Zzaj

ZZAJ – Jazz

ZZAJ is a contemporary music group offering a blend of Jazz, R & B and Latin

styles. The group was originally formed in 1992 by guitarist Rich Sumner and

drummer Roger Gillespie and was soon joined by bassist Tom Barnett and vocalist

DiAne Gillespie. 1996 marked the release of the group’s first album Passing Glance.

The title song was a nod to the passing of the late, great Joe Pass. This album

included the guest artistry of upright bassist Ernie Nuñez, keyboardist Mark Kinney

and Latin percussionist Adrian “Chico” Hernandez.

Soon after this release Joel Paat joined the group on keyboards as a permanent

member. With the addition of Joel, the current sound of ZZAJ began to take form.

All the members of the group contribute to the writing and arranging of the music.

2003 saw the release of their second album In a Lifetime. The title song is dedicated

to the great jazz drummer Tony Williams and his band Lifetime.

ZZAJ Personnel:

Rich Sumner graduated from the Guitar Institute of Technology, where he studied

with Joe Diorio, Ron Eschete and Joe Pass. Since 1989, he has been the guitar

instructor at Victor Valley Community College. Additionally, Rich has a full

performance schedule and runs his own piano tuning business, Accutune Piano Service.

Email: rsumner@charter.net

Joel Paat received his B.M. from Cal State Fullerton in 1990. He has studied

privately with Tom Ranier, Billy Childs and Steve Dancz. Joel teaches Jazz

Piano and the Jazz Combos at Riverside Community College. He also teaches at

Claremont Community School of Music. He maintains a busy performance

schedule and is actively working on his own CD project.

Email: jpjazzproject@earthlink.net

Tom Barnett has played all styles of music for 30 years and mostly jazz fusion for

the last 15. He played Shenzhen, China for 3 months in 2002. He studied with

Ric Fierabracci who plays with Frank Gimbale and Chick Corea, and contributed

to Emmy award winning composer Mike Licari. For the last decade, Tom has

maintained a full teaching schedule of 40 students weekly. In addition to bass,

he plays classicial and fingerstyle guitar.

Email: tom.barnett1@verizon.net

Roger Gillespie has been a professional drummer for almost 30 years. He has many

recording and live credits. Roger is a highly sought-after drum instructor who

maintains a busy performing schedule.

Email: roger@rogeragillespie.com

DiAne Gillespie has performed professionally for more than 25 years in studio and

live dates. She is in demand as a vocal instructor and choir director. DiAne is also a

highly talented artist (see the drawing above). She has contributed her artwork to

the covers of both ZZAJ albums. Email: desertwindsong16@aol.com