STEVEN P. HAAS
teve Haas, a multi-faceted individual known for his roles as an entrepreneur, businessman, composer, art collector, sports car enthusiast, and drummer, was born in Corpus Christi, TX. However, he has been a devoted Houstonian since the age of 4. Steve's musical journey began with a strong personal drive and an innate passion for classic progressive rock and fusion. He organized his own band and fostered connections with fellow musicians, founding 'The Haas Company.'
At the age of 13, Steve's fascination with rock and jazz fusion was sparked, and it remained a steadfast interest throughout his life, alongside his ventures as a dealer principal and entrepreneur. Over time, he turned this passion into reality by recording a series of albums under the title 'The Haas Company Featuring,' exploring various genres including fusion rock and jazz.
In recent years (2010-2021), Steve Haas has collaborated with an extraordinary lineup of musicians, including Andy Timmons, Jerry Goodman (Mahvishinu Orchestra), Sean Lennon, Frank Gambale (Chick Corea’s Electrik Band), Al McDowell (Whitney Houston), John Patitucci (Chick Corea), Guy Pratt (Pink Floyd), Kirwan Brown, Jay Rodriguez, and many more. This project showcases remarkable versatility, featuring outstanding songs and exceptional musicianship.
KIRWAN BROWN
Born on September 15, 1961, Kirwan Brown's musical journey commenced at an early age, with piano lessons at 6 and bass guitar mastery at 12. By the tender age of 15, he was already performing as a professional musician. Seeking to refine his musical craft, Brown pursued formal music education at the University of Miami in the early 1980s.
In 1994, he made a significant impact with his debut solo album, "Cool Grooves." Recorded at Colorado Sound in Denver, this album, released on the Fahrenheit label, received widespread acclaim, earning favorable reviews in renowned publications such as Jazziz, JazzTimes, Bass Player, Bassics, and Bass Frontiers magazines. It's noteworthy that "Cool Grooves" secured a place on the 1994 Grammy voter ballot in several categories, including Best New Artist, Best Instrumental Jazz Album, and Album of the Year. Throughout his illustrious career, Kirwan Brown has had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed jazz artists like Dave Valentin, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Nelson Rangell, and Kirk Whalum, cementing his enduring legacy in the realm of jazz.
ANDY TIMMONS
Andy Timmons is a guitar virtuoso known for his illustrious career with pop-metal band Danger Danger, where he toured globally alongside Kiss and Alice Cooper. He boasts over a million records sold worldwide, two #1 MTV videos, and an extensive discography that spans from scorching guitar instrumentals to blues and pop-inspired tunes. As a sought-after session player, he's graced albums by legends like Simon Phillips and Olivia Newton-John, served as her music director and guitarist for U.S. tours, and collaborated with acclaimed artists such as Kip Winger, Paula Abdul, and Paul Stanley.
Throughout his career, Andy has shared stages with guitar icons like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, and Steve Morse, solidifying his place among the greats. His solo journey began with "ear X-tacy" in 1994, followed by multiple releases, including "Pawn Kings," "Orange Swirl," and "Resolution." In 2022, he unveiled "Electric Truth," produced by Josh Smith, showcasing his earthy, funky, and bluesy sound.
Andy Timmons' remarkable musical journey and global recognition as a top guitarist in Japan make him a celebrated figure in the world of guitar-driven music
PETE DRUNGLE
A Bessie Award-winning composer and pianist, he has made music with Ornette Coleman, The Kronos Quartet, Yoko Ono, the Decoding Society and many others; he has composed scores for theater, television, film and video, and has collaborated with visual and performance artists including Michael Portnoy, Rudolf Stingel, Marianne Vitale, Lilibeth Cuenca Rasmussen, Agathe Snow and others. His music compositions, performances and sound design have accompanied exhibitions in Art-Basel Miami, the Whitney Biennial, and Performa 07, 09 and 11. As a pianist, Drungle is an intrepid, adventurous improviser – possibly best exemplified by his legendary 24-HOUR CONTINUOUS SOLO PIANO IMPROVISATION; Wire magazine’s Alan Licht remarked, “… In as much as free improvisation can be a real-time, stream of consciousness expression, Drungle’s epic event pushed it well beyond the limits usually imposed by the customary concert timetable…
JAY RODRIGUEZ
Jay Rodriguez, a highly acclaimed reed musician, stands as one of the busiest and most diverse figures in jazz. Originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, he made the pivotal move to NYC in 1970 to pursue his musical passion. There, he received tutelage from renowned mentors such as Phil Woods, Joe Allard, Tito D’Rivera (father of Paquito), and Joe Henderson. Remarkably, his prodigious talent saw him leading the sax section for the iconic Tito Puente at the astonishingly young age of 15.
Since the 80s, Jay has been a fixture in the jazz scene, collaborating with an eclectic mix of musicians, from Bill Ware to Dizzy Gillespie's United Nations Orchestra, and playing a pivotal role in co-founding the trailblazing Groove Collective. His musical journey has also encompassed mainstream acts like Gil Evans' Orchestra and David Murray. As a three-time Grammy Nominee, Jay Rodriguez's reed artistry has left an indelible mark on the global music landscape. His extensive collaborations span Joe Lovano, Elvis Costello, Celia Cruz, Stevie Wonder, and many more, and he continues to maintain a whirlwind international performance schedule, with over 200 gigs a year.
