue for the bass and guitar amplifiers, and must be within easy reach of the performance area. In case of larger venues, additional amplification may be used, including a microphones for the trumpet and drums, and monitors for each musician. Details to be decided between the musicians and the venue. This stage plot is flexible and can be changed to accommodate the venue if necessary.

Provided is a sample contract; details of the contract are modified and expanded to suit the specifics of each performance. For more details, please contact us here.