ATLANTA GA-Webster dictionary's fourth
definition of "ensemble" is a group of persons (as musicians) acting
together to produce a particular effect or end. In no other group does
that definition ring truer than Atlanta's Last Waltz Ensemble. The group
is an amalgam of the best players in the nation presenting the legendary
and timeless music of 70's supergroup, THE BAND, whose influence is
still felt in music nearly 30 years after its last performance.
Kris Gloer is a music aficionado and player
- and finds himself the ultimate catalyst as the founder of The Last
Waltz Ensemble. Gloer grew up in the glow of musical friends and its
these relationships that bring The Last Waltz its most unique and
special trait; each night Gloer presents a musical guest or two from
his plethora of music pals. Anyone from Colonel Bruce Hampton to
Efrem Townes (The Dirty Dozen Brass Band) may be asked to join The
Last Waltz for a few songs. The core line up of The Last Waltz is so
strong that the addition of musical guests pushes the ensemble to
enticing heights for fans and players alike.
The core lineup of The Last Waltz Ensemble
features:
- guitar/vocals Kris
literally grew up in the Great Southeast Music Hall, holding court
as a boy with the day's leading rock and roll musicians. Kris has
shared stages across America with musicians who love his
differentiated style: Widespread Panic, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band,
Derek Trucks, Dave Matthews, Hootie & The Blowfish, Tinsley Ellis,
Sean Costello, Tommy Talton, The Blue Dogs, Barry Richman, and
Willie Green. He also knows his way around a recording studio with
credits on ten albums with four different bands: Jellyroll, Houndog,
Arlan & Jelly and The Wayside Riders.
- vocals/guitar Mark, a NC native, cut his teeth at a street
musician in San Francisco. He moved to Seattle in the 1980s and
became involved in the burgeoning folk scene. He has shared the
stage with Michelle Shocked and The Love Mongers. Mark is highly
regarded for this sense of style and interaction with audiences.
drums. Kevin blew out
of his native Kansas, graduated from the elite school of music at
Emporia State University and upset the field to win the Outstanding
Performance Award at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival in 1995. He has
shared the stage with the likes of Blues Traveler and Indecision.
- Lead/slide Guitar. Benji has gained lots of attention in
the last couple of years in his role with southern rockers Captain Soularcat and his work as a guest artist with Tishamingo . Benji was
also featured on the Bluestring Jammy nominated release Pick Me Up
(Flying Frog Records). Benji is well known as a session player
working most recently with newcomer Justin Brogdon on Justin's
new self titled cd produced by two time Grammy winner Don
McCollister. Benji is well known among musicians and fans as the man
who can deliver whether it's in the studio or live on stage.
Ted Pecchio- Bass. Ted's impressive
theatrics, basically dancing with his upright bass while performing
with The Codetalkers, endeared him to fellow players and fans alike.
Ted has played with a multitude of groups and special projects from
Susan Tedeshi, Oliver Wood, Scrapomatic to legends like Ike
Stubblefield and many others. He describes music as "a ritualistic
healing process" and to those who witness him play, Dr. Ted delivers
the ultimate feel good vibe medicine!
Scott Glazer-bass and vocals. A native of
Atlanta GA, Scott has traveled the globe most recently as bassist
and featured vocalist with Grammy winning artist Earl Klugh. Scott
is adept at rocking on stage, behind the scenes in an orchestra pit,
or with big band jazz group or picking bluegrass. In addition to
live performance, Scott can be heard daily on AM 1690 The Voice
of the Arts in Atlanta spinning the best vintage vinyl.
Tony Giordano- keyboards. Known around the
southeast simply as Tony G, this astounding keyboard player was
recently described by Swampland.com as "one of the best key men in
the country." Tony G's unmistakable musical essence seem to make him
one with his instrument. It is apparent he totally loves music,
those who make it and those who listen. He's played with Tishamingo,
Captain Soularcat and many more.
Jason Fuller - keyboards Jason is without a
doubt one of the more talented musicians in Athens, a town known for
hot players. He's also one of the most versatile players around,
able to leap from barrelhouse boogie to nasty New Orleans swing to
rollicking honky tonk to tasty jazz. Jason has had touring stints
with Ween, Marc Ford (The Black Crowes) and Tishamingo.
